Should I use the Open to Work banner on my LinkedIn profile picture?
Question:
Should I use the Open to Work banner on my LinkedIn profile picture?
Answer:
Yes. No. Maybe. It depends.
Explanation:
This topic is one that divides LinkedIn, usually into the career coaches who say, “Of course, use it! There’s no shame in needing a job!” and the hiring managers who judge people with the banner as being less desirable than those without. Here are my two cents.
Let’s get the easy use case out of the way. If you’re employed and don’t want your boss to know you’re looking for a new job–don’t use it. Simple.
Now another fairly easy situation. If you’re really desperate for a job and need one ASAP–use it. But, you should be aware of what I’m about to say below for those who “need” a job, but don’t nneeeeeeeddd a job. Because, if you’re between those two extremes, it’s a judgement call you’re going to have to make. Here are some things to consider.
First, a company is always going to try and get the best employee for the least amount of money. Just like you’re going to try and get the highest salary you can get for your qualifications and experience. You’re both trying to maximize your financial benefit. If you found out that the last person in the role you’re applying for was paid $70,000/year, even though the market rate for a role like this is more like $60,000/year, you’re probably going to leverage that information into a salary closer to $70K. Or, if you did some research and found that this company is known for giving out signing bonuses, I bet you’ll try to negotiate one, even if you weren’t thinking about signing bonuses before you found out this company hands them out like candy on Halloween. And, if the recruiter lets it slip how insanely overworked the whole team is and how desperately they need someone in this role ASAP, then you’re also likely to try and negotiate a higher salary.
The point I’m trying to make here is that you will use every piece of information at your disposal to try and maximize your financial benefit. You should assume the company will do the same. And if they think you’re desperate for a job, then they will probably lowball you. Now, as I mentioned above, you may, in fact, be desperate for a job and you need pay coming in yesterday, in which case you’d probably be happy for a lowball offer, as opposed to no offer at all. That’s understandable. But I’m talking now to the folks who can ride things out a little longer. This group should know that when you say “Open to Work” using the banner, some hiring managers hear “Open to Lowball Offers.”
Additionally, some hiring managers will always view unemployment negatively. It’s just a fact. The latest data I’ve seen says that 40% of people have been laid off or fired and over 70% of people have had some sort of unemployed period in their career. So it’s not like unemployment isn’t common. Nevertheless, there are, without a doubt, hiring managers who view it as an indicator that you’re a less desirable employee. So it might count against you in that way too. Though I think this is less of a concern than the lowball-offer concern.
Finally, I want to address a less common (but not terribly uncommon) set of circumstances: freelancers and contract workers. If you are not a W2 employee and instead either take on freelance work from a variety of clients or work individual engagements on a contract basis, then the Open to Work banner is totally acceptable. When your work is temporary by nature and you work with clients or companies until a specific job is complete, then the fact that you’re looking for your next one has nothing to do with your performance and likely isn’t reflective of how desperately you need a role. So in that case, feel free to use it with impunity.
What’s my final recommendation? Think about your particular circumstances and consider what I’ve said here. Then, make an informed decision that balances all the tradeoffs in the way that is most right for you.
