Should You Place the ‘Open to Work’ Banner on Your LinkedIn Profile Photo?

Without question, when addressing job seekers or people navigating career transition about the virtues of LinkedIn visibility and positioning, someone will ask about the green banner that reads, “Open to Work.” Is it a good idea to add it to your profile photo? Does it help you get found and seen by recruiters? Does it scream of desperation?

Many of us who teach about using LinkedIn have differing opinions on the banner, which was introduced by LinkedIn during the COVID pandemic to aid job seekers. Personally, I am not a fan. To me, the banner should not be needed to get a recruiter’s attention, might limit your networking possibilities (if those you seek to connect with worry that you’ll hit them up for leads and a job), and can feel distracting.

My reasoning is this: Your personal brand and value proposition should be prominently displayed on and throughout LinkedIn. From your profile photo, About section and how you describe your experience and skills, to your network and the content you share, I should get a clear idea of who you are, what you can offer, and what you’re looking for. I should believe that what you say is true, that you are showing up genuinely, and that you seek to build community with others on the knowledge sharing platform. Simply putting a green circle around your profile photo won’t sell me on your value.

Here are top pros and cons of using the “Open to Work” banner:

Pros to Placing the 'Open to Work' Banner

The “Open to Work” banner can help recruiters quickly identify that you are available to interview and hire. Without this, and if your profile does not clearly state that you are looking for work, they could avoid contacting you for fear they’re wasting their time with you.

It can help you be found by recruiters who scan profiles quickly. When they search for potential candidates and see the banner, they might be more confident reaching out to you if your skills align with their needs.

It signals to your network that you’re in the job market. This can inspire someone with whom you’re connected to share your profile with their network or a hiring manager who they know is actively recruiting.

Read More: 5 Steps to Start Your Civilian Networking Strategy

Cons to Placing the 'Open to Work' Banner

If you’re currently employed or still on active duty, the “Open to Work” banner could signal to your employer that you’re seeking to make a move (that they might not know about). Navigate the timing of your use of the banner to avoid having your boss find out first on LinkedIn that you’re planning to leave or separate.

The perception exists that this banner signals you might be desperate instead of someone in demand. Conversations about the use of the banner mention the harm of the optics of saying, “Pick me!” instead of positioning yourself as someone others seek out.

It might be redundant for no good reason. If you’ve optimized your profile with important and relevant keywords, showcased your skills and personal brand, and indicated that you are available for new employment, then the banner is unnecessary and can appear anxious.

The jury is truly still out on the banner. It is up to the individual, their positioning and goals, and the purpose of adding that signal to a LinkedIn profile.

If you decide to do it, test the reaction. Does your number of profile views go up or down after adding it? Are you hearing from people you’ve lost touch with who’re now offering to help? Have you received negative feedback after sharing the banner? These are great metrics to consider when deciding to add, or not add, the “Open to Work” banner to your LinkedIn profile.

Read More: The Power of Positive Perception

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