Having “open to work” displayed on your LinkedIn profile is a way to subtly notify your network that you are seeking new job opportunities. It serves as a passive method of signaling to recruiters and connections that you are open to hearing about potential roles or prospects that may be a good fit.
What does “open to work” mean on LinkedIn?
When you select “open to work” on your LinkedIn profile, it adds a small badge or indicator on your profile photo and headline stating that you are open to new opportunities. This signifier is only visible to your 1st degree connections and recruiters, not the general public viewing your profile.
Displaying that you are open to work does not automatically notify all of your connections or post anything to your profile’s feed. It simply makes the status visible to direct connections in your network and recruiters who come across your profile while searching for candidates.
Being open to work on LinkedIn means you are passively signaling to your network that you are interested in hearing about job opportunities, getting contacted by recruiters, or exploring new prospects. However, it does not mean you are urgently looking or currently unemployed. It’s a more subtle way of broadcasting your receptiveness without actively applying or searching for roles.
Why display “open to work” on LinkedIn?
Here are some of the main reasons people utilize the “open to work” status on LinkedIn:
- Passively look for new opportunities while employed
- Surface to recruiters as a candidate looking for new roles
- Prompt connections to reach out about openings in their networks
- Test the job market while staying discreet at current job
- Gain visibility after completing education or training
- Network and explore prospects during career transition
Displaying the open to work badge allows you to quietly signal receptiveness to new roles without having to apply or search for jobs. It encourages recruiters and connections to come to you with opportunities.
How to display “open to work” on profile
Adding the open to work status to your LinkedIn profile only takes a few simple steps:
- Click on your profile photo in the top right corner
- Select “View profile”
- Click the pencil “Edit profile” icon near your photo
- Scroll down and click “Add profile section”
- Select the “Open to” section
- Choose “Open to work” and save changes
The “Open to work” status will now be displayed on your profile. You can remove or toggle it on and off at any time. Optionally, you can also add details like ideal job types, roles, locations, or remote preferences.
Who can see “open to work”?
When you display that you are open to work on LinkedIn, it is only visible to:
- 1st degree connections in your network
- 2nd and 3rd degree connections if you change settings
- Recruiters who come across your profile
The open to work indicator is not shown publicly to anyone outside of your network. You control the visibility and can limit it to only 1st degree connections if desired.
Does it notify my network?
No, enabling the open to work status does not mass notify your entire network or post anything to your profile feed. The status is passively displayed on your profile without actively messaging connections.
However, LinkedIn does give you the option to individually notify specific connections to let them know you are open to opportunities. You can choose connections to receive a discrete notification of your job seeking status.
How is it displayed?
The open to work status appears in two prominent places on your profile:
- On your profile photo as a small badge or indicator
- In your headline statement below your name
It will say “Open to work” followed by any extra detail you added like job types or preferences. The indicator is displayed very visibly but subtly to signal receptiveness.
Does it automatically apply to jobs?
No, having open to work enabled will not automatically apply to any jobs on your behalf. It simply signals to recruiters and connections that you are interested in hearing about opportunities. You still have to manually apply and interview for any roles.
The indicator serves more as a passive networking and visibility tool, not an active job search or application assistant. You are in full control of which jobs you actually submit applications and interview for.
How long should I display it?
It’s generally recommended to only display open to work temporarily while actively looking for a new position. Here are some guidelines on duration:
- A few weeks or months while casually looking
- During an active job search
- When open to new opportunities but not urgently looking
- After completing education/training
- During a career transition
You can toggle it off after finding a new role. Keeping it enabled indefinitely is not advised if you are not open to conversing about opportunities.
Does it work while employed?
Yes, you can display open to work on LinkedIn even while currently employed. It allows you to passively signal receptiveness to new opportunities discretely without alerting your employer.
However, make sure it aligns with your employer’s policies regarding seeking other job prospects while employed. Communicate appropriately about your future intentions before displaying openness to openings.
Is it appropriate for all careers?
The open to work status is likely most effective for professional careers where LinkedIn is commonly used for recruiting and networking. Roles in fields like tech, business, healthcare, finance, etc. can benefit the most.
However, it’s ultimately up to you whether displaying openness to opportunities aligns with the norms and practices of your industry and current position. Evaluate the appropriateness for your own career situation.
Pro tips for using “open to work”
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of displaying open to work on LinkedIn:
- Customize settings for visibility and notifications
- Refresh your profile and make sure it’s up-to-date
- Add detailed descriptions of ideal roles and qualifications
- Contact recruiters and key connections personally as well
- Follow up on promising leads and opportunities
- Toggle status off once you find a new position
Benefits of using “open to work”
Displaying openness to new job opportunities on LinkedIn has many potential benefits, including:
- Increased recruiter outreach
- New opportunities surfaced through your network
- Passive visibility to hiring managers
- Ability to vet potential new roles
- Surface as a candidate without active search
- Discreetly signal receptiveness while employed
The open to work indicator serves as a relatively low effort, high reward way to expand possibilities and land exciting new role matches.
Potential drawbacks
While displaying open to work has many upsides, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of as well:
- Visibility to current employer if not desired
- Overwhelming recruiter outreach if not managed
- Need to manually evaluate incoming opportunities
- Pressure to proceed if currently happy in role
- Misperception that you are urgently job seeking
To maximize benefits and minimize risks, be strategic about your settings, messaging, and how you handle new prospects.
Alternatives to “open to work”
If displaying openness to opportunities on your profile directly doesn’t feel like the right fit, here are some alternative approaches to consider:
- Discreetly notify specific connections about your job search
- Proactively message recruiters and hiring managers
- Apply directly to openings that seem appealing
- Enable recruiter visibility but not open to work status
- Wait for inbound recruiter outreach organically
- Build up connections and engage on LinkedIn without status
With strategic networking and selective communication, you can surface on the radar of relevant parties without formally displaying open to work on your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I add “open to work” during new job search?
Yes, displaying open to work can be very effective while actively looking for new opportunities. It expands visibility during your search and signals receptiveness to connections and recruiters. Just toggle it off once you’ve secured a new position.
Is it bad to display while happily employed?
It’s not necessarily bad, but should be approached carefully if you are not urgently exploring new roles. Ensure it aligns with your employer’s policies and culture. Consider limiting visibility or notifying your manager first before displaying.
Do I have to apply to jobs if open to work?
No, having open to work enabled does not obligate you to apply to any specific roles. You are in full control of which opportunities you decide to pursue with full applications and interviews.
How quickly can I remove the status if needed?
You can instantly toggle off open to work in your profile settings at any time. It is easily removable the moment you wish to no longer display it on your profile.
Will all my connections be notified if I’m open?
No, open to work will not mass notify your connections or post on feeds. The indicator simply becomes visible on your profile to direct connections and recruiters. You control notifications.
Conclusion
Displaying “open to work” on your LinkedIn profile is an effective way to passively signal you are receptive to learning about new job opportunities in your network. It allows you to quietly explore prospects without an active job search. However, use the status strategically and toggle off when appropriate. With the right approach, it can expand possibilities and surface exciting new roles well aligned to your skills and interests.