If you’re struggling to find quality jobs on LinkedIn, you’re not alone. Using the right filters can make a huge difference. Here are seven LinkedIn filters that actually surface good jobs, plus practical tips for using each one effectively.
1. Location: Target Where the Jobs Actually Are
Most job seekers start with location, but few use it with focus. LinkedIn’s location filter isn’t just about city names. You can use metro areas, remote, hybrid, or even specific zip codes to tighten your results. This matters because the same job title in New York City will have very different results than in Kansas City. The filter also helps weed out jobs that only look local but are actually based elsewhere or require relocation.
How to Use the Location Filter Effectively
- Type the city or region (for example, 'San Francisco Bay Area' instead of just 'San Francisco').
- Stack multiple locations for a broader or multi-city search (such as 'Chicago' and 'Remote').
- For remote roles, use variations: 'Remote', 'United States (Remote)' or 'Work from home'.
- Experiment with nearby cities if you’re willing to commute or relocate.
LinkedIn’s location filter is especially useful for targeting tech hubs, finance centers, or emerging markets. For example, selecting 'Austin, Texas' can surface a wave of tech jobs that won’t show up under a generic Texas filter. Data from LinkedIn shows that remote roles now make up over 20 percent of all US postings, so toggling between 'Remote' and specific cities can double your options.
2. Date Posted: Find Fresh Jobs Before Everyone Else
Timing can make or break your application. LinkedIn’s 'Date Posted' filter lets you see the most recent listings, helping you strike before the flood of applicants. Recruiters often review applications in the order they arrive, especially for roles posted ‘in the last 24 hours’ or ‘past week’.
Step-by-Step: Using the Date Posted Filter
- Click the 'Date Posted' dropdown on the LinkedIn Jobs page.
- Select 'Past 24 hours' for the freshest leads.
- Try 'Past Week' if you’re casting a wider net but still want relatively new postings.
- Combine with other filters like 'Experience Level' or 'Job Type' to avoid stale results.
Example: Searching 'Marketing Manager' in Los Angeles, you might see 2,000+ jobs. Once you set 'Past 24 hours', that number could drop to 30-50. These are jobs very few have seen, giving you a head start. According to LinkedIn data, jobs get the most applicants within the first two days of posting. Applying early can triple your chances of being seen.
3. Experience Level: Stop Wasting Time on the Wrong Jobs
Many job seekers get bogged down by irrelevant listings. The 'Experience Level' filter saves hours by showing roles that match your background: Internship, Entry level, Associate, Mid-Senior, Director, or Executive. This helps you skip jobs that are too junior or too senior for your skill set.
Filtering by Experience Level: Examples
- Entry-level: Great for recent grads or career switchers. Filters out senior positions that will ignore your resume.
- Mid-Senior: Perfect for those with 5-10 years of experience. You avoid jobs that are too basic or too advanced.
- Director/Executive: Focuses on top-tier roles with higher pay and bigger responsibilities.
Suppose you’re a software engineer with four years of experience. Setting the filter to 'Associate' or 'Mid-Senior' can bring the number of relevant postings from hundreds down to a manageable dozen. According to LinkedIn, candidates who apply for jobs matching their experience level are 40 percent less likely to be rejected in the initial screen.
4. Company: Target Employers That Actually Interest You
The 'Company' filter lets you home in on businesses you truly want to work for. Instead of wading through generic listings, you can filter by specific employers, industries, or even exclude companies you want to avoid. This is key for anyone targeting big brands, startups, or companies with strong reputations.
How to Use the Company Filter to Your Advantage
- Type the company name in the filter field (for example, 'Google', 'Salesforce', or 'Target').
- Stack several companies to create a shortlist of favorites.
- Exclude companies where you’ve already applied or had a negative experience by removing them from your search.
- Use the 'Industry' filter in tandem to focus on sectors like 'Financial Services' or 'Information Technology'.
