Self-assessment · Form PL-2026 · LinkedIn vs alternatives

Tick what's true. Your platform mix falls out the bottom.

Twelve statements about your year. Check every one that applies, count your letters using the key below, and you'll know exactly which of the four major platforms deserve your time. No email required, nothing collected; the boxes are just for you.

Takes about 90 seconds, pencil optional →

Section A · Your search status

I'm actively applying to jobs right now, or will be within three months.+1 I I want to research an employer's reviews and salary bands before interviews.+1 I I'm open to opportunities, but only if they come to me.+1 L

Section B · Your risk and pay preferences

I'd consider a startup, including an early-stage one.+1 W I refuse to apply anywhere that hides the salary.+1 W Equity matters to me as much as base pay.+1 W

Section C · Your visibility needs

Clients, recruiters, or partners sometimes search my name.+1 L My work involves B2B relationships or business development.+1 L I'm comfortable posting or publishing professionally now and then.+1 L

Section D · Your energy source

I make a stronger impression in person than in writing.+1 M I could give one evening a month to meeting people in my field.+1 M Honestly, I'm exhausted by feeds and want fewer screens in my career.+1 M

Scoring key: count your letters

L ≥ 2

LinkedIn earns a place. Free base tier; 1B+ users across 200+ countries make it the identity layer. Premium (from ~$29.99/mo) only if outreach is your job.Tradeoff: feed quality varies; reach rewards regular posting.

I ≥ 2

Add Indeed + Glassdoor. Free for seekers; ~350M monthly visitors, 3M+ employers, with reviews and salary research attached.Tradeoff: no networking; sponsored results mixed in; reviews are user-submitted.

W ≥ 2

Add Wellfound. Free for candidates; ~150,000 startups with salary and equity shown on listings, often with direct founder contact.Tradeoff: startup roles only, smaller pool, early-stage risk.

M ≥ 2

Add Meetup + Lunchclub. Free to attend; 2M+ events yearly plus AI-matched 1:1 intros.Tradeoff: no job board, costs real evenings, coverage varies by city.

If you checked boxes in three or more sections: that's normal, and it's the point. All four platforms are free at base level in 2026, so a mixed score means a mixed stack, not a hard choice.
Most people land on 2 or 3. Nobody needs all four every week.