It is pretty common to see people who are actively searching for a new position update their LinkedIn Headline to something like, “Seeking Opportunities in Financial Planning.” But what do you do if you don’t want to let all of your connections (ahem, your coworkers) know that you are looking? Enter, Open Candidates. This is a feature included with all LinkedIn profiles that allows you to let recruiters know that you are open to hearing about what else might be out there. More than that, it also allows you to let us know specifically what you are looking for. Here’s how to use it to your advantage.

• First, turn it on (LinkedIn tells you how). Also update your communications settings to “Allow others to send you InMail” otherwise, no one will be able to reach out to you with potential opportunities.
• Add the job titles you are interested in. You can list as many as you want here but try to keep it specific. You don’t want to give the impression that you are fickle. If you’re a new planner, you might include: Associate Financial Planner, Paraplanner, Associate Wealth Manager, Associate Advisor
• Add the specific locations you want to work. You can limit this to specific cities or entire states but be reasonable. For example, if you live in North Dakota and say you want to relocate to Southern California or New York City but you’ve never worked there before, it’s going to be a tough sell unless you have ties to the area. If you do have a compelling reason to make a big move, keep reading - I’ll let you know how to address that.
• Include the types of jobs you are open to (full-time, remote, internship, etc.) and the size company you would like to work for.
• Add the industries you prefer to work in. This should be pretty straightforward. If you’re a new planner, the answer is Financial Services.
• Take advantage of the “Note to recruiters” section. LinkedIn gives you 300 characters to tell me anything you want, use it wisely.
  • Let me know what you are looking for and why. For example, “I am seeking a financial planning position in a fee-only RIA in Philadelphia. I am looking for an opportunity to have more client interaction and be involved in the financial planning process.”
  • Tell me if you have completed the CFP education and when you plan to take the exam. Or let me know when you passed the exam and when you expect to meet the experience requirement
  • Explain your reasons for wanting to relocate. Saying “I heard Austin, TX is a cool place and I want to try it out” is not going to get me to reach out to you for a position in Texas. However, if you say, “I am relocating to the San Francisco Bay area this summer because my significant other just accepted a position in the area” or “I am interested in relocating to Chicago to be closer to family,” I know that you are serious.

If you are hunting for a new position, LinkedIn is an asset you should be leveraging, and the first step is changing your status to Open to Opportunities. Step two: follow New Planner Recruiting and connect with our team of career experts that are available to confidentially discuss all aspects of your financial planning career.