✅ Choose the relevant "open to" setting for you (if at all it's relevant)
✅ If you proivde services - add a services section to your profile
How to optimize
While not a best practice for everyone, using the Open to functionality can be useful in a few specific cases:
For most professionals - Setting the Open to Work option to be visible to recruiters only is a smart move. It creates an opportunity for inbound interest without displaying the public badge.
For executives - The Hiring badge can be useful, especially if you plan to be active on the platform. Your job post alone may not get the visibility you expect, so your profile’s organic exposure can serve as an additional channel for talent acquisition.
For freelancers - The Providing Services option creates a dedicated services page that includes space for collecting recommendations. If you set it up, build a a clear plan to gather recommendations as soon as possible.[picture 2]
Open to work - visible only to recruiters (without the green badge)
The services section you can add to your profile through the "Add profile sections" button
What to be careful of when using the "Open to" feature
Be careful not to misuse this feature.
For example, if you're in a sensitive position or during a delicate time, even the Open to Work setting (when visible only to recruiters) can still be seen on the platform by anyone with a LinkedIn Premium Recruiter subscription.
In some cases, working directly with headhunters anonymously is the better option.
Similarly, displaying a Hiring badge while your company is going through layoffs can reflect poorly.
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