Key Takeaways:
- Xing is the best platform for recruiting in the DACH region, offering local expertise and tools like TalentManager and Kununu integration.
- LinkedIn provides a broader, global reach and more advanced recruitment tools, which are ideal for companies with international hiring needs.
- Both platforms offer customizable pricing options to align your recruitment strategy with your budget, whether focusing on local or global talent.
In today’s highly competitive job market, recruitment professionals need every advantage to attract top talent. Xing and LinkedIn are two platforms that often come up in conversations. Both have carved out their space as go-to recruitment tools, with LinkedIn enjoying global prominence and Xing dominating the German-speaking markets.
Selecting the right platform for your recruitment efforts can be a game-changer. The wrong choice might lead to missed opportunities, wasted resources, and longer time-to-hire. Conversely, the right platform can streamline recruitment, expand your talent pool, and improve overall hiring success.
Which platform is the right one for you? Let’s dive into that comparison.
User Base: Who’s On These Platforms?
Xing:
- According to Xing’s official statistics, the platform currently hosts 22 million users, with the majority concentrated in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As such, it’s beneficial for companies recruiting within these regions, offering access to a strong local talent pool.
- Target Audience: Xing primarily attracts professionals in industries like engineering, IT, and business consulting, where experienced talent is in high demand. The user base tends to consist of mid-level and senior professionals already established in their careers. It is ideal for recruiters looking for candidates with extensive work experience in the DACH region.
LinkedIn:
- Size and Demographics: With a staggering 1 billion users worldwide, LinkedIn is the largest professional network on the planet. LinkedIn’s global presence spans over 200 countries, offering recruiters access to diverse talent pools across various industries.
- Target Audience: LinkedIn serves various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and marketing, and caters to professionals at all levels, from entry-level employees to C-suite executives. Its global reach makes it a must-have for companies with international hiring needs.
Features: What Tools Do They Offer?
- Recruitment Tools
Xing has robust recruitment capabilities tailored for professionals and businesses in German-speaking countries. The platform offers Xing TalentManager, which includes search filters for skills, industries, and job titles, making it easier for recruiters to find the right candidates. In addition, Onlyfy is a new suite of products that combines active and passive sourcing, application management, and employer branding, all powered by AI to enhance recruiting efficiency. The Onlyfy Talent Hub allows recruiters to connect directly with top talents actively searching for new opportunities, even if they don’t have a Xing profile.
- Networking Capabilities
Xing’s strength lies in its regional focus, offering professionals the chance to connect with others in specific industries through industry-specific groups. Xing integrates with Kununu, an employer review platform, allowing recruiters to highlight employer branding and workplace culture. Kununu provides valuable insights into company ratings and salary data, helping businesses build a more transparent and attractive profile.
- Recruitment Tools
LinkedIn leads globally with its vast array of recruitment tools, including advanced search filters, InMail messaging, and the LinkedIn Recruiter platform, which gives access to unlimited profiles and advanced analytics. Job posting options range from standard listings to sponsored ads, allowing recruiters to reach active and passive job seekers. LinkedIn’s premium plans, like LinkedIn Recruiter, also offer powerful tools for managing the hiring pipeline and finding the best candidates.
- Networking Capabilities
LinkedIn offers global connectivity, allowing professionals to expand their network far beyond regional borders. Users can engage in professional groups, share content, and endorse skills, enhancing their visibility and credibility. The platform’s focus on thought leadership and content sharing makes it a dynamic space for recruiters and job seekers to build meaningful professional relationships.
Cost: What’s the Investment?
Xing does not provide completely free recruitment options for businesses. While job seekers can use basic features for free, recruiters must invest in one of Xing’s paid tools to access advanced features such as JobAds, TalentManager, or Talent Service. However, Xing offers customizable bundles with scalable pricing, allowing companies to select options that fit their budget and recruitment needs.
Here are the bundle options on Xing, along with indicative pricing starting points to help you better understand the cost structure:
1. Xing E-Recruiting 360°
- Price from: €1,500/month
This comprehensive bundle combines multiple tools such as JobAds, TalentManager, Talent Service, and Employer Branding Profile. It’s ideal for companies looking for a full suite of recruitment solutions with broad reach and branding options.
2. Onlyfy by Xing
- Price from: €500/month
Onlyfy is a highly customizable suite with tools like the Onlyfy Application Manager, TalentManager, Onlyfy Job Ads, and Kununu Integration. This bundle offers flexibility and scalability for growing companies looking to enhance their recruitment strategy.
3. TalentManager + Talent Service Bundle
- Price from: €700/month
This package is perfect for companies that want a balance of self-sourcing through TalentManager and active sourcing with help from Xing’s Talent Service team. The lower price point makes this ideal for small to mid-sized companies.
4. JobAds + TalentManager
- Price from: €450/month
This affordable bundle includes basic JobAds for posting positions while providing access to TalentManager for active candidate sourcing. It’s a great starting point for businesses that want to combine job postings with active recruitment.
