Why Startup Founders Should Rethink Avoiding LinkedIn Job Ads — And What to Do Instead
As someone who works closely with life science startups, I hear this phrase all the time:
“We don’t post our jobs as LinkedIn ads — it’s too painful.”
And I understand why.
The common complaints are familiar:
❌ Too many unqualified applicants
❌ A clunky and frustrating backend experience
❌ The process is time-consuming and overwhelming
To avoid this, many founders take a seemingly easier route:
They post the job description as a regular LinkedIn post, attach a PDF, and ask people to apply via email.
But here’s the problem...
This workaround often leads to new challenges:
❌ Limited visibility — Only your followers see the post and job ad
❌ Lower quality applicants — Your dream hire might never spot it
❌ Inbox chaos — Managing applications by email becomes an admin nightmare
A Smarter Approach to Startups Hiring
Instead of avoiding LinkedIn job ads altogether, here’s what I recommend:
✅ Use native LinkedIn job ads for maximum reach — your job gets seen by candidates beyond your network
✅ Route all applicants through an AI-powered ATS — structured, searchable, and scalable
✅ Screen applications using LLM-based CV software — filter out noise automatically
✅ Spend your time on the right candidates — not just the ones who showed up
✅ Deliver a great candidate experience — no ghosting, clear communication, and a strong employer brand (so rejected applicants are likely to apply again at a later point)
But what if you don’t have your own ATS?
Good news: You can borrow mine.
As part of my recruitment and talent development services, I offer early-stage startups access to a modern, AI-powered Applicant Tracking System — no setup required, and tailored for startups.
Let’s Make Hiring Smoother for Founders
If you’re hiring for your startup and want:
- More relevant applicants
- Less noise
- A better experience for both you and your candidates
…reach out. I’d be happy to share what’s working right now and how to get started.
Let’s make your next hire faster, smarter, and way less painful.
👋 About the Author: Søren Spanner Bach
Founder of Life Science Talent Solutions | Life Science Talent Hub | Life Science Talent Talks Podcast
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The Hats I Wear:
🤝 Recruitment Consultant for Life Science Startups & Scaleups
🫂 People & Culture Growth Partner
💪 Certified Team & Talent Developer
🌱 Life Science Community Builder
🎙 Host of Life Science Talent Talks podcast
🔬 PhD in Biotechnology + 10+ Years in the Life Science Industry