If you’re applying to Fortune 500 companies, the filter can cut thousands of results to only those that matter. For example, selecting 'Apple' and 'Remote' will show you flexible jobs at Apple, not just in Cupertino. This is also an effective way to find jobs at well-known brands that have posted recently, as major companies often list dozens of new roles each week.
5. Job Type and Work Style: Full-Time, Remote, Hybrid, or Contract
The type of job and work arrangement you want matters as much as the role itself. LinkedIn’s 'Job Type' and 'On-site/Remote' filters help narrow the search to positions that match your lifestyle and needs. You can choose from full-time, part-time, contract, internship, temporary, and volunteer. The work style filter gives options for on-site, hybrid, or remote roles.
How to Set Up Your Ideal Work Arrangement
- Click 'All filters' on the LinkedIn Jobs tab.
- Select one or more job types (for example, 'Full-time' and 'Contract' if you’re flexible).
- Choose your preferred work style: 'Remote', 'Hybrid', or 'On-site'.
- Mix and match to see combinations, such as 'Remote contract jobs' or 'Hybrid full-time roles'.
For instance, if you’re only interested in remote full-time jobs, you can set both filters and cut your search volume by 80 percent. This is especially helpful for parents, caregivers, or anyone seeking flexibility. LinkedIn’s own research found that remote postings attract twice as many applicants, so being specific helps you find jobs that fit your real needs without wasting time.
6. Salary: Find Jobs That Meet Your Pay Expectations
LinkedIn’s salary filter is often overlooked because not every job posting includes pay. But when used, it saves hours lost to applying for underpaid roles. The salary filter lets you set a minimum threshold, such as '$80,000+', to only see jobs that meet your expectations. This is especially valuable for experienced professionals who know their market rate.
How to Use the Salary Filter on LinkedIn
- Click 'All filters' on the Jobs search page.
- Scroll to 'Salary' and pick a minimum amount that matches your range.
- Experiment with slightly lower or higher numbers to see more or less volume.
- Remember that not all listings display salary, so consider toggling the filter on and off to compare results.
Example: Filtering for jobs at '$100,000+' in Boston might reduce 5,000 postings to just 300, all of which are more likely to match your needs. While many companies don’t post salary, those who do are often more transparent and open to negotiation. According to Glassdoor, jobs with posted salaries get 30 percent more applications from qualified candidates, so you’re not wasting time on lowball offers.
7. LinkedIn Easy Apply: Fast-Track Your Applications
While not a traditional filter, 'Easy Apply' is one of the most popular ways to speed up the job search process. It lets you apply directly through LinkedIn with a couple of clicks, no separate portals, no endless forms. You can access this filter under the 'All filters' tab or as a sidebar toggle. For those applying to dozens of jobs a week, this can save hours.
How to Use Easy Apply for a Volume Strategy
- Choose your search criteria first (location, experience level, etc.).
- Select the 'Easy Apply' filter to only see jobs that offer quick application.
- Apply to multiple jobs quickly, tracking which ones are relevant to your skills.
- Combine with other filters to avoid spammy listings or roles that aren’t a good fit.
For example, if you want remote marketing roles in Texas and apply the 'Easy Apply' filter, you’ll get a curated list you can hit in minutes. However, be aware that these roles often attract more applicants, so it’s worth combining Easy Apply with other filters to ensure you’re not just adding to the pile. According to LinkedIn, Easy Apply jobs receive up to 50 percent more applications, so speed and relevance matter.
How Appycan Handles LinkedIn Filters for You
Appycan is a Chrome extension designed to automate the job application process on LinkedIn. You set your preferred job filters, such as location, work style, salary target, and specific companies to skip, and Appycan takes care of the rest. It auto-applies to jobs using your saved answers and even generates AI-powered cover letters on higher-tier plans. The tool resumes applying after daily LinkedIn limits reset, ensuring you never miss out on new postings. This is especially useful if you’re applying to dozens or even hundreds of jobs each week and want to make sure your filter preferences are always respected.
