The Ultimate LinkedIn Job Search Guide for Students and Professionals

Finding a job today is tough, but LinkedIn can give you a powerful edge. If you know how to use it right, you’ll find opportunities faster and apply smarter.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:

How to find jobs posted in the last hour
How to search for people and companies currently hiring
How to use hashtags and filters like a pro
Bonus hacks for increasing your chances

This guide is for students, graduates, and job seekers who want to get real results on LinkedIn, not just scroll and hope.

1. How to Find Jobs Posted in the Last Hour on LinkedIn

Why this matters: The earlier you apply, the more likely your application is seen before the job gets flooded with 100+ applicants.

Use the LinkedIn website for this — not the mobile app.

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to the Jobs section on LinkedIn (top menu bar).

2. Search for your job title (e.g., “Project Manager”).

3. Use filters for location, job type, experience level, etc.

4. Under Date Posted, select “Past 24 Hours.”

5. Now go to the URL bar at the top of your browser.

6. Always check if your profile matches the required job qualifications.

7. Find this part of the link: f_TPR=r86400
   (86400 = number of seconds in 24 hours)

8. Change 86400 to 3600 (1 hour) and press Enter.

Here’s your original URL:

    perlCopyEdithttps://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=4245740615&f_C=164152%2C21836%2C18860134%2C81969558%2C15656%2C1079%2C5192530%2C2908367&f_E=1%2C2%2C3%2C4&f_JT=F%2CP%2CI&f_T=4%2C77&f_WT=2&geoId=103644278&keywords=project%20manager&origin=JOB_SEARCH_PAGE_JOB_FILTER&refresh=true&sortBy=R

Modified version (last 1 hour):

    perlCopyEdithttps://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=4245740615&f_C=164152%2C21836%2C18860134%2C81969558%2C15656%2C1079%2C5192530%2C2908367&f_E=1%2C2%2C3%2C4&f_JT=F%2CP%2CI&f_T=4%2C77&f_WT=2&geoId=103644278&keywords=project%20manager&origin=JOB_SEARCH_PAGE_JOB_FILTER&refresh=true&sortBy=R&f_TPR=r3600

Now hit Enter or paste that into your browser, and it will show only jobs posted in the last 1 hour.

Want jobs from the last 3 hours? Use 10800.

2. How to Find People and Companies Who Are Hiring Right Now

Not all job posts show up in the "Jobs" section. Many hiring managers and recruiters post directly to their feed.

Here’s how to find them:

Search using the #hiring hashtag:

1. Go to LinkedIn’s search bar.

2. Type:

   • #hiring "job title" (e.g., #hiring "graphic designer")

   • Add remote roles: #hiring AND "project manager" AND remote

   • Add location: #hiring AND "marketing" AND "Lagos"

   • Add company name: #hiring AND "analyst" AND Google

3. Click on Posts to see live updates.

4. Set Date Posted to “Past Week” or “Past Month” to filter fresh posts.

3. Search for Posts with "I'm Hiring" or "Hiring"

Some posts don’t use the hashtag but still mention that someone is hiring.

Here’s what to do:

1. Go to the LinkedIn search bar

2. Type:

   • "I'm hiring" OR "Hiring"

   • Add filters: "Hiring" AND "UI Designer" or "I'm hiring" AND "Healthcare"

3. Click Posts to view job posts

4. Click People to find recruiters or managers

4. Use “Open to Work” & Job Alerts

Set up job alerts:

1. After searching for a role, click “Create Alert” at the top right of the Jobs page.

2. Choose how often you want alerts (Daily or Weekly).

Turn on “Open to Work”:

1. Go to your profile.

2. Click Open to > Finding a new job

3. Add the job titles, location, start date, and visibility.

5. Bonus Hacks for LinkedIn Job Search Success

Use Boolean Search Tricks
You can combine words like:

• AND to include multiple terms

• OR to widen your search (e.g., "Analyst" OR "Data Scientist")

• NOT to exclude (e.g., "Project Manager" NOT "Senior")

Engage with Recruiters & Hiring Managers
Comment on their posts or send a personalized connection request like:

“Hi [Name], I saw your post about the open [role]. I’m very interested and would love to stay in touch!”

Use the "Easy Apply" filter
Saves time — especially when applying to multiple roles in one sitting.

The 3 Ways People Are Getting Interviews in 2025:

1. Being one of the first to apply

2. Getting a referral

3. Working with a recruiter

This guide helps with #1, but I’ll be writing another one soon to help with referrals and recruiter outreach.

Job hunting can feel overwhelming, but tools like LinkedIn give you an advantage if you use them smartly.

Every second counts.
So take this guide, try out the tips, and help your friends by sharing it.

Have a question or want help crafting your LinkedIn job search message? Drop it in the comments or reach out!