The 2025 job market is crowded and competitive: application volumes are at record highs, automated screening filters most résumés before a human sees them, and inactive “ghost” postings still waste candidates’ time. The Second Shift is an amazing tool for job hunting but it should be one tool in your tool box. Here’s some good news: LinkedIn has introduced new transparency features that reveal which roles are current, which employers are responsive, and which postings are verified. The five tips below explain how to use these signals to focus your effort on opportunities that are truly worth pursuing.
1. Give priority to jobs with the Promoted by Hirer label
When a posting carries the “Promoted by hirer” tag, it means the employer paid to surface that job to candidates who match its criteria— a strong hint the role is current and the hiring team is motivated to fill it quickly. These postings are also algorithmically matched to your profile, so your background is already resonating with what the company needs. Treat them as warm leads and tailor your application accordingly.
2. Check Responsive Insights before you click “Apply”
LinkedIn now shows whether a hiring team is actively reviewing applications and how quickly they tend to respond. Listings marked “Actively reviewing” or showing short average response times deserve your energy; they signal a live search rather than a placeholder ad. Focusing on these roles can spare you weeks of waiting and wondering.
3. Look for the blue verification badge
A small checkmark on a job post (or company page) confirms LinkedIn has verified the employer’s identity or the poster’s affiliation. While it doesn’t guarantee you’ll land the job, it does reduce the risk of scams and “ghost” roles—critical peace of mind when you’re already juggling career, family, and everything else.
4. Pair those signals with a high-impact profile
Promoted, verified, and responsive jobs still flow through keyword-driven applicant-tracking systems. Make sure your headline and “About” section echo the titles, core skills, and outcomes that appear in your target postings.
5. Activate your network for a warm introduction
Once you’ve spotted a promising, responsive, or promoted listing, scan the “People” tab to see who in your first- or second-degree network works there. A quick message to a former colleague or fellow alum can transform a cold application into a personal referral, dramatically improving your odds of an interview. Combine that warm intro with the signals above, and you’re no longer competing in a crowded field—you’re running in the fast lane.
Bottom line: The job market may be tough, but LinkedIn’s new transparency tools hand you a smarter playbook. Layer those cues onto a keyword-rich profile and an activated network, and you’ll spend less time chasing dead ends and more time landing interviews that count.