Dear Thriving Introvert! In this newsletter, I'll cover:

• Job Search: LinkedIn Open to Work Banner: Yes or No?
• Career: Managing Career Uncertainty
• Well-being: Company Resources For Uncertain Times

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In the last few weeks, I've seen much divisive information on LinkedIn regarding the Open the Work banner. I read posts from recruiters, career coaches, hiring managers, and people using the feature as job seekers.

Recruiters enjoy seeing this feature in people's profiles when they search for candidates with LinkedIn Recruiter. They know they can contact them and get a quick response because of the banner.

Career coaches and hiring managers have mixed opinions about this feature. Some dislike it and might even say it makes candidates look desperate and reduces their negotiation power, while others encourage people to use it.

Some job seekers questioned its functionality, while others complained about the many unwanted automated messages from service providers.

As you can see, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. In this week's article, I share more tips on whether you should try it, but here is the biggest takeaway:

Turning the feature on might still not attract recruiters to your profile.

The Open-to-Work banner will not fix a profile that has not been fully optimized to showcase your expertise for the job you want, not the one you have.

💡 Job Search: LinkedIn Open to Work Banner: Yes or No?

Have you ever hesitated before turning on LinkedIn’s Open to Work banner? You’re not alone.

Using LinkedIn's Open to Work feature can be tricky, especially if you're an introvert unsure how visible you want to be.

You want to maximize opportunities without necessarily shouting from the rooftops.

If you want to use it effectively, optimize your profile and quietly yet confidently position yourself as a strong candidate.

Here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of it:

🟣 Optimize Your Profile First:​
The banner can only do so much if your profile isn’t fully optimized. Ensure your headline, summary, and experience sections showcase your skills and achievements.

🟣 Adjust Your Privacy Settings:​
If you’re job searching discreetly, use the privacy options to show the Open to Work status only to recruiters. This way, you get noticed without alerting your current network.

🟣 Test and Tweak:​
Experiment with turning the banner on and off over a set period. Monitor your profile views and recruiter messages change, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

These tips are just the beginning. To dive deeper into the pros and cons of the Open to Work feature and discover advanced strategies tailored to your career goals, check out my latest article:

👉 Read "LinkedIn Open to Work Banner: Is It Good or Bad for Your Career?"​

The article explains the purpose of the green banner, provides instructions on how to turn this feature on and off, how to experiment with it, and how it can help you become visible to recruiters and achieve your career goals.

READ ARTICLE

💻 CAREER: Managing Career Uncertainty

In case you missed last week's article, I discussed How to Manage Career Uncertainty With a Positive Attitude. No matter how you feel about your job right now, career uncertainty can hit you anytime because there is no such thing as "job security." This article has some tips to help you take control of your career right now.

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🙂 WELL-BEING: Company Resources For Uncertain Times

Navigating career uncertainty or the prospect of job loss can feel overwhelming, yet it also offers a moment to refocus on what truly matters: your well-being. If you're employed, take advantage of company-sponsored initiatives to boost physical and mental health.

Many organizations offer wellness programs, mindfulness sessions, fitness classes, and even counseling services—resources that help manage stress and build resilience during challenging times. By investing in your health now, you're safeguarding your current well-being and equipping yourself with the strength to navigate any future changes in your career path.