On LinkedIn, users have the ability to set a status update that displays next to their name. This status can contain text, emojis, photos, and more. One feature many don’t realize is that LinkedIn also allows you to add a status icon next to your name, separate from the text status. These status icons indicate something specific about your current situation, such as being open to opportunities, traveling, or having a work anniversary. Understanding what each LinkedIn status icon means can help you better connect with your network.
Available, Open to Work, and Actively Looking Icons
LinkedIn has three main status icons focused on conveying your interest in new job opportunities:
- Available – The “Available” status icon shows a green circle. This signals to your network that you are currently open to hearing about new job opportunities. You aren’t actively looking, but are open if the right option comes along.
- Open to Work – The “Open to Work” icon displays a briefcase with a heart inside. This conveys that you are actively interested in exploring new roles. Recruiters will see this icon and know you are open to being contacted about openings.
- Actively Looking – The “Actively Looking” status displays an icon with a magnifying glass over a briefcase. This signals that you are currently searching for a new opportunity and are very interested in connecting about open roles.
Displaying any of these three status icons is a great way to passively advertise that you are interested in hearing about new opportunities. For users focused on career growth and advancement, consider adding one of these icons to start conversations within your network.
Work Anniversary Icons
LinkedIn offers several icons to highlight milestones and anniversaries in your career. These include:
- Work Anniversary – This displays a cake icon and allows you to specify how many years you have been with your current company. It’s a great way to share your work milestones.
- New Job – The “New Job” icon shows ahandshake and allows you to customize the message to share that you started a new role.
- Promotion – A rising graph icon indicates you were recently promoted. You can include what you were promoted to.
- New Company – This icon with a building lets you announce that you have joined a new company. You can customize the name.
These icons help showcase major events and milestones in your career. They are useful for keeping your LinkedIn network up-to-date on your latest progress and achievements.
Location and Travel Icons
LinkedIn includes several status icons to share location and travel updates:
- Traveling – The airplane icon indicates you are currently traveling for work. You can enter in the city, country, or region.
- New Location – This icon with a pin lets you share that you have moved or relocated to a new area.
- Local – The “Local” tag shows you live in the location listed on your profile.
- Visiting – The suitcase icon signals you are currently visiting the location entered.
Location and travel icons make it easy to share updates when you are on the move or settling in a new place. This gives your network context on where you are located.
Graduation Caps and Education Icons
Icons related to education accomplishments include:
- New School – This cap icon allows you to share starting at a new school or educational program.
- Graduated – The graduation cap lets you announce graduating from a degree or program.
- Student – The “Student” icon shows a cap and diploma, indicating your current student status.
Education status icons make it easy to share your latest academic achievements and milestones with your network.
Military Service Icons
For members of the military community, LinkedIn offers several icons to share information about your service:
- Deployed – The “Deployed” icon shows a soldier’s helmet, allowing you to customize the location deployed.
- Moved – A truck moving icon indicates you have been relocated to a new military base.
- New Post – The “New Post” icon lets you share starting a new role or position.
- Enlisted – This icon shares that you have enlisted and started your military service.
These icons help military members inform their network about major changes and events during their service.
Additional Icons
LinkedIn has several other status icons including:
- Break – The palm tree icon indicates you are currently on vacation or a work break.
- Laid Off – This icon lets you share news of being laid off from a previous role.
- Retired – The retired icon signals you have officially retired from your career.
- Parental Leave – The icon with a heart and baby bottle conveys being on parental leave.
These additional icons cover a wide range of other statuses and events you may want to share.
Custom Emojis
Beyond the standard icons, LinkedIn also allows you to upload custom emojis. These can be used to share personalized updates and news. You can upload any emoji to represent major life events, personal interests, hobbies, and more. Custom emojis enable you to get creative in how you update your status.
Displaying Your Status
To add a LinkedIn status icon next to your profile name, simply click on “Add profile section” from your profile edit screen. From here you can select the “Status” section. You will then be able to type a text update, select one of the standard icons that applies, or upload a custom emoji. The status and icon will then display alongside your name for all your connections to see.
Status icons are a great way to passively share updates and information with your network. Whether alerting recruiters you are open to new opportunities, announcing major career milestones, or conveying your latest travels, LinkedIn’s status icons help showcase what is happening in your professional life.