Spotlight: Should I add the Open To Work badge on my LinkedIn Profile?

In the previous Spotlight, we discussed Take Charge of Your Career Like a Formula Race Car Pro – Jan #23. If you missed that one you can read it here. This month let’s dig into the great debate -“To turn on Open to Work on your LinkedIn Profile or not. That is the question!

Should You Use the “Open to Work” Badge on LinkedIn? 🧐

So…You’ve probably seen that green “Open to Work” badge popping up all over LinkedIn. Maybe you’ve even thought about adding it yourself.

AND, everyone has an opinion on this.

After all, with over 220 million people using the feature (a 35% jump from last year according to LinkedIn!), it seems like a no-brainer, right? How can that many job seekers be wrong? Well… not so fast. If you’re an IT leader looking for your next big opportunity, you might want to think twice before turning it on.

Why the Badge Could Be a Good Idea

Let’s start with the pros. The badge makes it super clear that you’re looking, which means recruiters can find you more easily. In fact, LinkedIn says that using “Open to Work” can double your chances of getting a recruiter message. If you make it public, that number goes up by 40%! So if you want to boost your visibility, this could be a great way to do it. Plus, in today’s job market, being in transition isn’t the red flag it used to be—layoffs happen, and there’s no shame in putting yourself out there.

Why It Might Work Against You

Now, the downside. Some recruiters and hiring managers see the public badge as a little… desperate. Ouch, right? Instead of highlighting your skills and expertise, the green banner puts all the focus on the fact that you’re looking. And for IT leaders, that might not be the impression you want to leave. Your experience and leadership should take center stage—not your job search status.

The Best of Both Worlds?

If you’re torn, there’s a solid middle ground: turn on “Open to Work” but set it to be visible only to recruiters. That way, the right people still know you’re looking, but you don’t have to worry about any negative perceptions. Meanwhile, focus on sharing insights, networking, and engaging with your industry. Basically, let your expertise do the talking.

Closing Thoughts:

At the end of the day, it’s your call. If you feel good about using the badge, go for it! If it doesn’t sit right with you, skip it and lean into networking instead. Whatever you choose, just make sure you’re putting your best foot forward and staying active in your job search. Your next big opportunity is out there—you’ve got this!

Let’s schedule a time to map out your action plan.

Here’s to navigating your career with purpose and precision!

On the street:

Tech employment is off to a strong start as hiring momentum continues. The Information Technology job market started strong in 2025, with tech companies and employers across industries adding workers and increasing job postings. In January alone, the tech sector saw a net gain of 6,787 positions, driven by strong hiring in IT services and software development. Despite some job losses in telecommunications, overall tech employment across all sectors grew by an estimated 228,000 roles. The tech unemployment rate rose slightly to 2.9%, still lower than the national average of 4%.

Employer demand for tech talent remains high, with job postings increasing by over 51,000 in January, bringing the total to more than 476,000 active listings. Notably, AI-related roles saw growth, with nearly 40,000 openings, particularly in major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York. UI/UX designers, data scientists, and tech support specialists saw some of the highest gains in hiring. Additionally, nearly half of all tech job postings did not require a four-year degree, reflecting a shift toward skills-based hiring in the industry.

*Source Comp TIA Press Release Feb 7, 2025 – Tech employment off to a strong start as hiring momentum continues

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