Why You're Not Being Ghosted by Recruiters (You're Just Invisible on LinkedIn)
If you're actively job searching and feeling like recruiters are completely ignoring you, I need you to stop what you're doing and listen up. You're not being ghosted. You're invisible. And there's a massive difference between the two that could be costing you your next great opportunity.
The reality is harsh but simple: You're doing the wrong things in this job market, and you think recruiters are ignoring you when they literally can't see you. Let me explain what's really happening behind the scenes and how you can fix it starting today.
Why the Old Game Doesn't Work Anymore
Here's what most job seekers don't realize: Recruiters are absolutely fed up with the current system. They're drowning in thousands of applications for every single position, and frankly, most of them are complete garbage.
We've got people using AI resume tools to create fake resumes, trying to game the ATS (applicant tracking system), and the whole thing has become one giant trap. Good recruiters—the ones you actually want to work with—have completely changed their approach.
Instead of wading through that mess of online applications, smart recruiters are now curating their own lists of qualified candidates directly on LinkedIn. They're being proactive, not reactive. And if you're not visible to them there, you might as well not exist.
The LinkedIn Algorithm Shift That Changed Everything
Here's what most people missed: Two years ago, LinkedIn completely overhauled its search algorithm, and it's affecting whether recruiters can find you.
With over 1.1 billion users on the platform, LinkedIn had a problem. Recruiters were complaining that their searches were returning people who weren't actually looking for jobs. They'd reach out to candidates who would never respond because they weren't actively job searching.
So LinkedIn fixed it. Now, its algorithm prioritizes two critical factors:
Your availability settings - You need to actually toggle on the switch in your personal settings that says you're open to being contacted
Your activity level - This is where most people are failing miserably
What "Active" Really Means (It's Not What You Think)
When I say "active," I don't mean just liking posts or updating your profile once in a while. That's simply not enough. LinkedIn's algorithm is looking for people who are using the platform like a true social media tool.
You need to be actively contributing ideas, thoughts, and insights about your industry and skill set directly in your LinkedIn feed. You can't just hit the like button or share someone else's content. You need to use your brain and actually talk about your career, your expertise, and what you bring to the table.
This is where it gets exciting, especially for my clients who want to make career pivots. Once you start talking about what you want to be doing next in your LinkedIn posts, you're literally feeding the algorithm information about your desired career path. Recruiters searching for those skills will find you instead of someone who might technically be more qualified but isn't showing up in searches.
Why This Strategy Actually Works
Here's the secret sauce: The vast majority of LinkedIn's 1.1 billion users aren't doing these things. When recruiters search, only about 30% of users are actually showing up as "active" in the algorithm.
This means if you consistently post valuable content about your industry and career goals, you're going to appear in search results while other people, who might even be more qualified on paper, remain completely invisible.
It's not about being the best candidate anymore. It's about being a visible candidate.
But Will Everyone Start Doing This?
I know what you're thinking: "J.T., if you're sharing this publicly, won't everyone start doing it?"
Trust me, they won't. I've been sharing LinkedIn strategies for years, and do you know how many people in the comments complain that they "hate LinkedIn" or "shouldn't have to use social media to get a job"?
Fine. That's totally their choice. But for those of you who are serious about your career and willing to adapt to how the game is actually played today, this is your competitive advantage.
Your Next Steps Start Now
The job market has fundamentally shifted, and LinkedIn is now the primary battleground where careers are won and lost. You can either adapt to this reality or keep wondering why you're not getting responses.
Start posting about your industry expertise, share your thoughts on trends in your field, and make sure your settings show you're open to opportunities. It's not rocket science, but it requires consistency and a willingness to put yourself out there.
Ready to get noticed by recruiters? When you sign up for Work It DAILY's career coaching program, you'll get a free LinkedIn profile review (a $250 value!) where one of our trained coaches will record a personalized video telling you exactly what you're doing wrong and what you need to fix. You'll keep this review forever, even if you only stay with us for one month at $39.
Sign up HERE.
The game has changed. The question is: Are you going to change with it?
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
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