What Does Actively Recruiting on LinkedIn Mean?
Have you ever stumbled upon a job posting on LinkedIn with a little green tag that says “Actively Recruiting”? If you’re like most job seekers, you’ve probably wondered what this mysterious tag actually means. Well, you’re in luck because I’m about to break it down for you!
In essence, the “Actively Recruiting” tag on LinkedIn is the platform’s way of telling you that a company is seriously on the hunt for new talent. It’s not something recruiters can manually add to their job postings. Instead, LinkedIn’s algorithm determines which jobs get this coveted tag based on the recruiter’s activity.
But here’s the kicker: LinkedIn doesn’t provide a crystal-clear definition of what “actively recruiting” means. However, we do know that it’s based on two key factors:
- How responsive the recruiter is to applicants
- Their outreach volume to potential candidates via InMails (LinkedIn’s internal messaging system)
Interestingly, this tag is based on activity from the past week. So if you see it, you know it’s current and the company is likely in full-on recruitment mode.
Benefits of the Actively Recruiting Tag
Now that we’ve demystified what “actively recruiting” means on LinkedIn, let’s dive into why this little green tag is a big deal for both recruiters and job seekers.
Benefits for Recruiters
As a recruiter, having the “Actively Recruiting” tag on your job postings is like having a neon sign that says “We’re hiring!” It’s a major competitive advantage in the crowded world of LinkedIn recruitment. Here’s why:
- Stands out from the crowd: With roughly 90% of recruiters using LinkedIn, this tag helps your job posting catch the eye of potential candidates.
- Attracts more applicants: Job seekers are more likely to apply to positions that seem urgent and active.
- Signals responsiveness: It shows that you’re actively reviewing applications and reaching out to candidates, which can improve your employer brand.
As Alex Rodriguez, a LinkedIn marketing expert, once told me, “In today’s competitive job market, anything that can give your posting an edge is worth its weight in gold. The ‘Actively Recruiting’ tag is that edge.”
Benefits for Job Seekers
If you’re on the job hunt, this tag can be your best friend. Here’s why:
- Peace of mind: You know your application won’t sit in a black hole. The company is actively reviewing resumes and reaching out to candidates.
- Higher interview chances: These jobs are likely to have a higher interview-to-application ratio, as the company is urgently looking to fill the position.
- Feedback opportunity: If you’re qualified and don’t hear back, it might be a sign to revisit your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Remember, focusing on jobs with this tag could potentially speed up your job search process. It’s like having a fast-pass at a theme park, but for job applications!
How Recruiters Get the Actively Recruiting Tag
So, you’re a recruiter and you’re wondering how to get this magical tag on your job postings. Well, I’ve got good news and bad news.
The good news is that LinkedIn is pretty transparent about what it takes to get the tag. The bad news? You can’t just flip a switch and turn it on.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Be responsive: Quickly review and respond to applications that come through LinkedIn.
- Reach out: Actively use InMail to contact potential candidates.
It’s important to note that these activities need to happen within the LinkedIn environment. Emailing candidates outside of LinkedIn won’t count towards getting the tag.
Also, keep in mind who at your company is posting jobs. The person who posts the job is the one who needs to be active for the tag to appear.
Finding Jobs and Recruiters with the Tag
Now, let’s talk about how you can use this knowledge to your advantage as a job seeker.
Unfortunately, LinkedIn doesn’t currently have a filter for the “Actively Recruiting” tag. But don’t let that discourage you! There are still ways to find these golden opportunities:
- Manual search: While it takes more time, you can prioritize jobs with this tag as you come across them in your search.
- Look for the #hiring badge: Recruiters can add a #hiring badge to their profile picture, indicating they have open positions.
- Set your profile to “Open to Work”: This allows recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter to find you more easily.
Remember, just because a job doesn’t have the “Actively Recruiting” tag doesn’t mean the company isn’t urgently hiring. Some companies prefer to use their own applicant tracking systems or might not have the budget for LinkedIn’s premium recruiting tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What if a job has the “Actively Recruiting” tag but was posted months ago?
A: This is actually a good sign! It means the company is still actively working to fill the position. They might not have found the right candidate yet, so if you’re qualified, don’t hesitate to apply.
Q2: Can the “Actively Recruiting” tag be removed?
A: Yes, if the recruiter’s activity level drops, LinkedIn’s algorithm may remove the tag.
Q3: Are there similar tags for applicant review time?
A: Yes, LinkedIn also has tags that indicate how quickly a company typically reviews applications.
Q4: Does the “Actively Recruiting” tag mean I’ll definitely get a response?
A: While it increases your chances of a response, it’s not a guarantee. The quality of your application still matters.
Q5: Can I filter jobs by the “Actively Recruiting” tag?
A: Currently, LinkedIn doesn’t offer this as a filter option. You’ll need to look for the tag manually as you search.
Q6: If a job doesn’t have the tag, should I not apply?
A: Not at all! Many great opportunities don’t have this tag. It’s just one factor to consider in your job search.