Should You Use LinkedIn's 'Open To Work' Feature? Here's What Professionals Say

With over 930 million members and growing at a rate of three new members every second, LinkedIn is the top most professional networking platform currently.

So it isn't a surprise that individuals looking for a job hop on to the site to search for available options.

A feature on LinkedIn that is aimed at helping in job search is the 'Open to Work' feature. But, is it advisable to use this feature?

What is LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' feature?

If you have spent time on LinkedIn scrolling through profiles, you may have noticed a green circle around some profile display photos with the hashtag #OpenToWork.

LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' feature

When you select the Open to Work Feature, recruiters become aware of your search.

How to set up LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' feature?

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This is how you can set up LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' feature:

• Select your profile picture, then click on "view profile."
• At the top of your profile is your introduction card. Click the "Open" button and provide the information as requested.
• You can then select whether all LinkedIn members or only recruiters can see that you are open to opportunities.

Why professionals advise against using LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' feature

You need to be careful when setting up LinkedIn's 'Open to Work' feature, because you may not want anyone from your current employment to see that you are looking for other job opportunities. This is why if you are currently employed, it is advised to avoid using this feature altogether.

Professionals, however, advise against using the open to work feature regardless of whether you are employed or not. The reason? It reeks of desperation.

The 'Open To Work' sign on your profile seems like desperation to a hiring manager - an impression that you will take any job from whoever reaches out.

"The biggest red flag on LinkedIn is the 'open to work' symbol," says former Google recruiter Nolan Church.

When you are looking for a job, you want to give the recruiting company the impression that you have other options - and that they have to raise the stakes if they want you.

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It is necessary to negotiate with them and ask for more - salary, perks, as you need.

Church says to CNBC that recruiters believe the best people are not looking for jobs. "You have to go and pull them out," he says. And when you look desperate, people don't want you.

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