Are you ready to take the next step in your career but unsure how to get noticed? A well-crafted “Open to Work” post on LinkedIn could be the key to unlocking new job opportunities.
Instead of scrolling through job listings, this approach lets your network—and recruiters—come to you.
Let’s break it down step by step. By the end, you’ll have a post that grabs attention, showcases your skills, and gets the right people reaching out. Plus, we’ll cover some templates and common issues to avoid.
How to Add the Open-to-Work Badge on LinkedIn
Updating your LinkedIn profile picture with the green frame and the hashtag #opentowork helps attract attention from businesses and the LinkedIn community regarding your job search intentions.
Here’s how you can do it, step by step:
1. Go to Your LinkedIn Profile
Head to your LinkedIn profile by clicking on your profile picture or name in the top menu.
2. Click on the “Open to” Button
Under your profile picture and headline, you’ll see a button that says “Open to.” Click it to start updating your job preferences.
3. Select “Finding a New Job”
From the drop-down menu, choose “Finding a New Job.” This will open a form where you can add details about the job types you’re interested in.
4. Fill Out Your Preferences
Here’s what to include:
- Job Titles: Enter the roles you’re targeting (e.g., Marketing Manager, Data Analyst).
- Locations: Specify where you’re open to working, whether remote, on-site, or in specific cities.
- Start Date: Indicate if you’re available immediately or in the near future.
- Job Types: Choose the types of roles you’re open to, such as full-time, part-time, contract, or internship.
5. Adjust Visibility Settings
Decide who can see your “Open to Work” status:
- Recruiters Only: This option makes your status visible only to recruiters (excluding recruiters at your current company).
- All LinkedIn Members: This adds the green “Open to Work” badge around your profile picture, making it clear to everyone that you’re seeking opportunities.
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6. Save Changes
Click “Add to Profile” to save your preferences. Your Open-to-Work status will now be active, and the badge will be visible if you select the “All LinkedIn Members” option.
How to Write an Open-to-Work Post on LinkedIn
Job seekers can use LinkedIn to boost their job search by creating a clear and engaging 'Open to Work' post. This helps you share your job hunt status and connect with your network effectively.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use the 'Open To Work' Flag: Make sure to enable the 'Open To Work' feature on your profile.
- Be Clear and Concise: When writing your post, be clear about the type of job you are looking for. Mention your skills, experience, and what you are seeking in your next role.
- Engage Your Network: Encourage your connections to share your post. The more visibility your post gets, the higher the chances of reaching potential employers.
- Include a Call to Action: Ask your network to help you by sharing your post or connecting you with opportunities.
Step 1: Start Strong
First impressions matter! Your opening line should set the tone—positive, professional, and engaging. If you're between jobs, present it as an exciting step in your career journey to find new opportunities.
Here’s a simple formula:
Example: “After an amazing journey as a [job title], I’m thrilled to announce that I’m exploring new opportunities in [industry or field].”
Want to make it personal? Highlight a passion or value that ties into the roles you’re targeting.
Example: “With a passion for [specific interest] and [X years] of experience in [key skill], I’m eager to bring my expertise to a dynamic new team.”
Step 2: Highlight Your Skills and Achievements
Why should someone hire you? This is where you showcase what you bring to the table to attract hiring managers. Focus on your accomplishments and strengths, and if you can, add metrics to show your impact.
Example: “In my [X years] as a [job title], I’ve successfully [key achievement]. My expertise in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3] has enabled me to [specific result or impact].”
Even if you’re early in your career, you can focus on skills, internships, or academic achievements that demonstrate your value.
Step 3: Be Clear About What You’re Looking For
Make it easy for recruiters and your network to support your career goals. Be specific about the roles, industries, and locations you’re targeting for your next job. If you’re open to remote work, make sure to mention that, too.
Example: “I’m currently seeking opportunities as a [desired job title] in [industry]. I’m open to roles in [location], as well as remote work.”
Adding a touch about what excites you in a role can make your ask more compelling.
