‘Open to work’ banner on LinkedIn biggest ‘red flag’ for candidate, says ex-Google recruiter
While hunting for jobs on the professional networking site LinkedIn, people often put an “open to work” banner on their profile pictures. As of today, around 33 million people worldwide are using the banner, as per data from the site. Now, a former Google executive and recruiter has termed the label “biggest red flag” for any candidate.
‘Open to work’ banner
The banner was introduced by LinkedIn a few years ago. Its purpose is to let recruiters know that an individual is actively seeking a job on the platform and is available to be hired.
But as per Nolan Church, ex-Google recruiter, this is not a smart thing to do.
“There is a truism in recruiting that the best people are not looking for jobs,” he was quoted as saying by CNBC.
The same views were offered by Lindsay Mustain, a former Amazon recruiter and current career coach.
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Lindsay Mustain, in a conversation with CNBC said, “Recruiters want to want you, not the other way around”, and the hiring game is all about “power dynamics”.
Having the “open to work” badge on your profile may make the recruiter think, “because you need something from me, that means that I have the power in this conversation,” says Mustain.
Disagreements
However, not all recruiters agree with the two former recruiters.
Some believe it’s a good practice and might prove beneficial for small businesses. The banner may really help them reach potential candidates without wasting time.
“For those smaller companies, it can be really, really helpful in identifying new talent,” said Angelina Darrisaw, CEO of C-Suite Coach.
LinkedIn’s point of view
LinkedIn says the banner makes it easier for people “to ask for help on LinkedIn.”
In a YouTube post made three years ago, LinkedIn wrote, “We’ve made it easier to ask for help on LinkedIn. Update your profile to let recruiters or the broader LinkedIn community know you're #OpenToWork.”
(With inputs from agencies)