The job market is competitive, and standing out on LinkedIn with your Open to Work post can feel overwhelming. But here’s the hard truth: many job seekers are doing it wrong.
Don’t worry—it’s not your fault. Crafting a post that gets noticed, shared, and leads to opportunities is a skill most people were never taught.
In this guide, I’ll help you write an impactful, clear, and results-driven Open to Work post by avoiding common mistakes. Let’s get started.
1. Avoid Long Paragraphs
The Problem:
Dense, long paragraphs can cause readers’ eyes to glaze over. They’ll lose interest before getting to the most important parts of your message.
The Solution:
- Use short paragraphs with plenty of white space.
- Include bullet points to make your content easy to skim.
- Keep your sentences concise and impactful.
Example:
✅ Instead of:
“I’m an experienced marketing professional with 7 years of experience leading content campaigns, managing SEO strategies, and developing successful brand initiatives for mid-sized organizations.”
Try:
🚀 Experienced Marketing Professional
- 7 years leading content and SEO strategies.
- Increased organic traffic by 120% in 6 months.
- Developed 4 brand campaigns that boosted visibility by 35%.
2. Don’t List Responsibilities—Focus on Impact
The Problem:
Listing your past job responsibilities is generic and doesn’t help hiring managers understand the value you bring.
The Solution:
Focus on results, achievements, and impact instead. Share quantifiable results that demonstrate your success. Use numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes wherever possible.
Example:
❌ “Managed social media platforms and wrote blog content.”
✅ “Grew LinkedIn followers by 60% in 3 months and increased blog engagement by 40% through targeted content strategies.”
3. Be Specific About What You Want
The Problem:
Vague posts don’t help people know how to assist you. If you aren’t clear about what you want, you miss opportunities.
The Solution:
Be specific about:
- The job titles you’re targeting.
- The industries or types of companies you want to work for.
- The type of work that excites you and plays to your strengths.
Example:
👋 “I’m looking for a full-time Marketing Manager role in the tech or SaaS industry, where I can lead content strategy and SEO projects. I’m passionate about driving brand growth through data-driven campaigns.”
4. Include Key Job Search Details
The Problem:
Your audience can’t refer you to the right opportunities if you leave out important details.
The Solution:
Include helpful specifics like:
- Your location (or willingness to relocate).
- Work preference: full-time, part-time, remote, hybrid.
- Skills relevant to your desired role.
Example:
📍 Based in Chicago | Open to remote roles nationwide.
💼 Ideal roles: Content Strategist, Marketing Manager, SEO Specialist.
🛠️ Key Skills: SEO, content strategy, analytics, Google Ads.
5. Post at the Right Time
The Problem:
Timing matters. Posting during low-traffic hours means fewer people see your content.
The Solution:
Be strategic about when you post.
- Avoid weekends, late nights, and very early mornings.
- Post on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for the best engagement.
- Try posting around 12:00 PM EST to catch both East Coast lunchtime and West Coast breakfast time.
6. Include a Visual Info Sheet
The Problem:
Some readers will only spend a few seconds on your post. If your key information isn’t easily visible, they might scroll past.
The Solution:
Attach an Open to Work Info Sheet (like the one mentioned earlier) to summarize who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. A simple, visually appealing PDF can go a long way in helping others understand how to help you.
7. Don’t Ask Employers to “Take a Chance on You”
The Problem:
The phrase “take a chance on me” can undermine your credibility and confidence in a competitive market.
The Solution:
Position yourself as a highly qualified candidate who is ready to deliver results. Focus on your achievements and how you can add value to an organization.
Example:
❌ “I need someone to take a chance on me.”
✅ “Here’s what I’ve accomplished:
- Grew revenue by 15% year-over-year.
- Reduced project timelines by 20% through improved workflows.
- I’m ready to bring these results to your organization and hit the ground running.”
Additional Tips to Boost Your Open to Work Post
- Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and thank people for sharing your post.
- Use hashtags like #OpenToWork, #HiringNow, or industry-specific tags for better reach.
- Ask for referrals: Encourage your network to share your post or refer you to roles that might be a good fit.
Final Thoughts: Stand Out and Show Your Value
The Open to Work post isn’t just an announcement—it’s an opportunity to market yourself effectively and stand out in a crowded job market. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on achievements, specifics, and impact, you can attract attention and land opportunities faster.
Your next opportunity could be one LinkedIn post away. So craft it carefully, share it strategically, and let your results speak for themselves.
Are you ready to write your best Open to Work post yet?
Darren Trumbler is a versatile content writer specializing in B2B technology, marketing strategies, and wellness. With a knack for breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives, Darren helps businesses communicate effectively with their audiences.
Over the years, Darren has crafted high-impact content for diverse industries, from tech startups to established enterprises, focusing on thought leadership articles, blog posts, and marketing collateral that drive results. Beyond his professional expertise, he is passionate about wellness and enjoys writing about strategies for achieving balance in work and life.
When he’s not creating compelling content, Darren can be found exploring the latest tech innovations, reading up on marketing trends, or advocating for a healthier lifestyle.