If you’re looking to let recruiters and employers know you’re ready for your next job opportunity, the “Open to Work” feature on LinkedIn is a fantastic tool. But how do you turn it on? Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Two Ways to Activate the “Open to Work” Feature
Option 1: Look for the Prompt on Your Profile
On your LinkedIn profile, you might see a section labeled “Show recruiters you’re open to work.” It’s often right at the top of your profile, or you may need to scroll down slightly to find it.
- Click “Get Started.”
- A pop-up will appear where you can fill in the necessary details.
If you don’t see this prompt, don’t worry—there’s another way.
Option 2: Use the “Open To” Section
Right under your name and headline, there’s a button labeled “Open To.”
- Click on it and select “Finding a new job.”
- This will take you to the same pop-up window where you can customize your settings.
What to Include in Your “Open to Work” Settings
Once you’ve accessed the settings, here’s what you need to do:
- Job Titles: You can choose up to five roles you’re interested in.
- Location Types: Select whether you’re looking for onsite, hybrid, or remote opportunities.
- Location: Add the cities, states, or provinces where you’re willing to work.
- Start Date: Specify whether you’re ready to start immediately or are flexible.
- Employment Type: Indicate if you’re looking for full-time, part-time, contract, or other work arrangements.
Visibility Options: Who Can See You’re Open to Work?
You have two choices for who can see your “Open to Work” status:
- Recruiters Only:
- Only recruiters with access to LinkedIn Recruiter (a paid tool for employers) can see that you’re open to new opportunities.
- This option does not add the green “#OpenToWork” banner to your profile picture.
- All LinkedIn Members:
- This option displays the green “#OpenToWork” banner around your profile picture, making it visible to everyone on LinkedIn, including recruiters and your network.
Once you’ve selected your preferred option, click “Save.”
Optional: Job Alerts and Notifications
After activating the feature, LinkedIn may prompt you to sign up for job notifications or email updates. You can choose whether to enable these updates based on your preferences.
Why Turn On the “Open to Work” LinkedIn Feature?
This feature is a great way to signal to recruiters and employers that you’re actively looking for new opportunities. If you’re wondering whether or not to use it, check out this video where I break down the pros and cons to help you decide.
With this simple setup, you’ll be one step closer to landing your next opportunity. If you have questions or need personalized career support, book a consultation with us: https://weapply.ca/book-a-consultation
