LinkedIn #opentowork Photo Frame

Question

Hi all - I am looking for everyone’s take on the new #opentowork LinkedIn photo frame. I do think it is an interesting way to increase visibility, but I am concerned that it will inhibit my networking strategy if that is the first thing new contacts see. However, when I went to update my job titles, I noticed it is now mandatory in order to be visible to recruiters. Otherwise, you are limited to only recruiters. Is it worth it?

Anne Barnwell · Answer

I have talked to many career coaches and resume writers and the general view is that it comes across as a bit desperate.

I take a different approach. I don't consider it necessary or the best approach. A recruiter and employer will contact you not because you're looking. They contact you because they believe you would be an excellent candidate. Therefore, focus on a strong headline, summary, work experience, recommendations, and whatever else you can leverage on your profile. That will do a lot more for you.

Good luck!

Kelly Jo Drey · Answer

The photo is frame is ugly. I don't want it on my profile pic next to my cute face

Anonymous · Answer

They may as well give jobseekers a 'desperate loser' photo frame.  I've had it with LinkedIn since they became a pay-to-play site.  In addition to these ridiculous and empty 'improvements,' LinkedIn is now a minefield of fake recruiters,  phishing scams and job postings that aren't real, and yet jobseekers are forced to use it because the HR industry says it's a requirement.  As long as LinkedIn has a monopoly on the market, they have no incentive to provide anything of real value in return.  They captured all of our data when they were a free site, and now they're holding it hostage and won't release it unless we pay them for a Premium account.  Such a brilliant con. Microsoft paid $26 BILLION for LinkedIn so I guess they have to make that money back somehow, even by extorting money from jobseekers who can't even afford to put food on the table.  So sad.

VALERRY MANNARINO · Answer

I did add it, even though I understand the hesitation because we all know that candidates currently working are more likely contacted first.  However, I think the circumstances are different right now and if someone felt awkward after I mention being laid off during the lockdown, I would wonder where they've been hiding.  This current influx of candidates is not a reflection of poor character or talent, it's circumstatial and should be kept in mind when interviewing candidates.  I added it to mine.

Lori Parker · Answer

This is my personal opinion;
I'm looking for a job on LinkedIn and when I updated my information the other day and saw that, I was unhappy and embarrassed a bit! It makes me feel like I look desperate!

I want to have the decision as to whether I put that out prominently. I don't like having it done to me, especially without my knowledge.

I have been getting contact from recruiters but I always have. They just never follow through. The only reason I am playing for LinkedIn right now is because I'm looking for a job. If it's of not use or whatever I get a job, it's back to the free listing!

Anonymous · Answer

It's possible that this hasn't been universally rolled out, but I have myself visible to recruiters and didn't need to add a photoframe. Maybe I'm misunderstanding? Just double checked and toggled my settings to be sure.

Anonymous · Answer

I added it to my profile. I was contacted by a recruiter, and as a former recruiter, we had a nice chat. He talked up a job that would not be a fit for me but then suggested another type of job coming up that was right up my alley. He was just hesitant to discuss it because it was part-time and a few steps down from what I used to do. However, I'm looking for part-time work.

In short, I found it to be very productive right away. At the very least, it opens up connections.

Anne Knox · Answer

I think the open to work is a response to current crisis where there are so many people out of jobs

Alisa Goldschmidt · Answer

Glad this topic was raised because I was also hesitant and felt it might look desperate. For the time being I'm going to skip it.

Carrie Topolski · Answer

I just updated my profile with the open to work frame. It was not required for recruiters only.  Until I decided to share it with all of LinkedIn members plus recruiters it didn't give me the option to add that frame.

LinkedIn #opentowork Photo Frame

You're invited.

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