LinkedIn ‘Open to Work’ Privacy Settings: Visible to All vs Recruiters Only
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When you update your job search preferences, configuring your LinkedIn Open to Work privacy settings determines who sees your availability. The platform offers two visibility settings, each with different privacy rules and profile displays.
Choosing the right tier depends on whether you are employed and searching confidentially or actively marketing your availability to your broader network.
The Two Visibility Options Explained
When you click Open to Work on your profile, LinkedIn prompts you to select your audience:
How Privacy Safeguards Work for 'Recruiters Only'
When you choose Recruiters Only, LinkedIn attempts to hide your job-seeking status from recruiters at your current employer. The system checks the company page linked to your current, ongoing position in your Experience section.
This filter blocks recruiters whose LinkedIn accounts are tied directly to your employer's corporate account. However, it cannot guarantee complete confidentiality. It will not block recruiters working for sister companies, independent staffing firms working on your company's behalf, or colleagues using secondary accounts.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Select your setting based on your current employment status:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my current manager see my Open to Work status if they have a standard account?
No. If you select Recruiters Only, standard LinkedIn accounts cannot view your status. Only users logged into a paid LinkedIn Recruiter seat can see the indicator.
Does turning on Open to Work notify my entire network?
No. Enabling the feature does not create a post in your activity feed or send notifications to your connections.
Can I specify which roles and locations recruiters see without making it public?
Yes. The Open to Work setup menu allows you to list up to five job titles, remote preferences, target geographic regions, and contract preferences privately.
