Expert job search advice.

The High-Performing LinkedIn “Open to Work” Post Formula

1. Clear headline (make it skimmable)

Start with a bold, simple opener:

🔍 Open to New Opportunities
or
Excited to Explore What’s Next

2. One-sentence positioning statement. In 1–2 lines, say:

  • What role you want
  • What function/industry
  • What kind of impact you bring

Example template:
“I’m actively seeking my next [role level] position in [field/industry], where I can [key value or impact].

3. “What I bring” section (credibility + proof)

Use bullets. Keep them concrete and impressive.

What I bring:
[X]+ years of experience in [domain]
• Proven results in [business outcome: growth, savings, scale, turnaround]
• Key achievements: [metric, scope, transformation]
• Leadership strength: [team size, retention, culture]
• Tools/skills: [top 3–6 keywords recruiters search]

Rule: Metrics beat adjectives every time.

4. “What I’m looking for” section (direction + fit)

This helps your network help you.

What I’m looking for:
• Target roles: [titles]
• Ideal environments: [company stage, culture, mission]
• Work you want to do: [problems you love solving]

5. Personal hook (make it human + memorable)

Add 1–2 lines about what excites you most.

Template:
“I’m especially drawn to opportunities where I can [unique motivator or niche].

6. Simple call to action (tell people what to do)

Don’t be vague — make it easy.

Template:
“If you know of a team hiring for [role], I’d love to connect.”

Make outreach frictionless.

DM or email: [address]
Resume/portfolio: [link]

8. 3–6 relevant hashtags (not 20)

End with searchable tags.

Examples:
#OpenToWork #MarketingLeadership #ProductManagement #FinanceJobs

Copy-and-Paste Template for Job Seekers

🔍 Open to New Opportunities

I’m actively seeking my next [role title] opportunity in [industry/function], where I can help [drive X outcome / solve Y challenge].

What I bring:
[X]+ years of experience in [field]
• Proven success in [key result: revenue growth, cost savings, transformation]
• Led [teams/projects] delivering [measurable impact]
• Strengths in [top skills/keywords]
• Known for [leadership style or differentiator]

What I’m looking for:
• Roles such as [target titles]
• Organizations that value [culture values]
• Opportunities to [type of work you want more of]

I’m especially interested in positions where I can [personal hook: build, scale, lead, transform].

If you know of an opportunity or would like to connect, I’d love to hear from you.

📩 DM me or email: [email]
📋 Resume/portfolio: [link]

#OpenToWork #YourIndustry #YourRole

Examples:

The following profiles were found by searching “Open to Work” on LinkedIn. I have no affiliation with these individuals, but I’m sharing them because they’re clear, well-structured, and closely follow the formula above. Each one also gives the reader an actionable next step.

Tim Crider: DevOps/Platform Engineering

Jim Read: Financial Services Recruiter

Laura Duve: HR Business Partner

Does it Work?

Kristin Gallucci, a senior marketing strategist at Cognizant, wrote a fantastic post about her experience using Open to Work. According to Kristen, her OTW post helped her land a new role in 6 weeks in a competitive job market.

Author

  • Sarah Johnston Headshot

    Founder of The Briefcase Coach, Sarah is an industry “insider” and job search expert. As a former corporate recruiter, Sarah got tired of seeing talented high-achievers get passed over for opportunities because they did not have the right marketing documents or know how to position themselves in interviews. Since opening Briefcase Coach in 2016, Sarah has helped thousands of clients land top-tier jobs through the creation of executive documents and interview coaching. In addition to working one-on-one with clients, she also supports job seekers through her blog, social media posts and bi-monthly newsletter, Career Briefs. She has been named a LinkedIn Top Voice, one of HR Weekly’s Top 100 Most Influential People in HR, and a “top follow” by JobScan. Her company, Briefcase Coach was named “best resume writing firm for experienced executives” by Balance Careers.

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