LinkedIn Open to Work: banner or private mode, and what to post.
Open to Work tells LinkedIn, and optionally everyone who sees your profile, that you are looking. Choosing between the public photo frame and the recruiters-only setting depends on your situation and on who can see your profile.
LinkedIn's Open to Work feature lets you list the roles, locations and work types you want, and choose who sees it: everyone (a green photo frame) or recruiters only. Use the public banner when you're unemployed or openly looking and want your network's help; use recruiters-only when you're employed. LinkedIn notes that it can't guarantee your current employer won't see a recruiters-only setting.
3 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
Open-to-work post
When to use: Tell your network clearly what you want.
I'm looking for my next role as a [target role] in [location / remote]. Over the past [years] at [Company], I [result 1] and [result 2]. I'm at my best when [how you work]. I'm interested in [industries or company types]. If you know of a team that needs [skill], I'd be grateful for an introduction or a share. Thank you!
Short version
When to use: For people who prefer not to write a long post.
After [time] at [Company], I'm looking for [target role] opportunities in [location / remote]. My strengths: [skill], [skill], [skill]. Introductions welcome!
Message to a connection who reacted
When to use: Follow up on people who engage.
Hi [Name], thanks so much for sharing my post. If anyone comes to mind for [target role] roles, I'd be grateful for an introduction. Happy to return the favour any time. [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Public banner or recruiters only?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Unemployed or laid off | Public banner and a post usually help. |
| Employed, confidential search | Recruiters only, and accept the small risk. |
| Specific target roles | List exact job titles in the settings. |
| Found a job | Turn it off and post an update. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | A green banner with no headline change and the role preferences left blank. |
| Strong | A banner plus a headline naming the target role, exact job titles listed in the Open to Work settings, and one clear post asking for introductions. |
Why it matters: The setting alone doesn't explain what you want. Pairing it with a clear headline and precise job titles is what helps recruiters and your network act.
Mistakes to avoid
- Turning on the public banner while employed without thinking it through.
- Leaving job titles vague.
- Posting without saying what role you want.
- Forgetting to turn it off after you accept an offer.
What federal sources say
Quoted from official pages; rules can differ by state and by your contract.
- LinkedIn Help, Let recruiters know you're open to work: LinkedIn takes steps to keep recruiters at your current company from seeing a recruiters-only setting but "can’t guarantee complete privacy." Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
Write yours faster
Questions people ask
Should I use the Open to Work banner?
Can my employer see Open to Work if I choose recruiters only?
How do I turn off Open to Work?
Does the Open to Work banner hurt your chances?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details. Federal facts are quoted from the official pages listed under Sources.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.
- LinkedIn Help, Let recruiters know you're open to work: LinkedIn takes steps to keep recruiters at your current company from seeing a recruiters-only setting but "can’t guarantee complete privacy." Accessed Nov 2, 2026.