Example: “I’m particularly excited about positions where I can [specific goal or responsibility] and use my skills to drive meaningful outcomes.”
Step 4: Let Your Personality Shine
A good post reflects who you are, especially during your job hunt. Share a bit about your passions, values, or what drives you in your career.
Example: “I’m passionate about [aspect of your work]. What inspires me most is [motivation or value], and I love [specific contribution or achievement]. I look forward to bringing this energy to my next role.”
Step 5: Add a Call to Action
Don’t leave your LinkedIn friends guessing! Tell them exactly how they can help.
Example: “If you know of opportunities or connections in [industry], I’d be grateful if you could reach out or share this post. Thank you so much for your support!”
Tips for Writing a Standout Open-to-Work Post on LinkedIn (With Examples)
Be Authentic
People connect better with real stories, so don’t be afraid to be yourself. Share a little about your journey or what excites you about the next step in your career. This can help you stand out in the competitive job market and show potential employers what makes you unique.
Example: Instead of saying: “I’m looking for a job in marketing.”
Try this: “After five incredible years building campaigns that connect with audiences, I’m ready to take on new challenges in the digital marketing space. I can’t wait to use my creativity to help brands tell their stories!”
See how the second one feels more personal? It makes people want to cheer for you!
Recommended Reading: 20 LinkedIn Post Examples to Increase Engagement
Use Keywords
Many job seekers find that keywords are like magnets for recruiters. If you’re targeting a specific job or industry, include relevant terms throughout your post.
Example: Instead of: “I’m looking for a job in IT.”
Try this: “I’m seeking opportunities as a Network Administrator or IT Support Specialist. My skills include troubleshooting hardware and software issues, optimizing network performance, and ensuring cybersecurity compliance.”
Now anyone searching for a “Network Administrator” might find you!
Keep It Professional but Personable
Think of your LinkedIn posts as a conversation. You want to sound approachable while staying professional. Adding a small personal touch can make your post noteworthy.
Example: “I’ve always been passionate about storytelling. Whether I’m writing scripts for videos or creating social media content, I love finding creative ways to engage an audience. Outside of work, I’m a big fan of cooking shows—probably because it’s another way of telling a story, just with food!”
That last part makes it feel like there’s a real person behind the post.
Leverage Visuals
Adding a photo or even a simple graphic can make your open-to-work LinkedIn post stand out in someone’s feed. If you’re feeling creative, use tools like Canva to make a small banner with your name and job title.
Example: Post a professional headshot with text like: “Hi! I’m [Your Name], and I’m open to opportunities in UX design. Let’s connect!”
This can grab attention as people scroll through their feeds.
Engage with Comments
When someone comments on your open-to-work posts, don’t just “like” it—reply! Engaging in the comments keeps your post active and shows that you’re approachable.
Example: If someone says: “Good luck in your search!”
You can reply with: “Thank you! I appreciate your support. If you know anyone hiring in [industry], please feel free to share my post!”
A simple reply could lead to a valuable connection.
Update Your Profile
Before you post, take a moment to update your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your photo is professional, your headline reflects what you’re looking for, and your “About” section highlights your top skills.
Example: If you’re seeking a job in sales, your headline could say:
"Sales Professional | Driving Growth Through Client Relationships and Strategic Solutions | Open to New Opportunities."
Optimize Your Post Timing
Recruiters on LinkedIn aren’t active 24/7, so timing matters. Posting in the morning (around 9–11 a.m.) or early afternoon (around 3–5 p.m.) usually gets the most engagement. Avoid weekends or late nights when fewer people are online.
If you’re scheduling a LinkedIn post, aim for a time when people are likely to check LinkedIn during their work breaks.
Follow Up with Your Network
Once you post, don’t stop there. Reach out directly to people in your network who might know about openings. Sometimes a personal message is even more effective than a public post.
Example: "Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I just shared a post about being open to work and thought of you because of your experience in [industry]. If you know of any opportunities, I’d be so grateful if you could share my post or connect me with someone in your network. Thank you so much!"
