Is the “Open to Work” Banner Hurting Your Executive Job Search?
- Debra Boggs
- May 1
- 3 min read
There’s been a lot of debate lately about the public “Open to Work” banner on LinkedIn and whether it helps or harms executive-level job seekers.
As someone who advises hundreds of senior leaders a year on how to navigate career transitions strategically and protect their executive presence, here is my advice:
For executives, especially those targeting VP, C-suite, or board roles, the green banner is often more harmful than helpful.
Here’s why.
The Banner Sends a Signal, Just Not the One You Want
The public green “Open to Work” ribbon at the top of your profile does more than alert recruiters. It reshapes how you're viewed, and often not in your favor.
It centers your employment status, not your leadership value. Your first impression should be about your impact, your unique value, and what you bring to the table, not the fact that you’re looking for a new job.
It can unintentionally signal desperation. While this is a touchy subject, it is still a fact. Many recruiters and hiring managers interpret the green banner as a distress signal. And this directly clashes with the confident, composed presence people look for when hiring executive leaders.
It opens you up to spam. Several professionals have shared with me that turning on the banner led to a surge in spam messages, low-paying contract offers, and even LinkedIn bots commenting on old posts.
What About the Private “Open to Work” Setting?
Good question. The non-public version that is visible only to recruiters can be a helpful tool. It lets you discreetly indicate interest in new opportunities without advertising your status to your entire network.
This is perfectly fine to turn on for job seekers at all levels.
But remember that turning this on will not open the floodgates to new opportunities. You still need a strong LinkedIn profile, a stand-out executive resume, and a proactive networking strategy to convert visibility into real traction.
Your LinkedIn Profile Is Not Just a Digital Resume, It’s Your First Impression
Every element of your LinkedIn profile should reinforce your credibility as a strategic, composed, and high-impact leader.
From your headshot and headline to your summary and featured sections, these are your digital “first impressions.” Don’t let a green banner speak louder than your leadership narrative.
A Better Way: Use Strategy, Not Signals
As an executive-level candidate, instead of relying on a banner to bring opportunities to you, focus on:
Refining your positioning to your target role
Defining your value proposition
Building a compelling profile that attracts and engages recruiters and hiring managers
Engaging with content that demonstrates thought leadership
Building and activating your network to open more doors
This is what we do at D&S through our Executive Edge Method™, a proven, seven-step framework for landing faster and negotiating better.
Download our free Executive Job Search Diagnostic to see what's working in your job search and where your process may be breaking down.
Final Thoughts
The job market isn’t just competitive, it’s nuanced. And for executives, every detail matters.
Book a complimentary strategy call to explore how we can support your next move.
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