Crafting a Killer "Open to Work" Post

If you regularly engage with content on LinkedIn, you’ve probably seen posts from users publicly sharing their job search status—commonly known as the “Open to Work” announcement.

First, publicly sharing your active job search is a personal decision. If you would rather keep those conversations one-on-one and private, you can still conduct an effective search. In today’s competitive job market, if you opt to give the public means a shot, a well-crafted “Open to Work” announcement can be a powerful tool to attract the attention of potential employers. Here are some tips to help you maximize the impact of your announcement:

Be Specific About Your Career Goals

When crafting your “Open to Work” post, avoid vague statements like “I’m open to work and looking for my next new role.” Instead, provide clear information about:

Industries you’re interested in
Specific job titles you’re pursuing
Types of companies you’d like to work for
Location. Are you open to relocate? Remote only? If you are willing to commute, what are your commute limitations and approximate radius of mileage to office.

This specificity helps your network understand exactly how they can assist you and saves time for both you and potential employers.

Showcase Your Recent Achievements

Many in your network may not be aware of your recent professional accomplishments. Use this opportunity to highlight:

Recent project work
Key achievements
Areas of expertise

For example:”I recently led a team of four developers to launch a new Shopify platform. We saw a huge boost in sales—up 25%—and significantly reduced customer support inquiries by 30%.”This combination of expertise and tangible results can make you stand out to potential employers.

Be Clear About Your Preferences

Don’t hesitate to state your preferences and non-negotiables upfront. This might include:

Remote work options
Commute preferences
Areas of specialization

Being upfront about these factors can help filter out opportunities that don’t align with your needs, saving time for all parties involved.

Prepare for Networking Opportunities

Remember that agreeing to a conversation doesn’t commit you to a job. Use this time to:

Rekindle lukewarm professional relationships
Expand your network
Gather information about potential opportunities

Make Yourself Accessible

Ensure that people outside your immediate network can reach you. Consider:

Creating a separate email account for job search communications
Making your contact information public during your active job search

Engage Your Network

Encourage your connections to help by:

Asking for introductions to relevant hiring managers
Requesting that they share any suitable opportunities they come across

Example of a Stellar “Open to Work” Announcement:

I’d like to share the example of a professional who nailed the framework for a public notice that encapsulates all the above. I’ve scaled it down to the foundation of the messaging:

I’m on the hunt for a new director-level role.

You can help me in 3 ways, so please message me if you:
(1) Know of relevant open roles,
(2) Have connections that you think would be helpful in my search, or
(3) Have other ideas that could launch me into a new position.

Below are a few things that may be helpful as you keep your eyes open for roles that might be a good fit for me.

Some of my favorite aspects of business:
1.
2.
3.

Roles that typically are a good match for me:
1.
2.
3.

I’m also open to ________

It’s important to me to be part of a company that:
(List off aspects like company culture, non-negotiables, mission, etc).

Please also reach out to me if there’s anything I can do for you. (Offer for reciprocity)

And remember what I had mentioned about deciding to keep your job search private, at least by not notifying strangers of your activity? These tips can be applied to emails, direct messages, and even networking events to communicate your career objectives better. By following these tips and tailoring your “Open to Work” announcement to your specific goals and experience, you can increase your chances of attracting the attention of potential employers and landing your dream job.

Crafting a Killer “Open to Work” Post