Reasons to Use LinkedIn Open to Work

No matter how great things are going at work, I'm always "open to work" - and you should be too. 1. It helps you understand the market. I see people every day who re-enter the workforce after a decade away are and are surprised by what hiring processes look like in 2025, compensation ranges, what skills are in demand, etc. Having conversations can help you stay up-to-date which will help you with how you navigate processes in the future. 2. It helps you practice your interviewing skills. Having to talk about your work, hearing the questions people ask, etc. is good practice, and when you're not actively looking, it's pretty low stakes! Mess up when it doesn't matter so you're ready to go when it does. 3. It expands your networks. One story I've shared before is when a recruiter connected with me about a role; we met, kept in touch and while the role wasn't a match, a few months later she was hiring for a recruiter and I was able to refer a former team member impacted by layoffs - they've now crossed a year at that company! When a recruiter hiring for roles in your field reaches out to you, that's a pretty relevant contact. Maybe this role isn't the right match, but perhaps one in the future will be. Or maybe you can make a referral and in doing so, have multiple people who will be happy to advocate for you in the future. Here's the thing: the vast majority of us in the US are "at will" employees, and we can be terminated with little notice. And with a volatile economic situation, it's even more likely that we're going to see surprises that impact us at work. Today, you may be happily employed, tomorrow, you could find yourself looking for work. And the conversations you had when you didn't need a job could play a role in helping you navigate that uncertainty more successfully when you do.

How is the green opentowork banner here on LinkedIn any different than a company stating that they are hiring? Over the past year or so, many on this platform will shame someone or give poor advice to job seekers who decide to use the opentowork banner. If it is good practice for a company to post open roles and state that they are hiring, why is the same not true for an active job seeker? If a recent survey from Bankrate is taken into consideration, 56% of Americans are in the market for a new job. (The number was 51% in 2022 at the height of the "great resignation"). So more than half of the profiles you see are looking. Some use the banner, some do not. If you are a recruiter or hiring manager who struggles to see value in candidates who use the banner, here are a few reasons great talent can be open to work: 1) Layoffs 2) Merges/ Acquisitions 3) Restructuring 4) Global Pandemic 5) Joining the Civilian Workforce after Military Service 6) Graduating College 7) Following Spouse/ Significant Other to a New City for Their New Job 8) Rejoining Workforce After Caregiving or Raising Children If you are still struggling as a recruiter after reading the list, you should consider another profession. If I was the victim of restructuring/ corporate layoff, does the green banner somehow make me a poor talent acquisition leader? Take a minute to look past the picture and review the skills and results before answering.

It's time to stop avoiding the "Open to Work" banner. Yes, I've heard the reasons why people don't like it. But the stigma that shamers are raising makes me furious. Why in the world would we make people who've just been laid off feel ashamed or embarrasssed? Who does that serve? Only the employers who chose layoffs over other options. And to the recruiters who will only consider people who are currently working: I'm pretty sure your own job isn't guaranteed for life. Like the rest of us, you are just one merger or budget crisis away from unemployment yourself. You are missing great talent. Maybe try some compassion. Okay, now that I got that off my chest... Adding that green banner is just the start. A well-crafted post that positions you as a great new hire can accelerate your job hunt. Here's how to write a powerful "Open to Work" statement: ✅ Start with Clarity and Confidence Get right to the point, stay objective, and skip the long backstory. "I'm on the lookout for my next great job. Today I'm joining the ranks of those who are Open to Work." ✅ Share your wins Mention your top 3-5 achievements or projects, and quantify where possible. "I'm proud that during my time at [employer], I: -Drove $MM in new business -Led development of 5 products including A & B, resulting in $X revenue -Designed and facilitated new hire onboarding, and oversaw an X% increase in retention through new employee engagement programs." ✅ Be clear about your targets State the functions, job titles, and industries you are seeking "As I think about next steps, I'm looking for [job title], or [job title] and roles that will allow me to X, Y & Z within the [industry 1] or [industry 2] ✅Offer thank you's if appropriate and tag people "I'd like to thank [Name] and [Name] for their unwavering support of my work while at [company]. It was a great run!" ✅ End with a simple ask “I'm open to intros, referrals, or a cup of coffee just to catch up. Shoot me a DM and let's make plans!" Your goal? Make it EASY for others to help you. Done right, this post can launch your job search. Equally important is what NOT to do: ❌ Don't tell a long, drawn out story ❌ Don't disparage your employer or manager ❌ Don't share personal details about your family or finances If you’ve written one before, what made it work? Drop your tips below so we can learn from each other👇 🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉 ♻️ Share to help job hunters find work! 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career strategies 📌Want job search support? DM me to chat!