I am hearing mixed advice about using the "Open to work" feature on LinkedIn.

Rachael Stachowiak

October 6,2022 at 11:27PM UTC

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I am hearing mixed advice about using the "Open to work" feature on LinkedIn. Some say that a recruiters are less likely to connect with candidates utilizing this feature. They believe it to be a call of "desperation." Personally, I don't agree, but I seeking more perspective!

Can you tell me about your success, questions or lessons learned when utilizing this feature? What do you think?

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Barb HansenOctober 6,2022 at 11:51PM UTC
So, saying that you're "looking for work" makes someone look desperate? That's an odd flex isn't it? What's next, saying that "applying for a job" makes someone look desperate? :-)
My opinion - I don't see anything wrong with someone marking their profile as "open for work" on LinkedIn and I haven't heard anyone say that it looks desperate. I believe you that you've heard that, I have just not experienced it :)
AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 3:35AM UTC
I personally have never used this feature. I don't feel that it's a "cry of desperation" but I'd rather just fly under the radar. Just a personal choice (subject to change).
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 7,2022 at 4:45AM UTC
Personally, as a recruiter with over 20 years experience, I LOVE to see the green banner and reach out to those candidates first.
The "makes you look desperate" nonsense is one of the most ridiculous pieces of BS "advice" targeted at job seekers that I've seen.
The consensus among recruiters - a jobseeker's target audience - is that they also love it.
AnonymousOctober 23,2022 at 3:57AM UTC
And yet I hear the LinkedIn algorithm itself placed more importance on those currently employed. A little frustrating if not discouraging.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 23,2022 at 9:08PM UTC
No - it gives me "Open to work" people in my search results first.
AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 9:01AM UTC
Never used the feature. But even if I did, linked in would not be the only or primary means for job hunting. So that mindset in the post is ridiculous but bc I wouldn’t put all my energy or faith in a linked in recruiter, I’m not bothered by it.
Kathryn MontbriandOctober 7,2022 at 1:00PM UTC
One angle I'll add here - including the banner also notifies other people in your network that you are looking for work and will (hopefully) make it more likely they remember to recommend or refer you if an opportunity comes across their desk.
I've definitely done that for folks in my network who have the green banner up.
Kimberly HOctober 23,2022 at 2:55AM UTC
I have used the banner, and it worked. I also tailored my profile for my situation during that time period. Recruiter noted that my profile “helped” her find me. I think the banner is a great feature
Rika M PhippsOctober 30,2022 at 2:18AM UTC
I think it's helpful. It's LinkedIn, a professional network, not FB or Twitter.
Gisele CloutierNovember 17,2022 at 7:29PM UTC
I notice it right away and those potential candidates get priority calls.