To change your job preferences on LinkedIn, you need to access the “Open to Work” settings directly from your profile page. Click the “Open to” button near your profile picture, then select “Job preferences” from the dropdown menu. This opens a dedicated panel where you can update your target job titles, preferred locations, salary range, and start date.
A key detail many people miss is the visibility toggle. You can choose between “Recruiters only” (your current employer won’t see you’re looking) or “All LinkedIn members” (your network will see the green “Open to Work” ring). I recommend the “Recruiters only” option unless you’re actively job hunting and want your network to know.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main settings you should review:
| Setting | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Job titles | Add 3-5 specific titles (e.g., “Marketing Manager”) | LinkedIn’s algorithm uses these to match you with roles |
| Locations | List up to 5 areas, including “Remote” if applicable | Recruiters filter by location first |
| Salary range | Set a realistic range based on your market | Avoids wasting time on low-ball offers |
| Start date | Pick “Immediately” or “After 1 month” | Signals urgency to recruiters |
| Visibility | Choose “Recruiters only” or “All LinkedIn” | Controls who sees your job-seeking status |
I’ve found that updating these preferences every 60-90 days keeps your profile fresh in the recruiter search results. LinkedIn’s algorithm prioritizes recently active “Open to Work” profiles. Also, check the “Skills” section within preferences—adding relevant skills here boosts your ranking in recruiter searches.
If you’re a passive candidate, consider setting your visibility to “Recruiters only” and updating your job titles to reflect your current role. This lets you receive opportunities without signaling a departure to your employer.
