Open to Work Post Examples: How to Announce Your Job Search

Telling your network you're looking for a job can feel awkward. It can also be one of the fastest ways to find leads you would never see on a job board. People want to help, but they need to know what you want and how to help.

This guide covers when a public post makes sense, what to put in it and several templates you can adapt.

Should you post publicly?

A public post works well when:

• You have been laid off or your role has ended
• You are finishing military service, school or a contract
• You have told your current employer you're leaving
• You are changing careers and want your network's ideas

A public post may not be right when:

• You are employed and your employer doesn't know you're looking
• You are a senior leader whose search could unsettle a team, clients or investors
• Your field is small and a public search could create awkward conversations

If you need to stay quiet, use LinkedIn's open-to-work setting set to recruiters only, and reach out to trusted contacts one by one. Our guide to a confidential executive job search covers this in detail, and much of it applies at any level.

What a good post includes

The best open-to-work posts are short, specific and easy to act on. Include:

1. A one-line update. What happened or what's changing.
2. What you're looking for. Target titles, industries and location or remote preference.
3. What you bring. Two or three strengths or results.
4. A clear ask. Introductions, leads, or a quick chat.
5. Thanks. People are more likely to share a post that's gracious.

Keep it positive. You don't need to explain every detail of a layoff or criticize a past employer.

Before and after

Before

Well, I got laid off. Not sure what's next. Let me know if you hear of anything!

After

My role at a regional logistics company was eliminated last week as part of a restructuring.

I'm now looking for operations manager roles in distribution, warehousing or fleet operations, in the Dallas area or remote.

Over the past six years I've led teams of up to 40, set up a new inventory process and opened a second site.

If you know a team that needs an operations lead, or someone I should talk to, I'd be grateful for an introduction. Thank you for reading and sharing.

The second version gives readers everything they need to think of someone and forward the post.

Templates you can adapt

Swap in your own details. Keep it in your voice.

After a layoff

After [time] at [company or type of company], my role was affected by a recent reduction.

I'm looking for [target titles] in [industries or locations]. My background is in [field], and I'm proud of [one or two results].

If you know of an opening or a person I should meet, I'd appreciate an introduction. Thanks to everyone who has reached out already.

Transitioning from the military

After [years] years in the [branch], I'm transitioning to the civilian workforce on [month].

I'm looking for roles in [target field], where I can use my experience in [plain-language skills, such as team leadership, logistics and training].

I'd value introductions to people working in [field or companies], and I'm happy to return the favor for anyone else making the jump.

If you need help turning military duties into civilian language first, see our guide to translating military experience.

Changing careers

After [years] in [old field], I'm moving into [new field].

Over the past [time], I've [completed training, built projects or taken on related work]. I bring strengths in [transferable skills].

I'm looking for [entry or mid-level role] opportunities and would love to talk with people already working in [field].

New graduate

I've just finished my [degree] in [subject] at [school].

I'm looking for entry-level roles in [field], especially [type of work]. During school I [internship, project or job highlight].

I'd be grateful for any advice, leads or introductions.

Contract or project ending

My contract with [type of client] wraps up on [date], and I'm lining up my next [contract or full-time] role.

I specialize in [skills], most recently [project result]. Available from [date].

Before you post

Make sure your profile backs up the post. People who click through should see a clear headline and an About section that match what you're asking for. Use our LinkedIn headline formulas and About section guide to tune both first.

Also:

• Turn on the open-to-work setting with your target titles and locations.
• Have your resume ready to send when someone asks.
• Decide how you'll track leads and introductions so none slip.

After you post

The post is the start, not the end.

• Reply to every comment. Engagement helps the post reach more people.
• Follow up on offers of help within a day or two. Send a short message with your resume and a reminder of what you want.
• Thank people who share. A short note goes a long way.
• Post an update later. When you land, tell your network and thank them.

Keep a simple list of everyone who offered a lead, introduction or advice, with the date and next step. That list becomes your pipeline.

FAQ

Does posting "open to work" hurt my chances?

Some people worry it signals desperation, but many recruiters and hiring managers see it as useful information. What matters most is how you present yourself. A clear, positive post with specific targets usually helps more than it hurts.

Should I use the green open-to-work photo frame?

It's a personal choice. The frame makes your search visible to everyone, which can bring in leads from your wider network. If you prefer a lower profile, use the recruiter-only setting instead, which doesn't show the frame.

How do I explain a layoff in a LinkedIn post?

Keep it brief and factual, such as saying your role was affected by a restructuring or reduction. You don't need to share the reasons or how you feel about it. Spend your words on what you want next and what you bring.

How often should I post during a job search?

One announcement post is a good start. After that, sharing useful updates, lessons or work you're proud of every week or two can keep you visible without repeating the same ask. Each post should give readers something, not just remind them you're looking.

When the replies start coming in, keep every lead and follow-up in one place with the Sortie job tracker, and use the Sortie toolkit to polish your headline and About section before people click through.