Wouldn’t it be nice if you could send recruiters a signal that you’re open to hearing about opportunities?
And wouldn’t it be nicer if you could do that without broadcasting the information to your boss and the rest of the world?
In 2016, LinkedIn launched a feature, Job Preferences, that does just that. They say that switching it on makes LinkedIn Recruiter users twice as likely to look at your profile.
If you use Linkedin Job Preferences, here’s how you will show up in LinkedIn Recruiter search results:
How to Use LinkedIn Job Preferences
Go to LinkedIn and click Jobs/Preferences/Update Your Preferences. Note the red arrows:
Once there, you can specify your:
- Desired location.
- Experience level (trainee to executive).
- Industry preferences (from LinkedIn’s preset list).
- Company size preferences.
- Preferred field/functional area (from LinkedIn’s preset list).
- Preferred job title (up to three from LinkedIn’s preset list).
- Type of desired employment from full-time to five other options.
- Availability (now or a specific month).
- Permission for LI to tell recruiters you’re open to new opportunities.
- Permission for LI to share your detailed job preferences with recruiters.
- OK for LI to share your profile with recruiters when you apply to jobs.
Items 9 through 11 stay switched on for 90 days, at which point you have to revisit your preferences page and reset them.
Will Your Employer See Your LinkedIn Job Preferences?
Maybe. LinkedIn doesn’t give you any guarantee of protection. However, be sure your current job is linked to your employer’s LinkedIn company page. When you do that, LinkedIn will try to hide you from Recruiter users at your company and its affiliated companies (more here).
If your company’s logo shows on your profile for your current job, then you have linked yourself to its company page.
Reduces Friction in Job Search & Recruiting Cycles
This tool takes a little more friction out of job search and recruiting cycles. It lets you put out a stronger signal of availability with mitigated risk. It lets recruiters prioritize viewing and contacting “warm” prospects if they want to do so.
I like it! You’ll decide if it’s right for you.
Speaking of signals, you might also like:
How to Make Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile More Believable
Increase Your Visibility by Following Companies on LinkedIn
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn
Please don’t hesitate to invite me to connect on LinkedIn here. The more I know about my readers, the better I can make my blog.
Fotolia/Destina
Updated May 2019
© 2016 – 2021, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.
Donna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, authors all of AvidCareerist’s posts. She has written for and been quoted by 100+ business and general media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNBC, the New York Times, USA Today, Time, CBS, the BBC, Lifehacker, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, and Business News Daily.
Let her expertise inform your job search strategy and decision making.
Contact Donna here to learn more about her resume and LinkedIn profile services and fee structure.
Comments 2
What happens if you are unemployed and you no longer wish to list what used to be your current employer?
Hi Sue,
Thank you for asking. Two things will happen:
1. You will show a gap in your employment that will reduce the number of employers who are interested in you.
2. LinkedIn will show your profile on lower pages in search results. They give priority to people who show they’re currently employed.
Donna