Changing your LinkedIn status to indicate that you are looking for a new job opportunity is a great way to expand your professional network and let recruiters know you are open to new roles. LinkedIn makes it easy to update your profile status, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your approach is effective.
Why Change Your LinkedIn Profile Status?
Updating your LinkedIn profile status to “open to work” or “looking for opportunities” broadcasts to your network that you are seeking a new role. This small change to your profile can make a big difference in your job search by:
- Increasing your visibility – Recruiters often search LinkedIn for passive candidates open to new roles.
- Expanding your reach – A change in status prompts the algorithm to share your profile more prominently.
- Sparking conversations – You may get messages from connections asking about your search and offering help.
In addition to catching the eye of recruiters, changing your status can prompt valuable discussions with your connections. They may offer advice, make introductions, or even provide leads at their own companies. Utilizing your network is crucial for a successful job search.
How to Change Your LinkedIn Profile Status
Updating your LinkedIn status to indicate you are looking for opportunities takes just a few simple steps:
- Click on your profile photo in the top right corner of your homepage.
- From the dropdown menu, select “View profile.”
- Under your name, locate the “Open to” section.
- Click the pencil icon to edit your current status.
- Select the status “Looking for opportunities.”
- Click “Save.”
Your profile status change will now be visible to your connections. The “Looking for opportunities” status will remain until you edit it again.
Choosing the Right Status
You have a few options when updating your status on LinkedIn:
- “Looking for opportunities” – The most direct approach, ideal when you are actively applying for roles.
- “Open to work” – A more passive approach focused on discovery and networking.
- “Ready for a new challenge” – Indicates you may be casually interested in hearing new opportunities.
Consider which fits your current job search situation and goals. Those more passive statuses still get you on recruiters’ radars. However, “Looking for opportunities” sends the clearest signal you want to find a new role now.
Customizing Your Status
You are not limited to the standard status options on LinkedIn. You can further customize your status to share more details about your job search. However, you only have 120 characters, so be concise. You could include information like:
- Your target role or industry
- Key skills or qualifications
- Whether you are seeking full-time, contract, or remote work
- Your location preference
- Start date availability
Here are some example customized statuses:
- “Looking for a full-time social media manager role in the San Francisco area.”
- “Seeking new full stack developer opportunities in Chicago. Skills: JavaScript, Node.js, React.”
- “Available for freelance web design projects starting in January 2023.”
Adding these kinds of professional details helps attract the attention of recruiters looking for candidates who match specific needs. Just be sure not to include too much personal information.
Updating Your Profile
To maximize the impact of your status change, update your LinkedIn profile to align with the type of roles you want to target. Make sure you:
- Have a professional profile photo
- List your current skills and qualifications
- Emphasize relevant accomplishments and projects
- Include industry keywords recruiters search for
Also, reach out to key connections to let them know you have updated your status and are looking for new opportunities. They may be able to provide tips or referrals right away to kickstart your search.
Following Up with Connections
When you change your LinkedIn status to looking for work, you will likely have some connections reach out to offer assistance. Make sure to follow up on these messages, even just to say thank you. Other productive steps include:
- Asking to set up quick phone calls to learn more about their career path and industry insights.
- Requesting informational interviews to get referral advice.
- Seeking introductions to people currently in your target role or company.
- Inquiring about current openings at their organizations.
- Asking for feedback on your resume, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile.
Following up promptly shows you are taking an active role in your search and want to leverage all available resources. Never know which messages could lead to your next opportunity.
Responding to Recruiter Messages
Changing your LinkedIn status will likely prompt recruiters to reach out with available opportunities. When responding:
- Thank them for contacting you.
- Briefly reiterate your interest and qualifications.
- Ask for more details about the role and company.
- Inquire about required skills, experience level, salary band.
- Request a phone call to discuss further.
- Follow up promptly if waiting to hear back.
Engaging right away demonstrates enthusiasm. It also helps determine if the role is a potential fit before spending time on more formal application steps.
Leveraging Your Full Network
While changing your LinkedIn status is valuable, also tap into your broader professional and personal networks during your job search. Steps to take include:
- Reaching out to connections made at events, past companies, or through mutual friends.
- Asking friends, family members, mentors, and professors to keep an ear out for opportunities.
- Telling all of your connections you are looking and seeking referrals.
- Joining local professional associations and alumni groups.
Sometimes opportunities arise through unexpected sources. The more people you loop into your search, the better your chances of finding your next role.
| Network | Potential Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Past coworkers | Openings at their current companies, referrals |
| College alumni | Jobs, advice, insider tips |
| Friends of friends | New connections and leads |
| Professional associations | Jobs boards, networking events |
This table summarizes parts of your extended network to tap into during your job search and the associated opportunities.
Following Up on Applications
As you apply to new roles, make sure to follow up and check application status when appropriate. Useful tips include:
- Asking for a confirmation upon submitting an application.
- Sending a thank you email after interviews.
- Checking in after expected decision timeframes.
- Politely requesting updates from the recruiter.
- Adding the hiring manager on LinkedIn.
Following up shows you are excited about opportunities and goes a long way in the evaluation process. Just remember to be patient and gracious if waiting on responses.
Following Up Email Template
Here is a template for following up by email a week after applying for a role:
Subject line: Checking Status on [Role Name] Application
Dear [Recruiter or Hiring Manager Name],
I hope you have been well since we last spoke. I wanted to check in on the status of my application for the [Role Name] position I applied for on [Date]. I am very interested in this opportunity and the work [Company Name] is doing.
Please let me know if you need any additional information for your hiring decision. I am happy to provide more details on my qualifications and experience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
This shows continued interest while also being brief and polite. Follow up emails like this can go a long way in getting a response.
Accepting New Opportunities
When you do receive an offer for a new role, first make sure to negotiate your compensation package before accepting. Useful negotiation tips include:
- Researching typical pay for the role in your location.
- Asking about flexibility on base salary, equity, bonuses, or benefits.
- Communicating your value and qualifications.
- Avoiding ultimatums and remaining positive.
- Sending a thank you note after negotiation.
With an offer in hand, you are in a position of power – don’t be afraid to respectfully ask for what you deserve. Just remember negotiations are a conversation aimed at finding mutual agreement.
Upon accepting a new opportunity, immediately update your LinkedIn status and reach out to connections who helped you along the way to share the good news. Make sure to also inform other companies you are now off the job market if you have outstanding applications. Congratulations on landing a new role!
Conclusion
Changing your LinkedIn profile status to “looking for opportunities” broadcasts to your network that you are seeking a new role. This opens up enhanced visibility and connections that can aid your job search. Make sure to update your profile, reach out to your broader network, follow up on all application status, and negotiate offers. With a strategic approach, a simple profile change can be the catalyst to landing your next great job.