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Marketing & Sales · Tip

Targeted Retargeting Job Search Hack (hh.ru + VK Ads)

Run targeted VK ads directly to recruiters collected from job postings

From the Xiry library · Updated 3 October 2026

This technique involves gathering recruiter phone numbers from public hh.ru job listings and uploading them as a custom audience into VK Ads. It allows job seekers to bypass automated applicant tracking systems by displaying portfolio or pitch ads straight into hiring managers' personal social feeds. It requires compiling at least 100 contacts to satisfy platform minimum audience thresholds.

How it works

  1. Search for vacancies in your specialty on hh.ru.
  2. Collect employer/recruiter phone numbers from job postings into a spreadsheet (at least 100 contacts required for VK custom audiences).
  3. Go to VK Ads (ВКонтакте) -> Retargeting (Ретаргетинг) -> Create Audience -> Upload from file (CSV/TXT with the collected phone numbers).
  4. Create a targeted post/ad aimed specifically at them (e.g., 'I am the [Profession] you are looking to hire').
  5. Launch the campaign targeting that custom audience.

What it's for

  • Bypass resume screening systems by reaching recruiters directly in social feeds
  • Promote a candidate portfolio or pitch to specific hiring managers
  • Increase response rates during competitive job searches

Key points

  • Search for relevant vacancies in your specialty on hh.ru
  • Collect recruiter and employer contact phone numbers from listings into a spreadsheet
  • Assemble a list of at least 100 contacts to meet VK Ads custom audience minimums
  • Navigate to VK Ads retargeting and upload the collected numbers via CSV or TXT
  • Design an ad creative tailored to the role, such as pitching yourself as the ideal hire
  • Launch the retargeting campaign directly against the uploaded audience

Pricing

Paid. Requires an ad spend budget on VK Ads

Details

Type
Tip
Category
Marketing & Sales
Topic
Job Search Tactics
Open source
No
Platforms
Web
For
Job seekers looking for creative ways to get noticed by recruiters
Alternative to
Cold emailing, Direct messaging on LinkedIn, Standard job applications
Tags
job search, recruiting, retargeting, vk ads, hh.ru, growth hack

Why it was saved

  • @metodkomarova, 16 May 2024: Helps bypass resume screening and stand out directly in recruiters' personal social media feeds.

Related

Updated