Since it was introduced, LinkedIn’s Open To Work banner feature created a split among job seekers. Some believe that the banner is a tool that will help aid in the search for a new position…
But the majority of job seekers believe the banner does more harm than good.
So can this banner actually help you land job offers…
Or will it scare them away?
The “Open To Work” Debate
LinkedIn’s Open To Work banner was first launched in 2020…
When millions of workers were abruptly thrown back into the job hunt thanks to COVID-19 shutdowns.
When applied, the feature displays a green banner along the edge of a user’s profile picture with the phrase #OPENTOWORK in the center. It’s designed to be the most visible part of your profile…
ADVERTISING TO THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB.
In theory, the banner gives recruiters on the site a better idea of who to reach out to for interviews. Not to mention it also lets your connections know that you’re on the job hunt and would appreciate some leads…
But even with the good intentions of the feature, many job seekers question whether the feature is helping their hunt or hindering it.
Many users consider the Open To Work banner desperate, akin to a public shaming. It’s intimidating sharing with the world that you’re looking for a new job…
Especially if you’re worried about friends and family stumbling across the banner.
The newly unemployed struggle with the decision of whether or not to use the feature. But the biggest fear these job seekers have is potentially scaring off recruiters and job opportunities…
Thanks to the open to work banner.
Essentially, many believe that recruiters will overlook their applications and resumes due to the feature making them look too desperate.
Currently, an estimated 33 million people are using the feature with hopes that it’ll reel in some job offers…
But what do the recruiters actually think of it?
In Defense Of The Banner
It’s more than clear that job seekers are put off by the Open to Work banner, anticipating that recruiters will judge them negatively for it.
But as far as recruiters go…
MANY OF THEM DON’T MIND AT ALL.
According to a survey, about 91% of recruiters do not view the Open to Work banner negatively. In fact, candidates with the banner are three times more likely to get a message from a recruiter.
SEEMS LIKE THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS THAT THE MORE ACTIVE USERS ARE ON THEIR JOB SEARCH, THE MORE WILLING RECRUITERS ARE TO REACH OUT.
Thanks to the Open to Work banner, recruiters that use LinkedIn’s recruiting tools will be able to see job seekers with the feature first…
Since the software gives them priority.
And for smaller companies that can’t afford the same recruitment tools, the banner helps put more candidates on their radar.
Some recruiters actually PREFER users with the banner…
Because it means that they can come in for interviews (and eventually fulfill roles) faster than someone casually looking for a new job.
The Job Hunt
In a super intense and competitive job market, people looking for a new role need all the help they can get.
Even if you ace all the steps in your job hunt and prepare endlessly for your job interviews…
LinkedIn’s Open to Work feature shouldn’t be what stops you from getting the gig.
In the end, all it might take for you to find your dream job…
Is swallowing your pride and equipping the green banner.
Be Great,
GCTV Staff
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