Shortlist vs. LinkedIn Recruiter

LinkedIn Recruiter is $12K/year for a license. Shortlist is free to start. The gap in SDR results is bigger than you think.

Factor Shortlist LinkedIn Recruiter
Annual cost ✅ $0 (free pilot) / $199/mo $10,800–$16,000/year per seat
Time to candidates ✅ 48 hours (delivered) Days to weeks (you search + outreach)
Work required ✅ Post one form Boolean searches, InMail writing, follow-ups
Response rates ✅ Pre-interested candidates 5–15% InMail response typical
Screening included ✅ Yes — AI-scored on 7 SDR criteria No — you evaluate profiles manually
SDR-specific filters ✅ Built-in (quota, outbound, CRM) Generic filters only
Best for ✅ Startups, SMBs hiring SDRs Enterprise talent teams
Candidate intent ✅ Applied or opted-in Passive (may or may not be interested)
Our Verdict LinkedIn Recruiter is a fire hose. You pay $12K/year to do your own screening. Shortlist screens first, then delivers the top 5.

See the difference yourself

Post your SDR role and get 5 AI-matched candidates in 48 hours. Free to start.

Try Shortlist — 5 candidates delivered in 48 hours →