Navigating the job market can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re considering a career change. Whether you’re seeking a better work environment, a higher salary, or simply a more fulfilling role, you want to secure a new job before making any announcements. But what happens when you’re using LinkedIn, a platform designed for professional networking and job hunting, to find your next opportunity?
There’s a real risk of your current boss discovering your job search, potentially leading to an awkward situation. Luckily, LinkedIn offers a clever solution: the ‘Open to Work’ feature. This feature, which adds a green banner to your profile, signals to recruiters that you’re open to new opportunities. While it can boost your visibility to potential employers, you might not want your boss seeing this.
To keep your job search confidential, careers expert Cerys recommends adjusting the visibility settings for your ‘Open to Work’ banner. By changing the setting to ‘Recruiters Only’, you significantly reduce the chances of your manager seeing that you’re looking for new opportunities. However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a foolproof method. If your company employs LinkedIn recruiters, they might still be able to see your status.
While the ‘Open to Work’ feature might seem like a good way to signal your interest to potential employers, some experts argue that it could actually hinder your job search. Nolan Church, former Google recruiter and CEO of FairComp, believes that the best candidates are often those who aren’t actively looking for work. He suggests that actively advertising your availability can make you seem desperate, potentially lowering your desirability to recruiters.
So, should you use the ‘Open to Work’ feature or not? Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you’re concerned about your boss seeing your status, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep it hidden. However, if you’re comfortable with your current employer knowing you’re exploring other opportunities, the ‘Open to Work’ banner might be a helpful tool in your job search.
Regardless of your decision, remember to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills and experience in a positive light. This will help attract recruiters and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
