Turning on Your Job Signal

In 2017, LinkedIn released the new "Open Candidates" feature which allows all LinkedIn users (premium or free) to signal to recruiters that they are job seeking.

One thing to note about this signal is that it is only visible to recruiters who have the Recruiter Premium (not lite) LinkedIn Package. OR in other words, only companies/recruiters that are willing to pay $8K-$10K per year. (Note: The recruiter lite package costs ~$1200/yr).

Click here for a video with more information.

Here's how you turn it on:

1) Go to "Jobs" from your LinkedIn top menu, and then click on the pencil to edit "career interests"

2) Turn the toggle button to the blue on:

3. Don't skip the note to recruiters.

Even if you don't think you have anything to say - FILL IT OUT!!! Do not skip an opportunity to broadcast your brand, tell your story, or sell yourself. Somethings to include are:

• SKILLS or BRAND: "I have over 20 years experience in project management and am PMP certified. I'm known for my thorough review and follow-up leading to defect elimination and hundreds in cost savings. Interested in small business projects where I can make a big impact."
• STORY: "I am passionate about finance - the backbone of my life. I took the last several years off to be a primary caregiver, however, my passion for cost savings, budget analysis, and compliance have increased. I am well versed in macro excel and am an integral member of the Houston Finance Professional Networking Community." 
• ESSENTIALS: "I am an engineer with an MBA - experienced in both technical sales and consulting. I am seeking financial/investment consulting for engineering large or small projects (500K+ project revenue). I am not interested in commision-only positions and will not relocate. Thanks!

4. Fill out the rest of the signal with your preferences.

A few things to note are:

• Type slowly when entering the Job Titles you are interested in. Make sure to pick all the ones that apply in the drop-down.
• The industry list is the same one from your edit profile industry page. If you go there you can see the full printed list from which to choose.

5. Congratulations! You're done.

Now you can sit and wait for new opportunities to come in! I recommend you navigate back to this screen at least once a month to refresh your signal and increase hits.