LinkedIn Open to Work: What It Means, How It Works, and If You Should Use It

LinkedIn Open to Work: What It Means, How It Works, and If You Should Use It

LinkedIn Open to Work: What It Means, How It Works, and If You Should Use It

LinkedIn Basics

Yasmina Akni Ebourki

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Last updated: Aug 12, 2025

The phrase LinkedIn open to work has taken on new life in recent years as job seekers look for better ways to connect with recruiters and employers.

Whether you're currently unemployed, considering a career shift, or just testing the waters, understanding how to use LinkedIn's #OpenToWork feature could be a strategic move.

In this guide, you'll learn how it works, if it really helps, and how to manage it like a pro.

Understanding #OpenToWork on LinkedIn

What does #OpenToWork mean on LinkedIn?

The #OpenToWork badge on LinkedIn is a visual indicator that lets your network and recruiters know you're open to job opportunities.

It appears either on your profile photo (public option) or only visible to recruiters (private setting). This badge is often accompanied by the green ring and the hashtag #opentowork, signaling your intent clearly and publicly.

The goal of the “Open to Work” badge was created to empower job seekers by increasing their visibility to recruiters.

The idea was to streamline hiring and give those actively looking for jobs a leg up in a highly competitive market, complementing other LinkedIn features like recommendations to showcase your professional credibility.

How LinkedIn Open to Work Works

Public vs private visibility options

LinkedIn offers two visibility settings when you activate Open to Work:

  • Public: Shows the green #opentowork photo frame to everyone on LinkedIn.

  • Private: Only shows your status to LinkedIn Recruiter users, not your public network.

Choosing between them depends on your current employment situation and how discreet you want to be.

What recruiters see vs what your network sees

When set to private, only users with LinkedIn Recruiter licenses can view your Open to Work status, along with your preferred job roles, location, and start dates.

Your existing connections won’t see it, making it ideal for passive or stealth job seekers.

Activating Open to Work can improve your job matching on LinkedIn.

The platform’s algorithm prioritizes matching your profile to recruiters’ searches and shows you tailored job recommendations based on your preferences.

How to Turn On Open to Work on LinkedIn

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Go to your LinkedIn profile.

  2. Click the “Open to” button under your profile picture.

  3. Select “Finding a new job.”

  4. Fill out job titles, location preferences, job types (full-time, remote, contract, etc.).

  5. Choose your visibility: Recruiters only or All LinkedIn members.

  6. Save your preferences.

Tips for optimizing your profile when active

In addition, if you want to improve the visibility of your profile, not only to recruiters but also to founders and others, you need to keep in mind:

  • Use a professional photo, especially if you’re enabling the #opentowork banner.

  • Update your headline with your target role and industry.

  • Write a compelling summary with relevant skills and career goals.

  • Make sure your experience and skills align with the roles you're targeting.

Pros and cons of showing you're job hunting

Pros:

  • Increases profile visibility to recruiters.

  • Enables better job matching through LinkedIn’s algorithm.

  • Encourages your network to send referrals.

Cons:

  • May signal to current employers that you’re leaving.

  • Some recruiters prefer passive candidates.

  • The badge could be perceived as desperation by some (though this stigma is fading).

Recruiters generally appreciate the transparency, especially when Open to Work is paired with a well-optimized profile.

However, some hiring professionals caution that merely adding the badge without tailoring your profile or resume won't deliver results.

How to Customize Your Job Preferences with LinkedIn Open to Work

Turning on Open to Work is just the first step, the real magic happens when you fine-tune your job preferences.

This is where you tell LinkedIn (and recruiters) exactly what you’re looking for, so the opportunities that come your way are not just frequent, but also relevant.

The more precise you are, the more the algorithm can work in your favor and the less time you’ll waste on unsuitable offers.

Job Titles, Locations, and Remote Preferences

  • Be strategic with your keywords : Use job titles that align with the roles you’re actively targeting.

  • Specify relocation preferences: If you’re open to moving, list the exact cities or regions instead of saying “anywhere.”

  • Clarify work arrangement preferences: State clearly whether you want a fully remote, hybrid, or In-office position.

While it’s tempting to cast a wide net, being too broad can backfire. Avoid vague titles like “Manager” or “Consultant,” as they don’t tell recruiters enough.

Listing too many locations can dilute your focus, and adding jobs you’re not qualified for can damage your credibility.

Pro tip: Revisit and update these settings every few weeks. As your search evolves, so should your preferences, keeping you aligned with the best opportunities available.

