LinkedIn Guide

How to Add LinkedIn "Open to Work" and Find a Job

Discover how to use LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' feature effectively for your job search. Activate now!

Saurav Gupta
Founder & CEO
September 10, 2023
Table of contents

Are you looking for your next career move?

In this blog, we’ll show you how to enable the badge, customize preferences, and improve your visibility among recruiters.

LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature serves as a beacon, signaling to the LinkedIn community that you are actively seeking new job prospects. 

The 'Open to Work' banner  can give your job search a considerable boost, so let's dive deeper into the steps to activate this feature, along with some tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile for enhanced visibility.

What is LinkedIn “Open to Work”? 

The LinkedIn "Open to Work" feature functions as a virtual billboard, conveying your active job-seeking status to recruiters and fellow LinkedIn members alike.

It's your way of saying, "I'm ready for new challenges, and I want you to know it."

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How to add open to work on LinkedIn?

Getting started with the "Open to Work" feature is a straightforward process that can yield substantial results. Simply follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Your Profile

Log in to your LinkedIn account by entering your Email and Password.

Navigate to your profile by clicking on your profile picture at the top left corner.

navigating your profile on LinkedIn
Source: Linkedin

2. View Your Profile

Select "View Profile" to access your profile page.

Viewing your profile on LinkedIn
Source: LinkedIn

3. Activate the Feature

Below your profile photo and headline, you'll spot a button labeled "Open to." Click on it to initiate the process.

Experience in Linkedin
 Source: LinkedIn

4. Specify Your Intent

Opt for "Finding a new job" as your intent, clearly communicating your primary goal.

Open to work on LinkedIn
 Source: LinkedIn
Telling people; what kind on work you're open to
 Source: LinkedIn

5. Visibility Settings

Choose whether you want your job-seeking status visible to all LinkedIn members or exclusively to recruiters. The broader visibility option even grants you the coveted "#OpenToWork" photo frame, ensuring your profile stands out.

 Source: LinkedIn

6. Apply Changes

Confirm your preferences by clicking "Add to profile," and your new status is live!

 Source: LinkedIn
 Source: LinkedIn

How to Turn Off or Remove open to work on LinkedIn?

Turning off or removing the "Open to Work" feature on LinkedIn is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to do so:

  • Log In to Your LinkedIn Account: Access your LinkedIn account by entering your login credentials.
  • Access Your Profile: Click on your profile picture or your name at the top of the LinkedIn homepage to navigate to your profile.
  • Remove Open to Work: Click on the pencil icon to edit the "Open to Work" status. You'll be presented with a pop-up window that allows you to manage your job-seeking preferences.
 Source: LinkedIn
  • Click See all details.
 Source: LinkedIn
  • Click on the Edit Pen, then Click Delete Profile.
 Source: LinkedIn
 Source: LinkedIn

However, the visible badge will be removed from your profile.

Optimizing Your Use of the "Open to Work" Feature

To truly  maximize the potential of the "Open to Work" feature, consider these strategies:

1. Forge Meaningful Connections

Forge valuable connections with recruiters and professionals within your chosen industry. Engaging with like-minded individuals opens doors to potential job opportunities and offers you valuable insights into the job market

By actively participating in conversations and reaching out to connect, you amplify your networking efforts. which means that you’re more likely to get a job when you need one. You should always network with recruiters much before you’re actually looking for a new job. 

2. Leverage the "Easy Apply" Advantage

You can accelerate your job application process by using LinkedIn's "Easy Apply" feature. It empowers you to apply for positions seamlessly, directly from your profile. 

You can swiftly respond to job openings with a single click, so you won’t have to spend hours click-clacking on buttons. . If you combine the “Easy Apply” feature with the “Open to work” on your profile, it makes it very easy for recruiters to view your job-seeking status and qualifications with ease.

3. Prompt and Professional Responses

When recruiters initiate contact through InMail messages, you should seize the opportunity to respond promptly and professionally. Demonstrating your enthusiasm and attentiveness underscores your commitment to the job search. 

This engagement can leave a lasting impression for further interactions, aligning well with your "Open to Work" status.

4. Embrace Active Industry Involvement

You should  actively involve yourself  in industry events, whether virtual webinars or physical conferences. Engaging with fellow professionals and thought leaders exposes you to potential employers and expands your knowledge base. 

Attending workshops and seminars provides avenues to showcase your "Open to Work" status, and making connections within your industry might lead to exciting job prospects.

5. Showcase Expertise Through Content

You can increase your profile's visibility by showcasing your expertise through content creation. Try to write at least one article a month that show your understanding of industry trends and challenges.

Sharing your unique perspectives positions you as a thought leader, enhancing your chances of standing out to recruiters seeking individuals with the "Open to Work" status.

6. Curate and Display Your Work

Enhance your profile by curating a portfolio of your achievements, projects, and contributions. Visual representations of your work offer a comprehensive view of your capabilities, strengthening your profile's allure. 

Utilize the "Open to Work" feature to complement these representations, conveying your active job-seeking status to potential employers effectively.

7. Amplify Visibility Through LinkedIn Groups

Engage actively in LinkedIn groups pertinent to your industry. Participation in discussions, sharing insights, and networking within these groups heightens your visibility. 

Utilize the "Open to Work" feature to complement your group interactions, making your job-seeking status evident and capturing the attention of recruiters who frequent these forums.

Incorporate these strategies into your LinkedIn profile optimization, harnessing the potential of the "Open to Work" feature, and elevating your job-seeking journey. Strengthen your connections, respond promptly, showcase your expertise, and engage actively in industry circles, setting the stage for successful interactions with potential employers.

Conclusion 

Embrace the 'Open to Work' badge as your passport to a world of career possibilities. Seize control of your job search and enhance your chances of landing that dream role. 

With a few clicks, you'll be on your way to attracting tailored opportunities and forging new professional connections. Stay proactive, stay visible, and open the door to your future success. Start your journey today and witness how this small feature can make a monumental difference in your job search.

The "Open to Work" feature can be your secret weapon, catapulting your visibility and capturing the attention of recruiters actively seeking candidates like you. 

As you continue on your journey, remember that the true essence of success lies in the fusion of technology and your personal touch—making your LinkedIn profile not just a static snapshot but a dynamic representation of your professional aspirations. 

Embrace the power of the "Open to Work" feature, optimize your profile, and journey confidently towards the next chapter of your career.

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