The “open to work” photo frame on LinkedIn has become an increasingly popular way for job seekers to signal that they are looking for new opportunities. However, there are some things to consider before adding the frame to your profile picture. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using the open to work frame, best practices for utilizing it effectively, and whether it’s ultimately the right choice for your job search.
What is the open to work photo frame?
The open to work photo frame is a feature that was introduced by LinkedIn in 2019. When added to your profile picture, it displays a blue border with the text “Open To Work” on it. The purpose is to notify your network and recruiters that you are actively seeking new job opportunities.
It provides a clear visual signal—without you having to explicitly state in your profile or status updates that you’re looking. The frame is intended to make it easier for recruiters to identify and connect with relevant candidates who are open to considering new roles.
Pros of using the open to work frame
There are a few potential benefits to using the open to work frame on LinkedIn:
Increased visibility
The main advantage is that it makes you more visible and discoverable to recruiters and hiring managers who are sourcing potential candidates. Especially with the frame on your profile picture, it serves as an eye-catching indicator that you’re open to new opportunities without them having to dig through your profile for clues.
Saves you time
Rather than having to proactively reach out to your network or apply to positions, the open to work frame puts the onus on recruiters to come to you. This can save you time and effort in your job search.
Positions you as active and engaged
Having the open to work frame signals that you are being proactive about your career. It visually differentiates you from other passive candidates who might not be visible or top of mind to hiring managers.
Encourages recruiter outreach
According to LinkedIn, members with the open to work photo frame see a 40% increase in recruiter views of their profile and are 20% more likely to be discovered in searches. So it does seem to work in getting more recruiter attention.
Free and simple to use
The open to work frame is available for free to all LinkedIn members and is relatively quick and easy to add to your profile picture. There is no lengthy application or screening process.
Cons of using the open to work frame
Despite the potential advantages, there are also some downsides to consider with the open to work frame:
Possible reputational risks
Some hiring managers or companies may view candidates with the frame as “actively” looking and therefore at higher risk of leaving soon after starting a new role. Whether warranted or not, it can come across as a signal of low loyalty or commitment.
Over-targeting by recruiters
Because the frame makes it easy for recruiters to identify you as an active candidate, you may get bombarded with outreach, including many irrelevant or low-quality opportunities you aren’t interested in. It can be time-consuming sorting through and responding.
Too “public” for some
While putting the open to work frame makes your job search known to recruiters, some people may not feel comfortable broadcasting their employment status so widely across their full network.
Non-targeted approach
The open to work frame is a general “I’m open to opportunities” beacon rather than a targeted approach to reach out to companies or roles you are specifically interested in. So it casts a very wide net.
Application/interview process still required
While the frame may increase recruiter interest, you still have to apply, interview, and win the role. It is not a magic bullet that will land you a job on its own. You have to put in the work.
Best practices for using the open to work frame
If you do decide to use the open to work frame on LinkedIn, here are some tips to utilize it most effectively:
Complete and optimize your profile
To maximize visibility and recruiter interest, ensure your LinkedIn profile is as complete, detailed, and optimized as possible. Include all relevant skills, experience, accomplishments, education, etc.
Customize/expand your headline
Your profile headline/title is prime real estate. Make sure it clearly conveys your specialties, skills, and target roles beyond just job titles.
Showcase relevant projects, publications, volunteering, etc.
Provide tangible examples of your work and experience through your profile activity feed and multimedia features like articles, images, SlideShare, etc.
Grow and engage your network
Having a wider network, especially with relevant connections at target companies, will increase the effectiveness of the open to work frame for recruiter visibility.
Utilize LinkedIn Groups in your industry
Joining and actively participating in industry-specific LinkedIn Groups related to your field or location can further boost connections.
Turn on Career Interests visibility
Recruiters can search Career Interests indicated on profiles, so filling them out with keywords can help discovery.
Monitor messages and notifications
Stay on top of your LinkedIn inbox and notifications so you see and respond promptly to any promising recruiter messages.
Follow up with key connections
Consider proactively messaging your top connections at target companies to say you are open to opportunities. The frame alone may not be enough.
When should you use the open to work frame?
Here are some good times when using the open to work frame tends to be most useful:
When already employed but casually looking
The frame allows you to keep your search discreet while employed, without actively applying or reaching out to competitors.
When unemployed and actively looking
It can boost your visibility when looking full-time for your next opportunity.
When wanting to change industries/careers
Making a major career shift often requires expanding your visibility beyond just current connections, which the frame helps achieve.
When location bound to a certain city/region
If you are geographically restricted in your search, the frame casts a wide net to cover all local opportunities.
When open to both full-time and contract roles
The frame does not differentiate, so it works whether seeking permanent or temporary opportunities.
When able to start a new role quickly
Hiring managers looking to fill roles fast may favor candidates ready and able to start soon.
When should you avoid the open to work frame?
Here are situations where using the open to work frame may not be advisable or effective:
When completely satisfied in current job
If you are not actually open to other roles, the frame will be misleading and frustrating to recruiters reaching out.
When targeting a very specific or niche role
Casting such a wide net may be inefficient compared to directly contacting a few select employers.
When currently employed and wanting discretion
The frame openly advertises you are looking, which may be problematic if wanting to keep your search private.
When needing significant career retraining
The frame won’t be as useful if you first need to go back to school or get certifications to pivot fields.
When not ready to start a new role immediately
If you need more than two weeks’ notice before starting a job, some hiring managers may pass you over.
When receiving sufficient recruiter interest already
If recruiters are already actively contacting you, the frame may not provide additional benefit.
Alternatives to the open to work frame
For those who want to keep their search more targeted and discreet, here are a few alternative approaches besides the open to work frame:
Set Career Interests to “open”
This signals interest privately just to recruiters without a public indicator.
Apply directly to jobs of interest
Rather than passively waiting to be found, actively applying to selective openings you want.
Proactively message connections at target companies
Reaching out directly to relevant contacts is more targeted than the open frame.
Join industry-specific networking Groups
Interacting in niche Groups related to your field can attract opportunities.
Follow and engage with target employers
This makes you visible on their radar without overtly advertising your search.
Attend relevant industry events and conferences
In-person networking allows for quality connections.
Leverage your other professional networks
Don’t limit outreach to just LinkedIn. Tap into all your alumni, social, and community connections.
Should I add the open to work frame?
The Pros
- Increases recruiter visibility
- Saves time compared to actively applying
- Signals you are proactively looking
- Drives more recruiter outreach
- Free and simple to use
The Cons
- Potential reputation risks
- Can attract irrelevant opportunities
- Too public for some
- Broad, not targeted approach
- Still requires work interviewing/applying
The Verdict?
Ultimately, whether to use the open to work frame depends on your specific situation and how effective you believe it will be for your goals. It can be a reasonable step to take as part of a larger proactive search strategy. However, on its own the frame is unlikely to suddenly inundate you with great job offers.
For many candidates, the ideal approach is utilizing the frame selectively in combination with other more targeted efforts like directly contacting companies and networking. That provides a nice balance of casting a wide net while still being deliberate in your search. Experiment to see what works for you, and be sure to follow best practices to optimize the impact of the frame.
With a strategic approach, the open to work frame can be a helpful part of your job seeking toolkit! But it requires actively managing the process and following up to convert recruiter interest into tangible conversations and opportunities.
