Active jobseekers have the option to display their “Open to Work” status on the social networking site LinkedIn. But the use of the banner has sparked debate over the past few years.

Is it effective—or a sign of desperation that you’re unemployed? How does it affect your chances of getting hired?

Back in September, graphic designer Courtney Summer Myers posted a customised #Desperate banner—instead of the pre-made Open to Work badge—on her photo on LinkedIn. The image went viral, garnering about 247,000 likes in a week.

Myers said she was just being honest despite feeling uncomfortable.

“It was refreshing to be authentic on a platform where people are so often peacocking—just showing off for no reason,” she told Business Insider.

Myers was laid off from her job as a graphic designer in December 2023 and had been looking for a job for nine months before her post went viral. Since then, she has received hundreds of job offers, staying up way past midnight to answer potential connections.

Also Read: How to get your CV seen by a human and past AI filters

Why people are divided

There seems to be a divide over the Open to Work banner between people in recruitment and the rest of LinkedIn.

“Ask any job search and CV guru, and they will tell you that the Open to Work banner does not make you look desperate and improves your chances of getting contacted by recruiters,” said Jose Marchena, senior recruiter at Houseful.

While recruiters, interviewers and hiring managers at times might be “incredibly biased in recruitment,” Marchena said most other people discriminate against the unemployed.

“And making your unemployed status visible on LinkedIn with the green banner makes you a prime target for bias,” Marchena said.

“We live in a world where we judge each other based on a game of appearances, and the ‘open to work’ banner can trigger a negative bias from employers. Employment status is a factor in getting job opportunities, so I advise any jobseeker to ditch the banner, play the game, and play to win.”

The banner benefits recruiters, hiring managers and employers.

“Instead of guessing who might be interested in new roles, recruiters can focus on candidates who are actively looking,” said Rebecca McCartney, founder and CEO of StratiTech.

“From my perspective, this saves time on both sides and makes it easier to match qualified candidates with relevant opportunities. Putting yourself out there often means you’re one step closer to having the right role find you,” McCartney said.

“While it may not be the right choice for everyone, the Open to Work banner can be a great asset if you’re looking to make connections and increase visibility. Think of it as an opportunity to spark conversations and make your intentions clear. Personally, I’d say give it a try and see if it brings you the right kind of attention. Who knows—your next opportunity might be closer than you think.”

Also Read: Should employers show their softer side on LinkedIn?

A tough job market

Susan Tien, a recruiting expert in the legal industry, presents a nuanced take based on empirical data.

“Just like the favourite phrase of lawyers, the answer is ‘it depends.’ If it were me, I would do it now,” Tien said citing data from interviewing.io.

In a strong economy, like in 2021, jobseekers who used the Open to Work banner were said to be negatively affected by it. Only 44% of engineers on a job hunt who used the banner passed their job interviews that year, compared to the average of 51% of candidates overall.

In contrast, with the threat of economic downturn in 2023, 56% of engineers who displayed the Open to Work banner passed their job interviews—an increase of five percentage points.

“Listing yourself as Open to Work is a good sign in these rough times,” Tien said.

“Regardless of layoff composition, in boom times, openly searching for a job can be a negative signal. But during downturns, the rules change, and openly looking for work becomes much more ‘normal.’”

Phil Rosenberg, president of HR services firm reCareered, shares similar views.

“Is there a true shortage of candidates? During times of candidate shortages, [the Open to Work badge] can be a big pro,” Rosenberg said.

“In the end, your choice whether to include the Open To Work badge on your LinkedIn profile depends on your view of the job market; your experience with employer bias against unemployed candidates; the time of year; and if you think being recruited through LinkedIn results in high-quality interviews.”

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The pros and cons

The Open to Work banner, like any tool, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Experts recommend weighing these carefully to determine whether the feature aligns with an applicant’s unique circumstances and career goals.

In summary, what are the pros and cons of using the Open to Work banner?

Pros

Increased visibility

Think of it as a spotlight on your profile. Recruiters often use LinkedIn to search for potential candidates, and the Open to Work banner makes it instantly clear that you’re actively seeking employment. This can significantly increase your chances of being discovered by recruiters and hiring managers who are looking for someone with your skills and experience.

Networking opportunities

Beyond recruiters, the banner also signals to your existing network that you’re on the job hunt. This can encourage connections to reach out with potential leads; recommend you for open positions at their companies; or introduce you to people in their network who might be able to help.

Recruiter engagement

LinkedIn data shows that displaying the Open to Work banner increases recruiter messages by 40%. This means more opportunities likely landing directly in your inbox, giving you more chances to find work compared to those relying on manual job searches across LinkedIn or other platforms.

Increased confidence

Actively searching for a job can be a daunting process. Publicly declaring your intentions with the Open to Work banner can be an empowering step. It can boost your self-assurance and encourage a proactive and positive outlook on your job search.

Cons

Perception of desperation

While many recruiters see the banner as a positive signal, some employers might perceive it as a sign of desperation. This perception could potentially impact their assessment of your candidacy.

Unwanted offers

While the banner can increase the quantity of job offers you receive, it’s not a guarantee of quality. You might find yourself inundated with irrelevant or unsuitable job enquiries, which can add extra noise and complexity to your job search.

Also Read: Managing delayed start dates: Tips for jobseekers

To display or not to display?

The decision to use the Open to Work banner is ultimately a personal one. But here are some factors to consider:

Employment status

If you’re currently unemployed, the banner can be a valuable tool for increasing your visibility and attracting the attention of recruiters. However, be mindful of the potential for bias and consider framing your unemployment positively in your profile.

Job search intensity

If you’re actively seeking opportunities and comfortable with a public declaration of your job search, the banner can accelerate your search and expand your reach. For those passively exploring options, the banner might be less crucial, as you can still leverage LinkedIn’s networking capabilities and job search features without broadcasting your intentions.

Industry and career level

Consider the norms and expectations within your specific industry. Some sectors might be more receptive to the Open to Work banner than others. Similarly, your career level might influence your decision. For entry-level or early-career professionals, the banner might be seen as a proactive step to career growth. Senior executives, however, might opt for a more discreet approach.

The final say

LinkedIn believes the Open to Work banner is not a sign of weakness or desperation. The company emphasises the feature’s flexibility, allowing users to control their visibility and target their job search efforts. The option to make your status visible only to recruiters provides a degree of privacy and allows for a more targeted approach.

The Open to Work banner can be a powerful tool when used strategically and thoughtfully. It can enhance visibility, expand networking opportunities, and accelerate the job search process.

However, it’s crucial to approach it with a clear understanding of its implications and carefully weigh the pros and cons in relation to your individual circumstances and career goals.

Ultimately, the key to success on LinkedIn lies in crafting a compelling profile, actively engaging with your network, and strategically using the platform’s resources to achieve your career aspirations.