LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature can be incredibly useful when you’re actively job hunting, but there comes a time when you’ll want to turn it off. Whether you’ve landed that dream job, are taking a break from your search, or simply want more privacy, knowing how to remove this feature is an essential LinkedIn skill. This guide walks you through the entire process with simple, step-by-step instructions for both desktop and mobile users.
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What is the “Open to Work” feature on LinkedIn?
The “Open to Work” feature is LinkedIn’s way of helping job seekers signal to recruiters and their network that they’re actively looking for new opportunities. When activated, it works in one of two ways:
- Visible to all LinkedIn members: Displays a green frame around your profile picture with “#OpenToWork” text, clearly signaling to everyone that you’re job hunting
- Visible to recruiters only: A more discreet option that only shows your job-seeking status to people using LinkedIn Recruiter, while attempting to hide this information from recruiters at your current company
This feature was designed to boost your visibility in recruiter searches and connect you with potential employers more easily. However, there are several legitimate reasons why you might want to turn it off.
Why you might want to remove “Open to Work”
You’ve found a new job
The most obvious reason to remove the “Open to Work” status is that your job search was successful. Keeping it active after starting a new position could send confusing signals to your new employer about your commitment and satisfaction.
Privacy concerns
While LinkedIn tries to hide your job-seeking status from recruiters at your current company when using the “recruiters only” option, they explicitly state they “can’t guarantee complete privacy”. If keeping your job search confidential is important, you might want to remove this signal entirely.
Reducing irrelevant messages
Having the “Open to Work” status active often leads to numerous messages from recruiters and hiring managers. While this sounds beneficial, it can result in many irrelevant job inquiries flooding your inbox. Turning it off helps you regain control of your LinkedIn communications.
Professional image considerations
Some professionals feel that displaying the “Open to Work” frame might appear desperate or unprofessional in certain industries. Removing it can help maintain a more neutral professional image while still being open to opportunities through more discreet methods.
How to remove “Open to Work” on desktop
Removing the “Open to Work” feature on your desktop is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Log into your LinkedIn account
- View your profile
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen
- Select “View Profile” from the dropdown menu
- Find the “Open to Work” section
- Look for the “Open to Work” section on your profile (it appears below your name and headline)
- Access editing options
- Click on the pencil icon (edit button) within the “Open to Work” section
- Delete from profile
- Scroll down in the editing window until you see the “Delete from profile” button
- Click on this button
- Confirm deletion
- A confirmation popup will appear asking if you’re sure you want to delete your job preferences
- Click “Delete” to confirm
- Verify removal
- Refresh your profile page to confirm that the “Open to Work” badge is no longer visible
How to remove “Open to Work” on mobile
If you prefer using the LinkedIn mobile app, here’s how to remove the “Open to Work” status:
- Open the LinkedIn app on your smartphone or tablet
- Navigate to your profile
- Tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner
- Tap on your profile picture again to access your profile
- Edit “Open to Work”
- Locate the “Open to Work” box at the top of your profile
- Tap the edit (pencil) icon
- Delete from profile
- In the editing screen, scroll down until you see the “Delete from profile” option
- Tap on it
- Confirm deletion
- Tap “Delete” on the confirmation screen
- Verify removal
- Return to your profile to verify the “Open to Work” badge has been removed
Understanding visibility options
Before removing “Open to Work” completely, it’s worth understanding the two visibility options LinkedIn offers:
Option 1: Visible to all LinkedIn members
When you choose this option:
- The green “#OpenToWork” frame appears around your profile picture
- Everyone who views your profile can see you’re looking for work
- This includes recruiters, hiring managers, your current colleagues, and your entire network
Option 2: Visible to recruiters only
This more discreet option:
- Makes your job-seeking status visible only to recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter
- Doesn’t display the green frame around your profile picture
- LinkedIn attempts to hide this status from recruiters at your current company
| Feature | Visible to All LinkedIn Members | Visible to Recruiters Only |
|---|
| Green frame around profile picture | ✓ | ✗ |
| Visible to your current employer | ✓ | Mostly hidden (not guaranteed) |
| Visible to recruiters | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visible to your network | ✓ | ✗ |
| Privacy level | Low | Moderate |
| Job opportunity reach | Highest | High |
Important privacy considerations
LinkedIn’s privacy protection for the “recruiters only” option has some limitations you should be aware of:
- LinkedIn identifies your current employer based on the “I am currently working here” information in your profile. If this isn’t accurate or up-to-date, their privacy protections may not work as intended
- LinkedIn explicitly states they “can’t guarantee complete privacy” even when using the “recruiters only” option
- If you work for a small company where managers have recruiter accounts, or if your company uses external recruiting agencies, there’s a higher chance your job-seeking status could be discovered
- Some users have reported that despite choosing “recruiters only,” their status was still visible to recruiters from their own company
Alternative ways to signal job availability
If you’re concerned about privacy but still want to indicate openness to new opportunities, consider these alternatives:
1. Update your LinkedIn headline
Your headline is prime real estate on LinkedIn. Without explicitly stating “looking for work,” you can use subtle indicators like:
- “Marketing Specialist | Data Analytics | Open to New Challenges”
- “Software Engineer Specializing in AI | Exploring Opportunities”
- “Finance Professional with 10+ Years Experience | Open to Discussions”
2. Enhance your profile’s discoverability
Make these strategic profile updates to appear in more recruiter searches:
- Add relevant, in-demand skills to your profile
- Update your career interests in your dashboard
- Keep your “About” section current with your latest accomplishments
- Follow companies you’re interested in working for
3. Engage with your network strategically
Increase your LinkedIn activity in ways that signal availability:
- Share and comment on industry-relevant content
- Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your field
- Publish thoughtful posts demonstrating your expertise
- Comment on posts from companies you’re interested in
4. Direct outreach to recruiters
Instead of broadcasting your availability, consider:
- Reaching out to specific recruiters with personalized messages
- Attending virtual networking events in your industry
- Connecting with hiring managers at companies you’re targeting
When to Consider Turning “Open to Work” Back On
There are specific scenarios where reactivating your “Open to Work” status makes sense:
1. During Dedicated Job Search Periods
If you’re committed to finding a new position and privacy is less of a concern (perhaps you’re currently unemployed or your employer knows you’re leaving), the “Open to Work” feature can significantly increase your visibility to recruiters.