To explore the different tools available, consider reading our guide to Xing products and solutions for more detailed information.
LinkedIn offers a variety of pricing options tailored to recruitment, ranging from basic features for small businesses to advanced tools for enterprise-level hiring. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant LinkedIn pricing plans for recruiters:
1. LinkedIn Recruiter Lite
- Price: Starts at $99.99/month
- Best for: Small businesses or individual recruiters
- Features: 30 InMail messages, advanced search filters, and access to profiles in your network.
2. LinkedIn Recruiter
- Price: Starts at $8,999/year (~$750/month)
- Best for: Medium to large companies
- Features: 150 InMails, unlimited profile views, advanced search, and project management tools.
3. LinkedIn Jobs
- Price: Free basic job postings; Sponsored Jobs start at $5/day for greater visibility.
4. LinkedIn Talent Insights
- Price: From $2,400/year
- Best for: Companies needing real-time talent analytics and workforce planning.
5. LinkedIn Recruiter Corporate
- Price: Custom pricing (typically above $10,000/year)
- Best for: Large enterprises needing full recruitment management, with team collaboration tools and ATS integration.
LinkedIn offers a range of free and paid options, with more advanced features available through higher-tier plans.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Strong presence in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), making it ideal for companies recruiting locally.
- Offers industry-specific groups that help recruiters find niche talent in IT, engineering, and consulting sectors.
- Integration with Kununu for employer branding and reviews adds transparency.
Weaknesses:
- Limited global reach, as it primarily caters to German-speaking countries.
- A smaller user base than on LinkedIn that limits access to diverse international talent.
- Can be costlier for premium features and recruitment tools, especially in comparison to more globally focused platforms.
Strengths:
- A massive global user base of over 1 billion members makes it a top international recruitment platform.
- Robust recruitment features such as InMail, LinkedIn Recruiter, and advanced search filters make it highly versatile for various hiring needs.
- Higher outreach response rates, as LinkedIn is a go-to platform for both active and passive candidates.
Weaknesses:
- Higher competition on the platform, especially in crowded industries, making it harder to stand out in candidate searches.
- Costs can add up quickly for premium features and sponsored job postings, especially for smaller businesses.
Enhance Your Recruitment Strategy with LinkMatch
LinkMatch is a powerful tool designed to enhance the recruiting experience by seamlessly integrating with both Xing and LinkedIn. It allows recruiters to efficiently manage candidate information, saving time and streamlining the hiring process across both platforms.
Key Benefits of LinkMatch Integration:
- Seamless Integration: Easily syncs with both Xing and LinkedIn, allowing you to save and manage candidate profiles directly to your ATS.
- Efficient Candidate Management: Organize and update candidate details in one place, streamlining your workflow.
- Time-Saving Automation: Automates data transfer, reducing manual tasks and freeing up time for engaging with candidates.
- Custom Tags and Notes: Add personalized tags and notes to profiles for easier tracking and categorization.
Ready to streamline your recruitment process? Try LinkMatch and experience how it simplifies managing candidates across Xing and LinkedIn!
Conclusion
Both Xing and LinkedIn offer valuable recruitment tools, but each platform shines in different areas. Xing excels in the DACH region, offering a strong presence in local industries like engineering and consulting and tools like TalentManager and Onlyfy to streamline recruitment. LinkedIn, with its global reach and powerful features like LinkedIn Recruiter, is ideal for companies looking to source talent across a broader range of industries and locations.
FAQs: Comparing Xing and LinkedIn for Recruitment
Which platform is better for recruiting in the DACH region, Xing or LinkedIn?
Xing is the better choice for recruiting in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH) due to its strong presence in these markets and tools tailored for local industries. At the same time, LinkedIn is more suited for global recruitment.
Which platform offers better recruitment tools, Xing or LinkedIn?
LinkedIn provides more advanced recruitment tools and global reach, ideal for companies looking to source internationally. Xing offers region-specific tools, such as Onlyfy and Kununu, for employers recruiting in the DACH region.
Can I integrate recruitment tools from both Xing and LinkedIn?
Yes, tools like LinkMatch allow seamless integration of both Xing and LinkedIn, making it easier to manage candidates across platforms and streamline the recruitment process.
Is it more expensive to recruit on Xing or LinkedIn?
It depends on your specific recruitment needs and goals, so making a precise comparison is difficult. Both Xing and LinkedIn offer flexible pricing options, and staying within your company’s budget is possible using either platform. The choice largely depends on where you want to focus—Xing for the DACH region or LinkedIn for a global reach—allowing you to align your investment with your target audience.
Which platform is better for employer branding, Xing or LinkedIn?
Both platforms offer strong employer branding tools, but Xing integrates with Kununu, which provides detailed company reviews and salary insights specific to the DACH region, making it a great option for localized branding. With its global audience, LinkedIn offers features like Showcase Pages and Sponsored Content, ideal for reaching a broader, international audience. Your choice depends on whether your focus is regional or global branding.