How to Customize Your Job Preferences with LinkedIn Open to Work

Turning on Open to Work is just the first step, the real magic happens when you fine-tune your job preferences.

This is where you tell LinkedIn (and recruiters) exactly what you’re looking for, so the opportunities that come your way are not just frequent, but also relevant.

The more precise you are, the more the algorithm can work in your favor and the less time you’ll waste on unsuitable offers.

Job Titles, Locations, and Remote Preferences

  • Be strategic with your keywords : Use job titles that align with the roles you’re actively targeting.

  • Specify relocation preferences: If you’re open to moving, list the exact cities or regions instead of saying “anywhere.”

  • Clarify work arrangement preferences: State clearly whether you want a fully remote, hybrid, or In-office position.

While it’s tempting to cast a wide net, being too broad can backfire. Avoid vague titles like “Manager” or “Consultant,” as they don’t tell recruiters enough.

Listing too many locations can dilute your focus, and adding jobs you’re not qualified for can damage your credibility.

Pro tip: Revisit and update these settings every few weeks. As your search evolves, so should your preferences, keeping you aligned with the best opportunities available.

How to Customize Your Job Preferences with LinkedIn Open to Work

Turning on Open to Work is just the first step, the real magic happens when you fine-tune your job preferences.

This is where you tell LinkedIn (and recruiters) exactly what you’re looking for, so the opportunities that come your way are not just frequent, but also relevant.

The more precise you are, the more the algorithm can work in your favor and the less time you’ll waste on unsuitable offers.

Job Titles, Locations, and Remote Preferences

  • Be strategic with your keywords : Use job titles that align with the roles you’re actively targeting.

  • Specify relocation preferences: If you’re open to moving, list the exact cities or regions instead of saying “anywhere.”

  • Clarify work arrangement preferences: State clearly whether you want a fully remote, hybrid, or In-office position.

While it’s tempting to cast a wide net, being too broad can backfire. Avoid vague titles like “Manager” or “Consultant,” as they don’t tell recruiters enough.

Listing too many locations can dilute your focus, and adding jobs you’re not qualified for can damage your credibility.

Pro tip: Revisit and update these settings every few weeks. As your search evolves, so should your preferences, keeping you aligned with the best opportunities available.

How to Customize Your Job Preferences with LinkedIn Open to Work

Turning on Open to Work is just the first step, the real magic happens when you fine-tune your job preferences.

This is where you tell LinkedIn (and recruiters) exactly what you’re looking for, so the opportunities that come your way are not just frequent, but also relevant.

The more precise you are, the more the algorithm can work in your favor and the less time you’ll waste on unsuitable offers.

Job Titles, Locations, and Remote Preferences

  • Be strategic with your keywords : Use job titles that align with the roles you’re actively targeting.

  • Specify relocation preferences: If you’re open to moving, list the exact cities or regions instead of saying “anywhere.”

  • Clarify work arrangement preferences: State clearly whether you want a fully remote, hybrid, or In-office position.

While it’s tempting to cast a wide net, being too broad can backfire. Avoid vague titles like “Manager” or “Consultant,” as they don’t tell recruiters enough.

Listing too many locations can dilute your focus, and adding jobs you’re not qualified for can damage your credibility.

Pro tip: Revisit and update these settings every few weeks. As your search evolves, so should your preferences, keeping you aligned with the best opportunities available.

How to Customize Your Job Preferences with LinkedIn Open to Work

Turning on Open to Work is just the first step, the real magic happens when you fine-tune your job preferences.

This is where you tell LinkedIn (and recruiters) exactly what you’re looking for, so the opportunities that come your way are not just frequent, but also relevant.

The more precise you are, the more the algorithm can work in your favor and the less time you’ll waste on unsuitable offers.

Job Titles, Locations, and Remote Preferences

  • Be strategic with your keywords : Use job titles that align with the roles you’re actively targeting.

  • Specify relocation preferences: If you’re open to moving, list the exact cities or regions instead of saying “anywhere.”

  • Clarify work arrangement preferences: State clearly whether you want a fully remote, hybrid, or In-office position.

While it’s tempting to cast a wide net, being too broad can backfire. Avoid vague titles like “Manager” or “Consultant,” as they don’t tell recruiters enough.

Listing too many locations can dilute your focus, and adding jobs you’re not qualified for can damage your credibility.

Pro tip: Revisit and update these settings every few weeks. As your search evolves, so should your preferences, keeping you aligned with the best opportunities available.

Does Open to Work on LinkedIn Work?

