How to Add Open To Work on Linkedin

How to Put Open To Work on Linkedin – In today’s competitive job market, LinkedIn is one of the best platforms to network, showcase your professional experience, and even land your next job. One of the standout features for job seekers is the “Open to Work” feature, which allows users to privately signal to recruiters that they are looking for new opportunities. This guide will walk you through the process of activating the “Open to Work” feature and tips on how to use it effectively.

Why Use the “Open To Work” Feature?

The “Open To Work” feature is a great way to communicate your availability for new job opportunities without alerting your current employer. It helps LinkedIn members get discovered by recruiters who are looking for candidates with your skill set. This feature also enables you to be proactive in your job search, making it easier for hiring professionals to reach out to you.

What is Open to Work Feature?

LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature was designed to help those looking for new professional opportunities.

It allows users to discreetly or openly signal their interest in new job openings. Users can add a frame to their profile picture indicating that they are “Open to Work,” and specify the types of positions they are interested in, the locations where they would like to work, and when they are available to start.

The benefits of using the Open to Work feature are multiple for job seekers. It increases the visibility of the profile to recruiters and hiring managers who use LinkedIn to find candidates.

It also signals to members of the user’s network that the user is open to new opportunities , which can encourage referrals and connections. Finally, it can help users be targeted for more relevant job opportunities thanks to LinkedIn’s algorithms that use this information to recommend jobs.

Steps to enable Open to Work on your LinkedIn profile

To benefit from the visibility and advantages offered by the Open to Work feature on LinkedIn, follow these steps:

1. Access your LinkedIn profile: Log in to your LinkedIn account and click on your profile picture to access your personal page.
2. Locate the section dedicated to the job search indication: On your profile, look for the “Featured” section or click on the “Add a section to profile” button. Select “Looking for a new opportunity” to begin setting your job search preference.
3. Choose and customize the Open to Work frame: You will have the option to make your job search status visible to all LinkedIn users or only to recruiters. Select your privacy preferences based on your current situation and your need for discretion. You can also customize the type of positions sought, the desired locations, and from when you are available.
4. Tips to optimize your profile with relevant keywords and skills: To effectively promote your profile, it is crucial to optimize it with relevant keywords that match the positions you are targeting. Integrate these keywords into different sections of your profile such as the headline, summary, and skills section. Make sure your professional experience is up to date and detail your accomplishments with quantitative and qualitative data that demonstrate your expertise and success.

By following these steps, you will maximize your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers, while highlighting your openness to new professional opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Activating “Open To Work” on LinkedIn

1. Log In to Your LinkedIn Account

• Open your browser and go to LinkedIn.com.
• Log in with your username and password.

2. Go to Your Profile

• Once you are logged in, navigate to your LinkedIn profile by clicking on your profile picture or your name at the top left of the homepage.

3. Click on the “Open To” Button

• On your profile page, below your profile photo and headline, you’ll see a button labeled “Open to”. Click on this button, and a dropdown menu will appear.

4. Select “Finding a New Job”

• After clicking “Open to,” select “Finding a New Job” from the options. This option signals that you’re open to new career opportunities.

5. Fill Out Your Preferences

• LinkedIn will prompt you to fill out more details about the job you’re looking for. The information you can add includes:
  • Job titles you are interested in (e.g., Software Developer, Marketing Manager).
  • Locations where you’re willing to work (e.g., Remote, New York City).
  • Start Date – Whether you’re looking for immediate opportunities or open to positions starting in the future.
  • Job Types – Full-time, part-time, freelance, etc.
• You can choose to keep this information private (visible only to recruiters) or public (visible to your LinkedIn network).

6. Choose Who Can See Your “Open To Work” Status

• Private to Recruiters: This means only LinkedIn Recruiter users (recruiters who pay for the LinkedIn premium recruiter service) will be able to see that you’re looking for new opportunities.
• Public: When you choose to make your “Open To Work” status visible to your network, a green #OpenToWork frame will appear around your LinkedIn profile picture. This helps friends, peers, and hiring managers know that you’re open to new opportunities.

7. Review and Save Your Preferences

• Once you’ve completed all the fields, review your preferences, then click “Add to Profile” to save your information.

Your Open to Work status will now be visible according to the privacy settings you’ve chosen.

Tips for Maximizing the Open to Work Feature

1. Be Clear About Your Job Preferences

• Provide detailed information about the positions you are looking for. If you’re interested in a specific industry or skillset, make sure to highlight it.

2. Keep Your Profile Up-to-Date

• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is fully updated with your latest resume details, work experience, and skills. This is critical to increase the chances of recruiters reaching out to you.

3. Engage with Your LinkedIn Network

• Engage in LinkedIn groups, comment on posts, and share valuable insights or articles. Networking is key to discovering new opportunities, and it can increase your visibility.

4. Leverage the “Easy Apply” Feature

• Many job postings on LinkedIn have an Easy Apply option, where you can apply directly through LinkedIn with your profile and resume. When you’ve activated the “Open to Work” feature, you may get more visibility from recruiters who post jobs with this option.

5. Set Up Job Alerts

• In addition to the “Open to Work” feature, set up job alerts on LinkedIn for specific job titles, locations, or companies you are interested in. This way, you will be notified of opportunities in real-time.

6. Be Mindful of Privacy

• If you’re concerned about your current employer finding out that you’re looking for new opportunities, ensure that your “Open to Work” status is only visible to recruiters.

How Recruiters Use Open to Work

Recruiters on LinkedIn use the “Open to Work” feature to quickly identify candidates who are actively looking for new job opportunities. By filling out this information, your profile becomes searchable by recruiters who use LinkedIn’s advanced filters to find the right candidate.

Read Also: 10 LinkedIn Profile Tips in 2025 (Proven Ways to Stand Out)

Best practices for standing out as an Open to Work candidate

To distinguish yourself as a candidate actively seeking opportunities, adopt these LinkedIn best practices:

1. Importance of a professional profile picture and the Open to Work banner: Your profile picture is often the first impression you make. Make sure it is professional, with a neutral background and adequate lighting. Adding the Open to Work frame to your profile picture can also draw attention to your availability, but do this with caution if you are still employed and prefer a discreet search.
2. Writing an engaging and goal-oriented resume: Your resume should reflect not only your past experiences but also your aspirations. Use clear and compelling language to describe your skills, accomplishments, and what you’re looking for. This is your personal pitch, so make sure it’s succinct, engaging, and aligned with the opportunities you’re pursuing.
3. How to engage with your network to increase your visibility: Actively engage with your network by sharing relevant content, commenting on posts, and participating in LinkedIn groups. This can increase your visibility and show your commitment to your field of work. Also, don’t forget to let your network know that you’re looking for opportunities, as a connection or referral can often open doors.
4. Use endorsements and validations to build credibility: Recommendations from your colleagues, managers, or collaborators can greatly enhance the credibility of your profile. They provide social proof of your skills and performance. Similarly, skill validations from your peers add value to your profile because they confirm your expertise in specific areas.

By implementing these practices, you will be able to optimize your profile for job searching on LinkedIn and increase your chances of being noticed by potential recruiters.

Conclusion

Activating the Open to Work feature on LinkedIn can significantly enhance your job search and make it easier for recruiters to find you. By following the steps outlined above and optimizing your LinkedIn profile, you increase your chances of landing your next job. Whether you’re searching for a remote job, a full-time position, or a freelance gig, this tool gives you the flexibility to tailor your job search preferences and make connections that will lead to new career opportunities.