In a brutal job market, LinkedIn's #OpenToWork badge may be worth the downsides

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the effectiveness of the OpenToWork badge on LinkedIn for job seekers in a competitive job market, highlighting differing opinions on its utility and impact on job search success [1][2][3]. Group 1: Perspectives on OpenToWork Badge - Richard Eisenberg, a workplace expert, notes that opinions on the OpenToWork badge are divided, with some viewing it positively and others negatively [2][3]. - Eisenberg believes that displaying the OpenToWork badge is beneficial, especially for older job seekers, as it signals availability and interest to potential employers [5][6]. - Career coach Jayne Mattson supports the use of the OpenToWork feature, stating that it increases the chances of being contacted by recruiters or hiring managers [6]. Group 2: Limitations and Alternatives - Marci Alboher, a workplace trend expert, emphasizes that the OpenToWork badge is not a guaranteed solution for job seekers, but can serve as a useful signal to recruiters [8]. - Alboher mentions that job seekers can adjust privacy settings to limit visibility of the badge to recruiters only, which can be advantageous for freelancers seeking new engagements [8].