LinkedIn Guide · 7 min read · Updated 2026

LinkedIn Open to Work Tips: How to Set It Up Correctly

LinkedIn's Open to Work feature is one of the simplest free visibility boosts available — yet many job seekers either don't use it, use it wrong, or worry it carries a stigma. When configured correctly, Open to Work puts you in a filtered pool of candidates that recruiters specifically search when they need to fill roles quickly. This guide covers exactly how to set it up, which visibility option to choose, and how to avoid the common mistakes.

For the broader job search strategy, see our guide to using LinkedIn for job search and our profile optimization tips.

What is Open to Work?

Open to Work is a free LinkedIn feature that signals to recruiters that you're actively looking for opportunities. When enabled, you can specify:

• Up to 5 job titles you want to be considered for
• Preferred locations (or remote)
• Job types: full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, internship
• When you're available to start

Recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter can then filter their candidate searches to show only Open to Work candidates — and this is a filter they use frequently, especially for roles with tight timelines.

How to turn on Open to Work (step by step)

1. Go to your profile and click the "Open to" button below your headline and photo.
2. Select "Finding a new job."
3. Add up to 5 job titles — use the titles recruiters search for, not creative variations.
4. Add your preferred locations and job types.
5. Choose your visibility setting (see next section).
6. Click "Save."

Visibility: Recruiters only vs. all LinkedIn members

LinkedIn offers two visibility options for Open to Work:

Recruiters only (recommended for most)

Only recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter see that you're open to work. Your current employer, colleagues, and the general public cannot see it. No photo frame is added. This is the right choice if you're employed and don't want your employer to know you're looking.

All LinkedIn members

Everyone on LinkedIn can see you're open to work, and the green #OpenToWork photo frame is added to your profile picture. This is appropriate if you're unemployed and openly job searching, or if your industry normalizes visible job seeking.

Choose your 5 job titles strategically

The job titles you list determine which recruiter searches you appear in. Use standard, searchable titles — the ones that appear in job postings for your target role. For example:

• "Software Engineer" (not "Code Wizard")
• "Product Manager" (not "Product Evangelist")
• "Marketing Manager" (not "Growth Hacker")

If you're pivoting careers, list your target titles — not your current one. See our career changer tips for more on reframing your profile.

Common Open to Work mistakes

• Not turning it on at all.Many job seekers worry it looks desperate. It doesn't — recruiters actively use this filter. Not being in the pool means missing opportunities.
• Using the all-LinkedIn frame while employed.If your boss sees the green frame, that's an avoidable problem. Switch to "Recruiters only."
• Listing only one job title. You get up to 5 — use them all. Different recruiters search different title variations.
• Not updating it when your search changes. If you narrow or shift your target roles, update your Open to Work settings accordingly.
• Forgetting to turn it off after you're hired.Leaving Open to Work on after you start a new job leads to awkward recruiter messages and looks careless.

The Open to Work photo frame: use it or not?

The green #OpenToWork frame around your profile photo is the most visible — and most debated — part of the feature. Some recruiters say it signals motivation; others see it as a sign of desperation. The reality is nuanced: in industries with high turnover (tech, retail, hospitality), it's widely accepted. In more conservative fields (finance, law, healthcare), the "Recruiters only" setting is safer.

If you're unsure, start with "Recruiters only." You can always switch to the visible frame later. What matters more than the frame is that your profile is optimized — see our guides on profile photo tips and optimizing for recruiters.

Open to Work is a free visibility boost that takes 2 minutes to set up. Combined with an optimized profile, it significantly increases your chances of being found by recruiters. Get your free LinkedIn visibility score to see if your profile is ready, then turn on Open to Work. For more job search strategies, see our 15 LinkedIn profile tips for 2026.