How to Add Open to Work on LinkedIn and Why You Should Do It

Table of content:

Having a LinkedIn profile feels like being on Facebook, Instagram, or just about any social media platform. However, you don’t want just to have likes on your posts, you want to get noticed by employers. 

So, how can you reach out to recruiters and show you’re available for a new job right away? 

You can take advantage of LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork feature. 

This badge can signal your openness to new opportunities directly on your profile, but how do you use it effectively? And What happens when you put Open to Work on LinkedIn? 

If this term doesn’t ring any bells, don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything about it, including:

• What exactly #OpenToWork is
• Advantages of the feature 
• Why you should update your resume and online profile
• How to put #OpenToWork on your LinkedIn

Find out how to both use and make the most of the #OpenToWork feature. Whether you need a job right away or taking your time, find out how your online profile can help you get noticed by employers.

What Is LinkedIn’s Open to Work?

Just like a well-written cover letter, LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork feature allows you to grab a recruiter’s attention before they even get to your resume. 

As the name suggests, it shows that you are open to exploring new job prospects. 

Here’s a breakdown of what the #OpenToWork feature entails and how it can add to your profile:

• Visibility: Adds an #OpenToWork badge to your profile photo to indicate you’re seeking new opportunities
• Customization: Allows specification of desired job roles, industries, and locations
• Recruitment efficiency: Helps recruiters easily identify anyone looking for a position

If you use it correctly, it will streamline the job search and recruitment process, making it easier for employers to find you and help you get even one of America’s most in-demand jobs if you are lucky.

Advantages of Using LinkedIn Open to Work

The #OpenToWork feature on LinkedIn offers significant benefits. 

According to LinkedIn, users are twice as likely to be messaged by a recruiter if they have #OpenToWork activated. 

Here are some of the main advantages for job seekers:

• Increased visibility: Activating #OpenToWork makes your profile more visible to recruiters and hiring managers actively searching for candidates, potentially leading to more job opportunities.
• Market trends insight: It serves as an indicator of job market trends, helping you understand the demand in your industry and tailor your search accordingly.
• Streamlines recruitment: For recruiters, the feature is a clear signal that a candidate is open to opportunities, making the recruitment process more efficient.

You may hear that anyone who puts #OpenToWork in their profile is desperate. However,  it’s a strategic move. 

Remember, you can control who sees your #OpenToWork status, allowing for discreteness, especially if you’re currently employed.

How to Add #OpenToWork on LinkedIn: Step-by-Step

Activating LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork feature is a straightforward process. Here’s how to set it up and customize it according to your job-seeking preferences:

Step 1: Navigate to Your Profile: Log into LinkedIn and go to your profile page by clicking on your profile picture at the top of the homepage, then select “View Profile.”

Step 2: Activate #OpenToWork: Under your profile headline, you’ll find the “Open to” button. Click on it, then select “Finding a new job” to activate the #OpenToWork feature.

Step 3: Customize your job preferences: You’ll be prompted to fill in details about the type of job you’re seeking. This includes job titles, job types (full-time, part-time, on-site, etc.), preferred locations, and industries. Remember to be specific!

Step 4: Adjust Your visibility settings: Pick who you want to share the status, whether it’s only with recruiters or with all LinkedIn members.

Step 5: Save Your Settings: Once you’ve customized your preferences and visibility, save your changes. You can update these settings at any time by returning to the #OpenToWork section on your profile.

Why You Should Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Before Using #OpenToWork

While you’re probably starting to understand that the Open to Work feature can be very useful, don’t jump the gun just yet.

To ensure any hiring manager who finds your profile is impressed, first, you’ll need to:

• Enhance your resume
• Update your LinkedIn profile

An optimized resume and LinkedIn profile, tailored to highlight your strengths and achievements, ensure that this first impression is both memorable and positive.

Luckily, with our AI-enhanced resume builder, you can optimize yours in minutes. 

Take advantage of our tool to make sure any work history you have online is ready to impress recruiters.

Apart from that, go over our tips below on how to further optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

How to Optimize Your Resume

Optimizing your resume for each position you apply for is crucial. You’ll need to match the job description and align your qualifications with the role. 

To do that, you should:

• Use a clean, professional format with clear headings
• Ensure readability with a logical flow and concise language
• Add data to back up your experience and achievements
• Update your skills section
• Take advantage of resume templates to easily customize your resume

This personalized and strategic approach demonstrates your suitability for the position and sets you apart in the competitive job market.

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn

You also want to avoid having a LinkedIn page that looks plain and boring. Keep the following in mind to make your profile look more professional. 

• Your headline should state your current role or career objective, incorporating keywords relevant to your industry.
• Detail your work history by focusing on achievements and responsibilities in each role. Use bullet points for clarity and include quantifiable results when possible.
• Highlight relevant skills, focusing on those most in demand in your field.
• Get recommendations from colleagues, managers, or clients who can speak to your abilities and work ethic.

Networking plays a huge role when you have an online work profile. Make sure your goals and recommendations are up-to-date. 

How to Change #OpenToWork on LinkedIn

Of course, once you find a job, you’ll want to know how to turn off/remove open to work on LinkedIn. 

Once your job-seeking situation changes, or you simply wish to adjust your preferences, do the following to adjust your LinkedIn looking-for-work status:

1. Go back to the feature: Access your LinkedIn profile, find the #OpenToWork section, and click on the pencil icon to edit.
2. Update your preferences: From here, you can modify your job preferences, including job types and locations, or change your visibility settings to reflect your current job-seeking status.

Once it has been updated, remember to save your changes. 

If you ever want to remove it from your profile, you simply need to click “Delete.”

You can then re-enable it at any time, but you’ll need to update your preferences again. 

Now that you understand how this feature works, you can tailor your resume and LinkedIn to take advantage of one of the best job search sites. 

Start getting noticed and land your next position in no time.

Related Posts