How to Announce You're Looking for a Job on LinkedIn

Starting your job search on LinkedIn might feel like a big step, but it’s one of the most effective moves you can make. It turns a quiet job hunt into a visible opportunity for your network to step up and support you. Whether you’re looking for a new job after a layoff, returning to work, or making a career pivot, the right LinkedIn post helps the right people find you. This guide walks you through how to announce you're looking for a job on LinkedIn with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that works.

Why LinkedIn Is the Best Place to Start Your Job Search

If you’re job searching, LinkedIn is the first place to show up. It’s where recruiters go to find suitable job candidates, and where your network can help you get noticed in ways job boards can’t. According to Huntr’s Job Search Trends Report, from October 2024 to March 2025, LinkedIn’s share of all jobs saved by Huntr users rose from 75% to 76%. More job seekers are consolidating their search on one platform, and that platform is LinkedIn.

Unlike a traditional job site, LinkedIn lets your existing connections work for you. Every post you make has the potential to reach not only your own network but also their connections. If your LinkedIn friends comment, like, or share your post, that engagement expands your visibility fast.

Recruiters also rely heavily on LinkedIn’s search features. When you list the right job title, keywords, and skills in your profile, you’re more likely to surface in recruiter searches, especially if you’ve turned on the “Open to Work” setting. LinkedIn’s algorithm favors profiles that are active and complete, which means job seekers who stay visible are more likely to be contacted directly by a LinkedIn recruiter.

For many job seekers, it’s the best place to get leads without having to apply cold. Whether it’s through an old coworker sharing your post or a recruiter spotting your profile during a targeted search, LinkedIn gives you more ways to be found, supported, and hired.

Before You Make the Announcement: What to Do First

Before posting anything on LinkedIn, take a moment to get organized. A thoughtful approach helps you make the most of your job hunt and gives your network a clear reason to step in and support you.

Decide how public you want your search to be

Not every job seeker can shout their job search from the rooftops. If you're currently employed, think carefully about who should see your update. LinkedIn gives you the option to signal you're open to new job opportunities to "only recruiters" or to all LinkedIn members. If you want to avoid tipping off your current employer, choose the recruiters-only setting. You can still tell select contacts about your job search through private messages, informational chats, or direct emails. Whether you're broadcasting or whispering, your network can’t support you if they don’t know you’re looking.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile Before Posting

Your LinkedIn profile should reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been. Start with the basics: upload a recent, professional profile picture, and make sure your job titles, dates, and responsibilities are accurate. Then update your headline to show your expertise and the kind of role you’re targeting. Use your summary to highlight your experience, interests, and strengths. Lastly, review your job preferences by setting your ideal job titles, preferred location, and start date. A profile that’s sharp, keyword-rich, and aligned with your career goals makes it easier for recruiters to find you and easier for your post to land well.

Prepare a draft before publishing anything

Don’t wing it. Take time to write a short message that clearly communicates your goals and values. Create your LinkedIn post in a doc or notes app first, where you can revise and catch mistakes. The goal is to make your message easy to read, true to your voice, and clear about what you’re looking for. A polished post earns more attention and invites more useful responses.

However, if you want a faster, more professional way to create it, Huntr’s LinkedIn announcement feature makes the process simple. Once your LinkedIn profile and resume are complete, you can generate a short, tailored announcement with one click. You’ll see a preview with your profile photo, where you can edit the text to fit your style and keep personal details, such as your email or phone number, hidden unless you choose to share them.

You can also pair it with a tailored resume generated from the job description using Huntr’s Resume Keyword Scanner. That way, anyone who views your LinkedIn post and requests your resume will get one that’s already optimized for the role.

What to Include in Your Job Search Announcement

If you're ready to write your job announcement, focus on making it clear, helpful, and easy for your network to act on. A strong LinkedIn post doesn’t just say you're looking; it shows who you are, what you want, and how others can help.

Be clear about your “why” without oversharing

You don’t need to go into the full story behind your job search. It’s fine to mention a recent layoff, a move, or the desire for new challenges, but skip any details that might put a former employer in a bad light. Keep your tone hopeful. Your goal is to give enough context to make your post feel personal without making it heavy.

Share what you do and what you bring to the table

Help your network understand what you’re great at. Include a quick snapshot of your skills, experience, or achievements. Mention your job title or area of expertise, and if it makes sense, name a company or two you’ve worked with. This helps people remember what you do and think of roles where you’d be a strong fit.

Spell out what you’re looking for next

Be specific. If you’re open to different paths, it’s fine to list a few job titles or industries, but avoid being so broad that no one knows how to help. Include a short line about the type of position or company you’d love to join, or what kind of new opportunity would be the right next step. It gives people a clear picture of where you’re headed.

Add a direct, engaging call-to-action

Make it easy for people to support you. Ask them to message you if they hear about openings, introduce you to someone in their network, or share relevant job leads. A simple call to action works best when it’s friendly and confident. Your contacts want to help, so give them a clear way to do it.

Make it keyword-rich but human-friendly

While your network is your first audience, remember that your post can show up in LinkedIn search results too. Weave in industry keywords or job terms that hiring managers or recruiters might be looking for. But don’t sacrifice your voice just to fit them in. The best work post reads like a real person wrote it, because one did.

