Take a scroll through LinkedIn, and you’ll quickly discover that whether to use the #OpenToWork banner is one of the most hotly debated topics among job seekers, recruiters, and “thought leaders” on the platform.
Despite being rolled out in 2020, the banner’s benefits and drawbacks are still a hot topic. Later that year, LinkedIn’s survey of 2,000 working professionals found that those with the photo frame were receiving an average of 40% more recruiter InMails and 20% more messages from the broader community.
However, some argue that the outreach is low quality, or even primarily fraudulent, and can negatively impact your personal brand and job search prospects. Additionally, these individuals enjoying a wave of attention may just have more robust LinkedIn profiles that lead to additional outreach regardless of their banner use.
In late 2024, I was interviewed by Orianna Rosa Royle, Editor of Fortune Success (Success Reporter at the time), about LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork badge. I never imagined that a single Fortune piece would generate so many job seekers, recruiters, and hiring managers sharing diverse opinions on its use (I still receive messages about it to this day!).
I wrote this article to expand on that piece and help you make an informed decision if you’re considering using the #OpenToWork banner on LinkedIn during your job search.
Important: Remember that my advice here is distinct and nuanced, because I specialize in working with tech leaders, not general job seekers. The tech industry has particular quirks, especially for high-level roles, but many of the insights here apply across industries. Let’s dive in.
What Is The LinkedIn #OpenToWork Banner?
LinkedIn allows you to add a green #OpenToWork frame around your profile photo to signal to fellow users that you’re open to being hired.
You can specify the job titles you’re seeking, location preferences (on-site, hybrid, or remote), locations, and employment types (full time, part time, contract, internship, or temporary). You can also indicate whether you’re immediately available or just flexibly exploring opportunities.
LinkedIn provides detailed instructions on how to update these settings, and it regularly rolls out updates to them based on user and recruiter feedback.
Benefits Of Using The #OpenToWork Banner
Here are some of the potential benefits of displaying the banner on your profile:
- Increase outreach from prospective employers: Recruiters and hiring managers may be more likely to reach out with opportunities.
- Attract interest for fractional, contract, or flexible work: The banner signals you may also be open to part-time, consulting, or project-based roles beyond full-time employment.
- Signal immediate availability: Companies looking to fill roles quickly see the banner as a cue that you’re likely ready to start right away—or at least sooner than a traditional candidate.
- Encourage warm introductions: Connections who see your banner may reach out to refer you or make introductions because they know you’re actively looking.
Potential Drawbacks Of Using The #OpenToWork Banner
Some of the potential downsides of using the banner include:
- Inviting low-quality or spam messages: The banner may attract outreach that isn’t relevant or serious, including scams or unsolicited services. (I’ve heard of several companies that actively target profiles with #OpenToWork frames.)
- Receiving outreach of mixed quality: Even genuine outreach may not match your experience or caliber, which can result in wasted time and energy.
- Weakening negotiating leverage: Some employers may interpret the banner as urgency or desperation, which can weaken your position when negotiating your salary and total compensation.
- Negatively impacting your personal brand: Some recruiters or hiring managers perceive the banner as signaling inexperience or desperation, which may shift how desirable you are to employers.
- Exposing your job search publicly—before you’re ready: If your current employer or peers notice the banner, it may create awkward, premature conversations.
- Relying too heavily on passive outreach: Relying on the banner alone may reduce your incentive to target specific companies, submit applications, and network strategically—actions that typically yield a far higher ROI.
How To Decide Whether To Use The LinkedIn #OpenToWork Banner
Here’s how to answer, “Should I use the LinkedIn #OpenToWork banner?” for your particular situation.
Are you a college student, recent graduate, or early career?
The banner may help you get some extra recruiter attention, but it can also attract low-quality or spam messages. Use it if you’re comfortable with that tradeoff.
Are you a manager, executive, or C-suite leader?
The banner will rarely make a difference in the quality of the outreach you get (though you may see more spam). Recruiters actively search for talent like you, regardless of whether you opt to display a banner. Your profile, network, and consistency are what will get you noticed.
Are you currently employed?
Proceed with caution. LinkedIn explicitly states that “we can’t guarantee your complete privacy,” so colleagues or higher-ups could see the banner even if the “recruiter only” option is selected. For example, if a recruiter doesn’t list your current company as their employer, your profile will still appear in their searches.
Are you unemployed or actively looking for opportunities?
The banner can act as a signal to recruiters, but it’s not necessary. You can still attract attention with a polished, keyword-optimized profile.
Do you want to attract more inbound recruiter messages?
The banner may help, but it doesn’t replace a strong profile and network. Consider treating your LinkedIn like a store window: clean, clear, and inviting, without a flashy sign.
Do you want to attract the right opportunities discreetly?
Focus on your profile strategy, networking, and follow-up instead of the banner.
Put simply, the banner is optional. Use it only if it aligns with your career level, individual employment context, and job search goals.
Will More Recruiters Contact Me If I Add The LinkedIn #OpenToWork Banner?
As discussed above, it depends. Using the LinkedIn #OpenToWork banner may increase outreach from recruiters, but it’s not guaranteed. Many recruiters reach out to candidates regardless of banner use.
I tell my tech clients to treat their LinkedIn profile like it’s an Apple Store. The Apple Store doesn’t put up big signs that say, “accepting customers” or “buy from us.” Instead, they have large glass windows that let people look inside to see what they offer. If your profile is keyword-optimized, recruiters will find you—no banner required.
Should I Display The LinkedIn #OpenToWork Banner If I’m Currently Employed?
To recap, if you’re currently employed, proceed with extreme caution. You don’t want a colleague or your boss discovering your job search through your LinkedIn profile. Even if your manager supports your search, think twice before adding the photo frame. What if layoffs occur or you’re placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP)? Higher-ups may not be as supportive as your direct manager.
Will The LinkedIn #OpenToWork Banner Help Me Find A New Role If I’m An Executive?
Unlikely. Executive hiring processes are slow, and companies actively seek out their ideal candidates regardless of whether they display the #OpenToWork banner.
I’ve spoken with more recruiters and talent acquisition professionals than I can count, and they consistently say that they’ll reach out to candidates who capture their attention—banner or no banner. That’s their job.
Final Thoughts On The LinkedIn #OpenToWork Banner
As I shared in the original Fortune piece, “At the end of the day, if you’re unemployed and want to increase your potential outreach from recruiters, you can test the use of the #OpenToWork banner… Importantly, though, don’t expect it to be a silver bullet to your dream job.”
Years later, that advice still holds. The banner can be one tool in a comprehensive job search, but it shouldn’t be your only strategy. You still need to target the right companies and roles, leverage your network, and consistently follow up on applications. You’ve got this!
