How to Get Open to Work on LinkedIn: Step-By-Step Guide

Did you know that around 65 million people use LinkedIn to search for jobs every week? Among them, a staggering 28 million individuals make use of the #OpentoWork feature. This feature signals to your network and recruiters that you are actively searching for job opportunities. By effectively using this feature, you can significantly boost your job search efforts.
In this blog, we will discuss how to get ‘Open to Work’ on LinkedIn, tips to use the feature, strategies to write an ‘Open to Work’ post, the pros and cons of the feature, and how to edit or remove the feature on LinkedIn.

How to Add ‘Open to Work’ on LinkedIn?

The ‘Open to Work’ feature of LinkedIn indicates that you are seeking new job opportunities. If are new to the platform or don’t know how to get open for work on LinkedIn, don’t worry, it’s a straightforward and simple process. Here are steps to add an ‘Open to Work’ frame to your LinkedIn profile:

• Open your personal account on LinkedIn. 
• Click on the ‘Me’ icon at the top of the homepage and then click on ‘View Profile.’
• Your LinkedIn profile page will open. Here, click the ‘Open to’ button. This is a blue button below your profile picture.
• In the drop-down menu, click on ‘Finding a new job.’
• Provide the requested information in the pop-up window. You will have to give the following details:
  • Preferred Job Titles 
  • Location Type (On-Site, Remote, Hybrid)
  • Locations for On-Site Vacancies
  • Joining Date
  • Employment Type (Full-Time, Part-Time, Internship, etc.)
  • Visibility (Linkedin Members or Recruiters Only)
• Save your preferences and click ‘Add to profile.’ You will find a green frame on your LinkedIn profile picture with the hashtag #OpentoWork.
• Alternatively, you can click on ‘Get started’ in the ‘Show recruiters you’re open to work’ box. This appears near the top of a LinkedIn profile and allows you to access the ‘Open to Work’ feature.

Tips to Use ‘Open to Work’ Successfully

LinkedIn’s ‘Open to Work’ feature helps you gain more visibility in search results and connects you with potential employers. Now that you know how to get the ‘Open to Work’ frame on LinkedIn, explore tips to use the feature successfully. There are some strategies that you can use to ensure success in your job search process. Here are some useful tips to utilize LinkedIn’s ‘Open to Work’ feature:

1. Monitor Privacy Settings

You can change your privacy settings to control who sees that you’re looking for new career avenues. There are two options available, ‘Recruiters Only’ and ‘All LinkedIn Members.’ Let’s discuss these privacy settings options:

• Recruiters Only: This option allows only the people who use ‘LinkedIn Recruiter’ to see that you are open to work. LinkedIn takes appropriate steps to prevent your current company with a LinkedIn Recruiter account from seeing your shared career interests.
• All LinkedIn Members: By selecting this option in the privacy settings, you can add a #OpentoWork photo frame to your profile picture. All recruiters and people at your current company will be able to see that you’re searching for employment opportunities. 

2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Use your LinkedIn profile to build your personal brand. You can optimize it to showcase your professional merit and achievements. Here are some strategies that you can implement to enhance your LinkedIn profile:

• Add a compelling headline that defines more than your job title.
• Write a LinkedIn summary that describes your professional journey as an engaging story.
• Include relevant links to your blogs, websites, projects, etc.
• Manage endorsements from colleagues or former employers to highlight relevant ones.
• Use a clear and professional profile picture. 
• Upload a background photo to grab people’s attention. 

3. Be Selective

Several recruiters will reach out once you enable the ‘Open to Work’ status. However, not everyone will have opportunities relevant to your interests, skills, or experience. Be selective in who to communicate and engage with. You can review job opportunities thoroughly and shortlist those that match your preferences and career aspirations. 

4. Expand Your Network

Connect with relevant professionals on LinkedIn to expand your network. You can do this by focusing on the quality of connections rather than quantity. This strategy will ensure you reach your desired job roles and companies. Additionally, it will save you time and effort in filtering irrelevant job opportunities.

Strategies to Write an ‘Open to Work’ Post on LinkedIn

The next step after learning how to get the ‘Open to Work’ banner on LinkedIn is drafting a compelling post announcing the same. This post will help you find quality jobs, companies, and connections on LinkedIn. Here are some strategies you can use to draft an ‘Open to Work’ post on LinkedIn:

1. Craft an Elevator Pitch

It is crucial to add a few sentences about yourself to let new or potential connections know who you are and what you do. Consider this as your elevator pitch that will help people understand your line of work and the types of opportunities you’re interested in. 

This not only makes it easier for your connections to identify relevant roles for you but also helps you articulate your value and frame your professional identity more effectively.

2. Mention What You Are Looking for in the Next Role

You should be specific about the kind of work you are looking for. Don’t simply add, ‘I’m searching for new job roles.’ This can result in confusion and incomplete information regarding your job search. The potential employers or recruiters may not understand your career aspirations and may offer irrelevant roles. 