Job Announcement Templates for Different Situations

The tone and content of your post may vary depending on your reason for job searching. Here are quick examples for different situations:

• General job search: “I’m currently open to work and looking for opportunities in [industry/role]. If you hear of anything, I’d love your support.”

• After a layoff: “Following a recent layoff from [Company Name], I’m exploring new opportunities in [field]. Grateful for any leads or connections.”

• Career break return: “After stepping away from work to focus on [reason], I’m now excited to re-enter the workforce and bring my experience in [skillset] to a new role.”

• Industry pivot: “I’m transitioning into [new field] and seeking opportunities where I can apply my background in [previous role] to this next chapter.”

• Relocation: “I’ve recently moved to [city] and am looking for new roles in [industry]. If you know of opportunities in the area, I’d love to connect.”

Each one follows the same principles: clear, specific, and easy to act on. Tailor the message to your story, but always keep the focus on what’s next.

Best Practices to Maximize Reach and Credibility

A strong job search post on LinkedIn needs more than good content, it needs to land well with both your network and the platform’s algorithm. These best practices help your post go further and build the right impression with recruiters and connections alike.

Keep it concise but meaningful

Don’t try to say everything at once. Focus your message on the essentials: what you do, what you’re looking for, and how people can help. The most effective LinkedIn posts tend to be brief but specific. Trim out extra detail and aim for clarity. A strong work post invites action, not skimming.

Use formatting for readability

LinkedIn users scroll quickly, so your formatting matters. Break your post into short, digestible paragraphs with a blank line between each. A few well-placed emojis can add personality or highlight key points, but don’t overdo it. Your goal is a clean, readable LinkedIn post that makes someone stop and engage with your new post.

Choose the right tone

Let your voice show you’re ready for what’s next, not stuck in what just happened. You don’t need to fake excitement, but do write your message with a sense of hope and momentum. Show that you’re proud of what you’ve done and eager to support a new company. A positive, grounded tone makes people want to help and signals professionalism to anyone hiring.

Add hashtags and tag relevant companies or people (if appropriate)

Hashtags help your post reach a broader audience beyond your direct network. Use a few that reflect your role, industry, or the job search itself, like #OpenToWork or #MarketingJobs. If it makes sense, tag companies you admire or people you’d genuinely like to connect with. This boosts visibility and encourages the right kind of interaction when you post on LinkedIn.

When You Should (and Shouldn't) Use LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork Feature

The #OpenToWork feature on your LinkedIn profile can boost visibility, but it’s not the right move for everyone. Used wisely, it can support your job search without compromising your privacy or professionalism.

How the feature works and what it signals

When you activate the Open to Work setting, LinkedIn adds a signal to your profile that you’re job searching. You can choose a visible banner on your profile photo or keep it private. You’ll also be prompted to add details like job titles, location, and your start date preference. This information helps recruiters match you with relevant job opportunities, improving how your profile shows up in their search results.

Choosing between “all LinkedIn members” vs “recruiters only”

LinkedIn gives you two visibility options when you use the feature: let all LinkedIn members see your Open to Work status or limit it to only recruiters. The first can help your network share leads, while the second keeps your search quieter. Use the drop-down menu in the setup to choose the right level of exposure. If you’re currently employed or want to keep things discreet, limiting it to recruiters is often the smarter choice.

When discretion is the better option

If your current employer isn’t aware of your job search, it’s best to stay cautious. Even without the green banner, word can spread. Select “only recruiters” and be intentional about who you tell and how. Discretion doesn’t mean staying silent; it means using the right tools in the right way. Focus on building connections, updating your LinkedIn, and reaching out directly where needed.

After You Post: What to Do Next

Publishing your job search post on LinkedIn is just the start. What you do after can make all the difference in turning visibility into real job opportunities.

Responding to comments and messages promptly

If people comment or message you with advice, encouragement, or leads, respond quickly. It shows you’re engaged and serious about your job search. Don’t just reply with “thanks,” ask follow-up questions or share a bit more context. These small interactions build momentum, strengthen your network, and can lead to referrals. You never know which LinkedIn friend or connection will make a key introduction.

Following up with warm leads

If someone offers to connect you with a company or hiring manager, follow up fast. Send a short, professional message thanking them and confirming next steps. Keep track of who offers help and circle back if you don’t hear back. These contacts are often your best path to job opportunities; they’ve already signaled they’re willing to support you.

Staying active and visible on LinkedIn

Your post shouldn’t be your last word on LinkedIn. Stay active by commenting on others’ updates, resharing relevant content, or adding thoughtful takes on your industry. Even one work-related LinkedIn post a week can keep you visible. This helps you stay top-of-mind and shows recruiters and hiring managers that you’re professionally engaged.

Continuing outreach with personalized DMs or emails

Don’t wait for people to come to you. Reach out directly to contacts in your network who might be able to help. Whether through LinkedIn messages or email, keep it short, personal, and clear about what you’re looking for. Mention your post if they missed it, and ask if they’d be open to sharing advice, leads, or referrals. Be specific, be polite, and make it easy for them to offer assistance.

Conclusion

Putting yourself out there on LinkedIn can feel vulnerable, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to take control of your job search. The key is to show you're ready, not just available. A confident, specific post makes it easier for people to help you, and staying active afterward keeps that momentum going. If you're looking for a smart way to stay organized and track every lead and opportunity that comes from your LinkedIn outreach, sign up for Huntr today to build your resume and announce your LinkedIn job search.