LinkedIn lets you:

• Post a job for free

• Search for passive candidates (including from your competitors) 

• Tap into your existing network

• Share roles directly from your company or personal page

• Build brand awareness while hiring

Because it’s a professional platform, you’re more likely to reach people actively thinking about career moves or open to opportunities.

Alternatively, you can also reach the more passive candidates, who would look into a role if it was put in front of them, but aren’t necessarily “open to work” or on job boards.

Step 1: Optimise Your LinkedIn Company Page

Before candidates apply, they’ll check out your company profile. Make it count.

LinkedIn Company Page Checklist:

• A clear, candidate-friendly “About” section

• Updated logo and banner image

• Links to your website

• A pinned post about current job opportunities

• Regular updates that showcase your team, culture, or work

Pro Tip:

Add a line like this to your About section: “We’re always on the lookout for great people. If you think you’d be a fit, message us!”

Step 2: Share the Role as a LinkedIn Post (Not Just a Job Listing)

You don’t have to rely on formal job ads. Regular LinkedIn posts often perform better – especially when shared through personal profiles.

How to Write a LinkedIn Hiring Post:

• Start with a hook: “We’re hiring our next superstar. Could it be you?”
• Be specific: Role, location (if relevant), and what the day-to-day looks like.
• Mention values or growth: Why your business is a great place to work.
• Add a clear CTA: “Apply via the link below” or “DM me for a chat!”

Step 3: Activate Your Network (Your Hidden Superpower)

LinkedIn is built on connections – and your team, clients, and partners are often sitting on gold.

Tap into:

• Your employees’ networks (ask them to re-share the job)

• Former employees or alumni

• Suppliers and business partners

• Personal contacts who know your company well

Sample message to send:

“Hey [Name], we’re hiring a [Role] at [Company]. If anyone in your network might be a fit, I’d love an intro.”

Step 4: Use LinkedIn’s Free Job Posting Tool

Yes, LinkedIn lets you post one free job at a time, no credit card needed.

How to Maximise a Free Job Post:

• Use a clear title with keywords (e.g. “Marketing Coordinator – Social Media Focus”)

• Include a short, engaging summary

• List responsibilities and must-haves

• Use screening questions to filter

• Highlight non-financial perks (flexible hours, remote options, career development)

Refresh Tip:

Repost the job every 2–3 weeks to keep visibility high.

Step 5: Proactively Search and Message Candidates

You don’t need LinkedIn Recruiter to do this. The regular search bar works just fine.

Search filters to use:

• Job title
• Industry
• Location
• “Open to work” badge

When you find a match, send a short, personalised message.

Message Template:

“Hi [Name], I saw your profile and was impressed by your work in [field]. I’m hiring a [role] at [Company] and thought you might be a great fit. It’s a small team with lots of ownership and flexibility. Would you be interested in having a chat to hear more?”

Step 6: Don’t Forget Warm Leads and Past Candidates

Your existing network might already contain the right person, they just need a nudge.

Ways to reconnect:

• Revisit previous applicants
• Post “We’re growing again!” updates and tag former team members
• Use TalentVine to connect with recruiters who already have warm networks

Bonus: When to Use LinkedIn Paid Ads

LinkedIn job ads can work well for niche roles or fast hires, but they’re expensive.

Only invest in paid ads when:

• You’re struggling to find qualified candidates organically
• The role is urgent or time-sensitive
• You’ve tested organic posts first

Make sure your targeting is precise, your job title is searchable, and your budget is capped.

Top tip: Always be clear on what your budget is for a role, and also consider the hourly cost for you doing this yourself. Budgets on paid ads can often go into the thousands of dollars, without even landing an ideal candidate. This means that the costs of using a recruiter can end up being comparable. 

Final Checklist: Hiring on LinkedIn as a Small Business

✅ Optimise your company page
✅ Post job content on your feed
✅ Ask your team and network to share
✅ Use the free job listing tool
✅ Search for and message passive candidates
✅ Reconnect with previous applicants
✅ Consider paid ads only when needed

Final Thought: LinkedIn Levels the Playing Field

You don’t need a big name or budget to hire great people. You just need a strategy, and a little consistency.

And if DIY hiring becomes too time-consuming?

See what your time is worth

TalentVine connects you with expert recruiters who specialise in your industry and already have deep LinkedIn networks, so you can hire faster and better.