Quick Answers
Here are some quick tips for indicating you are looking for a new job opportunity on LinkedIn:
- Update your headline – Your headline is one of the first things people see on your profile. Update it to say “Seeking new opportunities in [your field]”.
- Update your summary – Use your summary section to briefly explain the type of role you are looking for and your top skills and experience.
- Add the “Open to work” badge – You can add a badge that says “Open to work” on your profile photo to signal you are looking.
- Engage with recruiters – Reach out to recruiters at companies you are interested in and let them know you are looking.
- Join relevant groups – Join LinkedIn groups for your industry or niche to expand your network.
- Follow companies – Follow companies you want to work for to see their job postings.
Update Your Headline
One of the most direct ways to indicate you are looking for a new opportunity on LinkedIn is to update your profile headline. Your headline appears right below your name on your profile.
Include relevant keywords like your industry, job title, or area of expertise. Then add “Seeking new opportunities” or “Open to work”.
Here are some examples of good LinkedIn headlines when looking for a new job:
- Data Analyst seeking new opportunities in Austin, TX
- Social Media Manager open to work in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Front End Web Developer looking for new roles in London
Your headline gives visitors immediate context that you are currently looking for a new position when they land on your profile.
Update Your Summary
In your LinkedIn summary, provide an overview of your professional background, top skills, and experience. This section also gives you an opportunity to explain the type of role you are seeking.
Here are some tips for updating your summary when looking for a job:
- Briefly describe your career history and background.
- List key skills, certifications, and technical expertise.
- Mention the type of opportunity you are looking for – job title, industry, remote/in-office, etc.
- Explain why you are a strong fit for the types of roles you want.
- Include keywords recruiters may search for.
Keep your summary concise – 2-3 paragraphs or bullet points. Use it to pitch yourself to hiring managers and recruiters when they visit your profile.
Example of a LinkedIn Summary When Job Seeking
Digital marketing professional with 5+ years experience. Seeking new opportunity as a marketing manager, product marketing role, or growth/acquisition marketing position.
– Expertise in SEO, Google Analytics, email marketing, and digital campaign management
– Experience leading marketing initiatives from ideation to execution
– Success developing and implementing digital marketing strategies that support business growth
Passionate about leveraging data-driven marketing to connect consumers with products they love. Excited to bring my experience driving ROI and customer engagement to a growing company. Open to remote/on-site roles in Austin or San Francisco.
Add the “Open to Work” Badge
LinkedIn now allows you to add an “Open to work” badge on your profile picture. This prominently signals to your network and recruiters that you are seeking new job opportunities.
To add the badge:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile.
- Click on your profile photo.
- Select “Add profile badge”.
- Choose the “Open to work” badge option.
You can further customize the badging by indicating you want remote work, in office roles, or a new job in a certain city.
The “Open to work” badge serves as a public announcement to your connections and network that you are open to discussing new career options.
Engage With Recruiters
One of the most direct ways to use LinkedIn to find a new job is reaching out to recruiters who work at companies you want to apply to.
Here are tips for connecting with recruiters:
- Search for recruiters at your target companies using LinkedIn Recruiter and filter by company.
- Look at the profiles of people who work at the company to find recruiters.
- Connect with recruiters you find and send them a message saying you are interested in opportunities.
- Follow up if a recruiter views your profile to start a discussion.
- Ask your network for introductions to any recruiters they know.
Reaching out directly allows you to express interest in current or future openings at companies you want to work for. Many recruiters will be open to an initial discussion.
Join Relevant Groups
Joining LinkedIn groups related to your industry or professional interests is a great way to expand your network when looking for a job.
Look for active groups focused on:
- Your specific job title or field
- Industry niche communities
- Professional development topics
- Alumni or local community groups
In groups you can:
- Engage in discussions and demonstrate expertise
- Connect with other members who work in your field
- Learn about job opportunities and career events
- Potentially get introduced to hiring managers or recruiters
Actively participating in group conversations and building connections can help open up your job search.
Follow Companies You Want to Work For
One easy way to find new job opportunities on LinkedIn is following companies you want to work for. Here’s how:
- Search for a company you are interested in.
- Visit their LinkedIn Company Page.
- Click “Follow” next to the company name.
Once you follow a company, you will see their job postings in your LinkedIn feed. This allows you to be the first to know when a relevant opening gets listed.
You can also get insights into company culture, business initiatives, and key employees by following their Company Page. This helps you determine if the company is a good fit.
Conclusion
Using LinkedIn strategically can expand your job search and help you land exciting new opportunities. By updating your profile, engaging with recruiters, joining groups, and following companies, you can indicate you are open to new roles and connect with the right people.
With LinkedIn’s powerful search and networking tools, you can uncover ideal jobs and get your profile in front of hiring managers in your field. Showcase the value you can bring to a role through your personalized LinkedIn presence.