Don’t Comment “Interested” on LinkedIn Job Posts

What to Do Instead of Commenting “Interested!” on LinkedIn Job Posts

If someone posts a job opening at their company or on their team, never just comment “interested!”

That person is not going to hunt you down.

While it may feel like you’re raising your hand, a generic comment doesn’t demonstrate initiative, follow-through, or genuine interest. Instead, use the post as a starting point and do a bit of legwork to stand out in a crowded job market.

Here’s what you should do instead.

How to Respond to a LinkedIn Job Post the Right Way

1. Find the actual job posting
Go to the company’s website and navigate to the Careers section to locate the specific role mentioned. If the poster included a link, click it and review the full posting.

2. Read the job description carefully
This sounds obvious, but many people skip it. Make sure the role aligns with the majority of your experience before applying. Applying to roles that are a clear mismatch rarely works and wastes time.

3. Check your LinkedIn connections
Search the company on LinkedIn and see if you have any 1st- or 2nd-degree connections who work there. Most companies give employees a referral bonus if the candidate gets hired and stays at the company for more than 90 days.

• If it’s a 1st-degree connection, reach out and ask if they’d be willing to introduce you to the recruiter assigned to the role.

• If it’s a 2nd-degree connection, see if one of your current contacts can make an introduction. From there, ask for a brief call to discuss your background and the role, and potentially a referral.

4. Message the person who posted the role
Send a direct message expressing interest and asking if they can connect you with the recruiter responsible for the position. This may require LinkedIn Premium, but it’s often free for the first month and can be worthwhile during an active job search.

5. If messaging isn’t an option, send a thoughtful connection request
Request to connect with the person who posted the job and always include a note. Mention the role they shared and that you’d welcome the opportunity to discuss it. Blank connection requests are easy to ignore or decline.

Why This Approach Works

Taking these steps shows that you’re not just interested, but proactive, resourceful, and serious about the opportunity. These are qualities employers consistently look for and notice long before an interview.

In a competitive job market, effort matters. A little extra initiative can be the difference between being overlooked and being remembered.