Here are some key points that you can include in your post to receive relevant opportunities that align with your interests and qualifications:

• The type of job or job title you are looking for
• Preference about the size or stage of the company
• Specific niche or industry you would like to work in

Adding this information will increase the chances of you receiving relevant job opportunities or introductions from industry professionals.

3. Highlight Your Strengths

Learn to advocate for yourself. LinkedIn is the platform for you to showcase your strengths. Mention your accomplishments, expertise, skills, successful projects and campaigns, and other remarkable achievements to tell the hiring managers what you can bring to their company. 

For example, you can add that you have completed a full-stack development course with placement if you’re seeking the role of a full-stack developer or similar positions. 

4. Personalize Your Post

A personalized post resonates more with your network. Share your professional journey, what motivates you, and why you are passionate about your field. You can mention any personal connections to the industry or specific companies you admire. 

Additionally, you can include your unique experience, skills, and aspirations in the ‘Open to Work’ post to gain the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

Pro Tip: You can prepare and upload a video resume on your profile discussing your recent accomplishments and relevant skills to make a great impression on potential employers. 

5. Utilize Relevant Hashtags

Using relevant hashtags can increase the visibility of your post, making it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to find you. You can include industry-specific hashtags, job-related hashtags, and any trending hashtags relevant to your field.

For Example: #OpenToWork #DigitalMarketing #MarketingManager #TechJobs #CareerOpportunity

6. Include a Compelling Call to Action

Complete your ‘Open to Work’ post with a compelling call to action that encourages your network to engage with it. You can request your connections to tag, message, or share potential recruiters and help you in the job search process. Here are some sample calls to action that you can include in your LinkedIn ‘Open to Work’ post:

• “If you know someone who’s hiring in the [industry/field], let me know!”
• “Reach out if you know of any opportunities that align with my skills!”
• “I’d appreciate any referrals to roles in [industry/field].”
• “If you have tips on breaking into [industry], I’d love to hear from you!”

Pros of the ‘Open to Work’ Feature

While exploring how to get the ‘Open to Work’ badge on LinkedIn, it is essential to understand the benefits and challenges of the feature. You should carefully consider these aspects before enabling the feature to ensure that it aligns with your job search strategy. 

Here are the pros or benefits of using LinkedIn’s #OpentoWork:

1. Increased Visibility: One of the primary benefits of the ‘Open to Work’ feature is the increased visibility it provides. When you enable this feature, your profile is flagged to recruiters and hiring managers as actively seeking new opportunities. This makes it easier for them to find you when searching for potential candidates. 
   Additionally, your network is notified of your job search status, increasing the chances of being referred to potential job openings.
2. Enhances Confidence: Announcing that you are looking for work can provide you with a morale boost. It signals to your network that you are proactive and ready for new challenges. This can lead to supportive messages and encouragement from your connections, boosting your morale during the job search process.
3. Networking Opportunities: The ‘Open to Work’ feature can significantly enhance your networking opportunities. By letting your network know you are looking for new opportunities, you may receive referrals, recommendations, and introductions to potential employers. This can expand your professional connections and increase your chances of finding the right job.

Cons of the ‘Open to Work’ Feature

While there are advantages of the ‘Open to Work’ feature, there are some challenges that you may encounter. Let’s discuss the cons of the #OpentoWork feature:

1. Unconscious Bias: Despite its benefits, the ‘Open to Work’ feature can expose job seekers to unconscious bias. Some employers might perceive candidates who are actively seeking employment as less desirable compared to passive candidates who are currently employed. This bias can affect the way recruiters view your profile and your chances of securing an interview.
2. Privacy Concerns: When you set your ‘Open to Work’ status on LinkedIn, you can choose whether to make it visible to all LinkedIn members, or just to recruiters. However, your connections outside of your immediate network may still see your job search announcement if it’s shared by one of your contacts. This means that your current employer could potentially come across your job search activity. 
3. Risk of Spam Messages: Enabling the ‘Open to Work’ feature can increase the risk of receiving spam messages and unsolicited offers from recruiters and companies. While some messages may be genuine and valuable, others might be irrelevant or low-quality, cluttering your inbox and wasting your time. 

How to Edit or Remove the ‘Open to Work’ Feature on LinkedIn?

Now that you know how to apply ‘Open to Work’ in LinkedIn it is also important to know how to edit or remove it from your LinkedIn profile. Here are steps you can take to remove the #OpentoWork:

• Login to your profile then, click the ‘Me’ icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage and click on ‘View Profile.’
• Now click the ‘Edit’ icon from the ‘Open to Work’ box that is at the top of your profile.
• Follow the steps specified to edit the information and click on ‘Save.’
• To disable the ‘Open to Work’ feature, click ‘Delete from profile.’

Note that you can enable the feature again. However, your previous preferences will not be saved.

Conclusion

In this blog, we learned how to get ‘Open to Work’ on LinkedIn. By following these actionable steps and strategies, you can expand your outreach and uncover exciting job prospects that align with your skills and aspirations. To learn the process of searching for employment opportunities on LinkedIn, check out how to find jobs on LinkedIn.

FAQs