LinkedIn’s own data reveals a compelling statistic: users who activate Open to Work are 40% more likely to receive InMail messages from recruiters. That’s not just a small bump; it’s a significant advantage in a crowded job market.

More InMails mean more opportunities to showcase your skills, more chances to land interviews, and ultimately, a faster route to your next role.

What makes it more effective

  1. Updating your resume and attaching it to your profile.

  2. Engaging with content in your industry.

  3. Messaging recruiters directly after applying for jobs.

  4. Publishing posts that demonstrate expertise or industry insights.

How to quietly signal recruiters

If you’re still employed or don’t want to publicly display the Open to Work badge, you can start your job search by:

  • Using private visibility for Open to Work.

  • Turning on “Let recruiters know you’re open” under LinkedIn Settings.

  • Joining groups in your industry and networking privately.

New Job Announcement on LinkedIn: Best Practices

How to professionally announce you’re hired

A job announcement should be gracious, positive, and forward-looking. Be sure to mention:

  • Your new company and role

  • What you’re excited about

  • Appreciation for your previous company or team

We’ve covered this in detail in our full article on how to announce a new job on LinkedIn, where you’ll find best practices and even ready-to-use post templates to make your update stand out.

How to Remove Open to Work on LinkedIn

If all goes well and your job search pays off, there’s one last step you shouldn’t overlook, removing the Open to Work status.

Leaving it up after you’ve secured a new role can create confusion for recruiters and may even raise questions from your new employer. Think of it as closing the loop on your search and presenting a fresh, updated professional image.

Here’s how to remove it:

  1. Go to your LinkedIn profile.

  2. Click the “Open to” section.

  3. Select the pencil (edit) icon next to your job preferences.

  4. Choose “Delete from profile” and save.

It’s best to remove Open to Work when:

  • You’ve accepted a new job: This shows your network and recruiters you’re no longer available, keeping your professional brand up to date.

  • You’re taking a break from the job hunt: No need to signal availability if you’re pausing your search.

  • You’re receiving too many irrelevant offers: Removing the badge can help filter out noise and ensure only targeted opportunities reach you.

Instead of simply removing it, consider replacing it with an updated headline or post celebrating your new role. This keeps your profile active, tells your success story, and helps you maintain visibility for future opportunities, without signaling you’re job hunting.

Conclusion: Should You Use LinkedIn Open to Work in 2025?

In 2025, LinkedIn Open to Work remains one of the most powerful tools for boosting visibility and attracting targeted opportunities, but only if you use it strategically.

When paired with a fully optimized profile, clear job preferences, and active networking, it can dramatically shorten your job search timeline and connect you directly with decision-makers.

That said, the badge itself isn’t a magic wand.

Success comes from how you present your skills, engage with your network, and position yourself as the solution to an employer’s needs. Use Open to Work to start conversations, not just as a passive signal.

And once you’ve landed the role you want, don’t forget to update your profile to reflect your new chapter, because your LinkedIn presence is part of your personal brand, not just your job hunt.

FAQ

1. What does #OpenToWork mean on LinkedIn?

#OpenToWork is a LinkedIn feature and badge that signals to recruiters and your network that you’re actively seeking new job opportunities. When enabled, it adds a green frame around your profile photo and lets you specify job preferences, making it easier for recruiters to find you based on what you’re looking for.

2. Should I put Open to Work on LinkedIn?

Yes, especially if you’re actively job hunting, because it boosts your visibility to recruiters. However, if you’re currently employed, consider your privacy and how it might be perceived by your employer or colleagues. LinkedIn offers options to display this status only to recruiters, not to your entire network.

3. How do I turn off Open to Work on LinkedIn?

To turn it off, go to your profile, click the “Open to” button, then select “Edit” and remove or hide your job preferences. This way, you control when you want to stop showing that you’re open to new opportunities.

4. Will my employer see I’m Open to Work?

LinkedIn tries to protect your privacy by letting you share your #OpenToWork status only with recruiters. However, it can’t guarantee 100% that someone at your current company won’t see it, especially if they use premium LinkedIn accounts or LinkedIn Recruiter.

5. Is there a stigma around #OpenToWork?

Nowadays, many professionals see it as a sign of confidence and proactive career management. Being open to new opportunities is becoming more accepted and even respected in today’s job market.

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MagicPost is not only your favorite AI LinkedIn Post Generator. It is the all-in-one platform for effortlessly creating engaging content on LinkedIn.

No credit card required

Enjoy your free trial.