People were initially cautious when LinkedIn introduced the #OpenToWork feature a few years ago. Many job seekers were concerned that displaying this tag on their profile might convey a sense of desperation. At that time, recruiters claimed it had no impact on their decisions and simply ignored it. Fast forward to the present, and the landscape has evolved significantly due to the labour shortage. With more layoffs occurring and many individuals quietly exploring new job opportunities, the usage of this tag has surged. However, is there a more discreet way to catch the attention of recruiters without broadcasting your job search to the world?

Theresa Chow, Senior Recruiting Manager at Clark Nuber, provides valuable insights. “The #OpenToWork tag on a candidate’s profile photo doesn’t influence me. Nevertheless, candidates seem unaware that they can use this tag so that only recruiters can see it. Designating their profile as ‘Open to Work for recruiters’ makes it searchable for recruiters. I prioritize these candidates because they are actively seeking new opportunities, as opposed to passive candidates. Typically, I commence my search based on skillsets and generate a list of hundreds of names. I can filter this list to identify #OpenToWork candidates and reach out to them first. Only after I’ve engaged with these individuals do I consider passive candidates,” she explains.

Another Senior HR recruiter commented, “I appreciate the tag because it increases the likelihood that an individual will respond to our messages! In today’s job market, we often encounter ignored messages.”

Matthew Warzel, President of MJW Careers, emphasizes that deciding whether to use this feature is a personal choice, contingent on your comfort level with publicly announcing your job search. Some job seekers may prefer to maintain the confidentiality of their job search.

I also recommend using the #OpenToWork tag but configuring it so that only recruiters can view it. It’s important to note that this is just one passive method of job hunting—it’s not a one-and-done solution.

LinkedIn has reported that members who include the “open to work” tag on their profiles are more likely to receive relevant job recommendations and receive more messages from recruiters. However, it’s important to understand that using this feature doesn’t guarantee increased interest. A variety of other search techniques, such as networking, should always be part of a candidate’s strategy.

Here’s how to set up #opentowork tag, so only recruiters see it.

In the LinkedIn Recruiter help section they explain precisely how to use this feature to share with Recruiter privately they are job hunting. Only recruiters who aren’t affiliated with your current or related companies can view this tag.

To activate this feature, follow these steps on your Profile page.

Below your picture and headline, you’ll see the blue button “Open to.” Click on it and select “Finding a new job.”

Complete all the information requested. Note titles, locations, type of work—remote, in-person, hybrid.

Select Onsite location—identify where you live (select the city name if you are in a suburb).

In the Remote section, you can pick five locations to appear in searches. This makes locations a searchable item for recruiters so everyone should use it.

Select Immediately for the start date.

Select the Type of Work you desire—full-time, contract, etc.

On the bottom tab is a drop-down menu. Check the Recruiters only tab and they will be the only people who see the tag. (If you wish to make your search public, so anyone on LinkedIn can see this tag with its green label around your profile picture, click that option.)

Press save.