Should you use LinkedIN's "Open to Work" feature?

What's the "Open to Work" feature

LinkedIn introduced the "Open to Work" feature in July 2020 as a way to help people navigate the challenging job market during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It allows you to signal your interest to recruiters and hiring managers by adding an "Open to Work" badge to your profile photo. (check how it works on the LinkedIn website).

As part of TechieCV’s LinkedIn Optimization service, I answer frequent questions about the privacy around this feature.

It’s a valid worry, especially when you're exploring new opportunities on the “down low”.

We’ll answer all that, but first, is the feature even useful?

Recruiters love the “Open To Work” feature.

It was one of my favorite features as a recruiter for Google. Here's why.

Recruiters have to sort through hundreds (sometimes thousands) of profiles. They have a limited amount of time, and a limited number of “InMails” (direct outreach emails) to send.

The “Open to Work” feature shows up in the search results. It provides recruiters with a list of candidates they can reach out to with a potentially high response rate.

So recruiters will start by messaging the “Open to Work” list before anyone else.

You should be on that list!

Will the "Open to Work" badge be visible to your employer?

The "Open to Work" status is not shown to people working within your company. However, according to LinkedIn's own admission, this is only 99% effective.

For example, if someone from your company does not include their current employment or uses a different company name, then the "Open to Work" status will be visible.

Will it make your current employer consider letting you go?

In the rare chance that your employer sees your "Open to Work" status, they might understand that you are not happy with your current situation.

However, their response to this information depends on their policies and perspective.

Some employers may proactively reach out to discuss how they can improve your experience and encourage you to stay. Others might "brace for impact" and look for a replacement.

In any case, getting fired due to an "Open to Work" status is very unlikely. You just have to know the risk.

Will it make potential employers think you're about to be fired?

No.

This is a widely used feature on LinkedIn and does not send any negative signals to employers. Remember: employers and recruiters also think about their own interests.

They appreciate knowing that a candidate is open to opportunities because it saves them time and effort.

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