Agree. Plus recruiters also sometimes reach out. There is quite a high signal to noise as always, but, it can be worth it. You don't need to engage in all the influencer crap at all, just ignore that and use it to be found by recruiters and to see some open positions.

I've gotten 3 separate jobs from linkedin recruiters approaching me cold.

I dont engage with the platform, I don't post, I won't connect with recruiters, and yet still... they find you, and inmail you. It's usually local jobs with humane commutes and decent pay.

By contrast, I've never gotten a single interview for an application submitted via linkedin, and I've put out hundreds.

The difference between LinkedIn and other options is that LinkedIn is also a social platform (in a weird, non-interactive way).

So LinkedIn approximates (lots of people), not just (people hoping to get hired). If you're hiring, the former is a more talented pool to hire from.