2. When Approaching Contract End
If you’re in a contract role with a defined end date, activating “Open to Work” a few weeks before your contract concludes can help you transition smoothly to your next opportunity.
3. For Specific Career Transitions
If you’re looking to pivot to a new industry or role type, the “Open to Work” feature allows you to specify exactly what you’re looking for, helping recruiters find you for these specific opportunities.
4. During High Recruitment Seasons
Consider activating the feature during traditional high hiring periods like January (new year budgets) or September (fall hiring push) when recruiters are most active.
How to Use “Open to Work” More Discreetly
If you decide to use the “Open to Work” feature again but want to be more discreet, here are some strategies:
The “Recruiters Only” Setting
LinkedIn offers the option to make your “Open to Work” status visible only to recruiters who are using LinkedIn Recruiter. Here’s how to enable this:
- Navigate to your LinkedIn profile and click the “Open” option
- Choose “Finding a new job”
- Enter the specifics of the positions you’re interested in
- At the end, select “Recruiters only” to restrict visibility to recruiters outside of your organization
This can help you appear in recruiter searches without advertising your job search to your entire network.
Be Specific About Your Preferences
When setting up “Open to Work,” be very specific about:
- Exact job titles you’re interested in
- Precise locations (including remote preferences)
- Industry specialties
- Experience level requirements
This helps ensure you only get approached about truly relevant opportunities.
Common Questions About LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” Feature
Will recruiters still find me if I turn off “Open to Work”?
Yes, recruiters can still find you through normal LinkedIn searches based on your skills, experience, and profile keywords. The “Open to Work” feature simply boosts your visibility in these searches.
If I choose “Visible to Recruiters Only,” will my current employer definitely not see it?
No guarantee. LinkedIn states they “can’t guarantee complete privacy” even when using the “recruiters only” option. While they take steps to hide this information from recruiters at your current company, there are potential ways your status could be discovered.
Can I turn “Open to Work” back on after removing it?
Absolutely. You can reactivate the feature at any time by going to your profile and clicking the “Open to” button. However, your previous preferences won’t be saved, so you’ll need to re-enter your job preferences.
Does LinkedIn notify my connections when I turn “Open to Work” on or off?
LinkedIn doesn’t send specific notifications about changes to your “Open to Work” status. However, turning it on with visibility to all members makes the green frame visible to anyone viewing your profile.
How effective is the “Open to Work” feature for finding a job?
The effectiveness varies by industry, role, and location. Some users report increased recruiter outreach, while others find networking and direct applications more effective.
LinkedIn Profile Management Best Practices
Whether you have “Open to Work” enabled or not, maintaining an effective LinkedIn profile is crucial for career development:
Keep Your Profile Updated
- Regularly update your experience, skills, and accomplishments
- Add new certifications or training as you complete them
- Refresh your profile photo every 1-2 years for a current representation
Create a Strategic Headline
Your headline is the first thing people see after your name. Make it count with:
- Your current role or professional identity
- Key specialties or expertise areas
- Value proposition or career focus
Build a Strong Network
- Connect with colleagues, industry peers, and professional contacts
- Join and participate in relevant LinkedIn groups
- Follow companies and thought leaders in your industry
Engage Consistently
- Share relevant industry content weekly
- Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts
- Publish original content to demonstrate expertise
Request and Give Recommendations
Authentic recommendations from colleagues and managers significantly boost your profile’s credibility. Aim to have at least 3-5 recommendations highlighting different skills.
Several tools can help you optimize your LinkedIn profile and job search strategy:
- LinkedIn Premium: Offers expanded search capabilities, insights on who’s viewed your profile, and InMail credits
- Jobscan: Analyzes your resume and LinkedIn profile against job descriptions
- Grammarly: Ensures your profile content is error-free and professional
- FidForward Talent: Offers AI-powered tools and resources for optimizing your professional online presence
When to use a job search coach
If you’re struggling with your job search despite using LinkedIn effectively, consider working with a job search coach who can:
- Provide personalized advice on your LinkedIn strategy
- Help optimize your profile for maximum impact
- Offer guidance on when and how to use features like “Open to Work”
- Develop a comprehensive job search plan beyond LinkedIn
At FidForward Talent, we help professionals optimize their LinkedIn presence to attract the right opportunities while maintaining appropriate privacy. Our AI-powered platform combined with expert guidance ensures you’re making the most of your professional network and performance.
Managing your LinkedIn presence strategically
The “Open to Work” feature on LinkedIn is a powerful tool, but it requires strategic use. Knowing when to activate it, when to remove it, and how to configure its privacy settings gives you more control over your professional narrative and job search.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Removing “Open to Work” is straightforward through either desktop or mobile
- Consider your privacy needs when deciding whether to use the feature
- Alternative methods exist to signal job availability more discreetly
- Regular profile maintenance is essential regardless of job-seeking status
By thoughtfully managing your LinkedIn presence, you position yourself for career success while maintaining the professional image you want to project to your network, potential employers, and current colleagues.