Personal connections can go a long way.
Be Open to Feedback
Before you hit “Post,” ask someone you trust to review your draft. They might catch small errors or suggest ways to make it stronger.
Example: A friend might say:
"You mentioned wanting a role in marketing but didn’t talk about your skills in social media strategy. Add that—it’s a strength!"
Stay Positive and Persistent
Job searching takes time, so don’t get discouraged. If your post doesn’t get much attention, try a new approach. Stay active by connecting with your network and commenting on other posts to stay noticed.
If your first post didn’t work, write a follow-up like:
"Thank you to everyone who’s reached out or shared my last post! I’m still looking for opportunities as a project manager. If you or someone in your network knows of openings, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m excited to find the right fit!"
Persistence shows that you’re serious about finding the right role.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your LinkedIn Open-to-Work Post
Even the best intentions can backfire if you’re not careful about how you craft your post. Here’s a closer look at common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
Avoid Negativity
It can be tempting to complain about a bad experience at your last job, but negativity can make you look unprofessional or hard to work with. Focus on what you’re excited about for the future instead.
What NOT to say:
"I couldn’t stand my last job. My boss was impossible to work with, and the work environment was toxic."
A better approach:
"After a challenging but educational experience in my last role, I’m excited to explore opportunities that align with my strengths and values."
This keeps the tone professional and forward-looking, showing that you’re ready for a fresh start.
Strike the Right Balance Between Detail
Your network won’t spend much time on long posts, but being too vague won’t help either. Be clear about your skills and goals while keeping your post short and easy to read.
What NOT to do:
"Hey, I’m looking for a job. Let me know if you hear of anything."
A better approach:
"Hi everyone! I’m a [specific job title] with [X years of experience] in [industry]. I’m currently seeking roles in [specific field or role] where I can apply my skills in [key skills or achievements]. I’d love to connect with anyone who has advice or leads!"
This version provides enough detail for people to know your expertise and goals while staying concise.
Be Careful with Your Tone
Your tone sets the impression people get about you. While it’s great to sound approachable, overly casual language or excessive use of emojis can come across as unprofessional, depending on your industry.
What NOT to say:
"Yo fam! I’m on the hunt for my next gig. If u have any leads, hit me up! 😊🔥💼"
A better approach:
"Hi everyone! I’m currently seeking new opportunities in a [desired role]. If you know of any openings or connections in [industry], I’d be grateful if you could share this post or reach out. Thank you so much for your support!"
This tone strikes a balance—it’s warm and personable but still professional. Save the casual language for informal conversations with close connections.
Don’t Be Too Generic
A generic post doesn’t give people enough to work with. If you’re too broad, your network may not know how to help or may not take your search seriously.
What NOT to do:
"I’m open to any job in any industry. Let me know if you hear of something."
A better approach:
"I’m looking for opportunities in [specific industry or role] where I can use my expertise in [specific skills]. I’m particularly excited about positions where I can [specific contribution or goal]."
This approach shows focus and intention, which makes it easier for others to connect you with relevant opportunities.
Don’t Forget to Proofread
Mistakes in your post, like typos or unclear sentences, can make you seem careless. Take a moment to review your writing before hitting "Post."
What NOT to do:
"I am grateful for any recommendations and hope to hear from you soon!"
A better approach:
"I’m grateful for any recommendations and look forward to hearing from you!"
A polished post shows that you take your job search seriously and pay attention to detail— qualities employers value.
Try Podawaa for Free to Boost Engagement on LinkedIn
Following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, your LinkedIn “Open to Work” post will be ready to grab attention and unlock opportunities.
But why stop there? To boost your post’s visibility and engagement, consider using tools like Podawaa.
Podawaa is a powerful LinkedIn engagement tool that helps amplify your posts by connecting you with engagement pods—groups of professionals who interact with your content to increase its reach. It automates likes and comments, ensuring your post gets noticed by the right audience.
Give it a try for free and see how it can help you connect with more opportunities and maximize your LinkedIn presence!