We hear it all the time. LinkedIn branding is essential. It is where careers are made and the hidden job market exists. But if you’re currently employed, you can’t throw up any indicators that you are “on the hunt.”
The good news is you don’t have to.
You can use LinkedIn to build your professional brand, attract recruiters, and get noticed while looking like the ultimate team player at your current job.
Define Your LinkedIn Strategy
Before you start posting, take a step back and think about what you want to be known for. Are you an expert in a niche field? A leader in your industry? A problem solver who gets things done? Your LinkedIn activity should consistently reflect that brand identity.
Set Clear Goals
- Increase visibility within your industry.
- Build a reputation as a thought leader.
- Attract recruiters and hiring managers without stating that you are job hunting.
- Expand your network with key connections.
Post About What You Know (And Love)
You don’t need to write groundbreaking thought pieces every day. Just talk about what you do, how you do it, and why you’re passionate about it.
Types of Content to Share:
- Industry Trends: Share articles and add your insights to spark discussion.
- Lessons Learned: Talk about challenges you’ve overcome and what you’ve gained from the experience.
- Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Give a sneak peek into your workday (within company guidelines).
- Success Stories: Frame accomplishments as team wins rather than personal victories.
- Tips & Tricks: Share practical advice that others in your industry can use.
Shout Out Your Wins (Without Bragging)
Celebrate your successes, but in a way that’s humble and team-oriented. Instead of “I crushed this project,” try, “Loved working with my team on this project—huge milestone for us!” People love a team player, and this makes you look like an asset, not just a job seeker.
Show Some Company Love
One of the best ways to to stay under the radar? Post about your company’s successes. Share their updates, comment on big wins, and highlight cool projects your team is working on.
It makes you look engaged and invested—which means if anyone asks about your LinkedIn activity, you can honestly say, “I just love showcasing what we’re doing!”
Why This Works in Your Favor
Beyond keeping your boss happy, sharing company wins makes you look like a key player. Other companies might see those posts and think, “Wow, we need someone like them driving our success.” Congrats, you’re now quietly marketing yourself to the hidden job market.
Shake Up Your LinkedIn Content
Types of Content to Post:
- Text posts: Share short and sweet insights, experiences, or lessons.
- Pictures & videos: Show what you’re working on (within reason!).
- Polls: Get people talking with a quick question.
- Articles: These show up on Google, so you’ll reach beyond just LinkedIn.
Engage, Engage, Engage
Don’t just post—interact! Comment on posts from industry leaders, peers, and hiring managers. Every time you do, your name and headline show up in their network, making you more visible without saying, “Hey, I need a job.”
Best Practices for Engagement:
- Leave thoughtful comments (not just “great post!”).
- Ask follow-up questions to spark conversation.
- Support others’ achievements and milestones.
- Share and tag others in posts that align with your expertise
Make Your Headline Work for You
Your LinkedIn headline should be more than just your job title. Use something compelling, like:
- “Marketing Strategist | SEO Guru | Helping Brands Grow”
- “Project Manager | Delivering Results in Tech & Finance”
- “Software Engineer | Passionate About AI & Automation”
This helps you show up in searches when recruiters go hunting.
Join the Conversation
Contribute to LinkedIn’s Collaborative Articles, join groups, and attend virtual networking events. This builds credibility and expands your reach in a natural way.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Collaborative Articles: Add insights to trending industry topics. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/topics/home/
- LinkedIn Groups: Join and participate in professional groups related to your industry.
- Virtual Events: Attend webinars and live discussions to expand your network.
How This Attracts Recruiters (Without Saying ‘I’m Looking’)
The goal here isn’t to shout from the rooftops that you need a job—it’s to become so well-known for what you do that opportunities come to you. When recruiters see someone consistently sharing insights, engaging with others, and contributing value, they take notice.
How Recruiters Notice You:
- Your engaging content and active presence signal expertise.
- Consistent interactions keep you top of mind.
- A polished and keyword-optimized profile makes you easy to find.
Using LinkedIn strategically means you get to build your brand, grow your network, and attract new opportunities—without setting off alarm bells at your current job. Keep it natural, stay engaged, and showcase both your work and your company’s successes. Before you know it, the hidden job market will come calling.
Bridget Batson, CMRW, CERM, CGRA, CPRW, NCOPE, CEIP
Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW), Certified Executive Resume Master (CERM), Certified Graphic Resume Architect (CGRA), Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE), Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)