nihcf2, Author at Career Image Solutions

22Apr

Should You Use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” Feature?

Are you thinking about using LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” badge? It’s a small feature that can make a big difference in how you show up in your job search.

There are two kinds of job seekers:

Active job seekers are applying and interviewing now.
Passive job seekers are open to opportunities but not actively applying.

✅ What Does “Open to Work” Do?

This feature lets you tell recruiters—or your entire LinkedIn network—that you’re open to new roles. You can choose to show it publicly or keep it private by only alerting recruiters.

Many professionals use the feature while they’re still working. It doesn’t always mean someone is unemployed.

👍 Pros of Using “Open to Work”

Better visibility with recruiters
Recruiters can find your profile faster when the feature is turned on.
Support from your network
If you show the badge publicly, your connections may tag you in job posts or refer you.

👎 Cons to Be Aware Of

Job offers that don’t fit
You may receive messages for roles that don’t align with your goals.
Potential bias
Some recruiters prefer candidates who aren’t actively job hunting, depending on the industry.

💡 Best Tips for Job Seekers

Whether you use the badge or not, don’t ignore your personal network. Often, the best leads come from people you already know.

If you activate “Open to Work,” track how your profile performs for 30 days. Are you getting more views? Are recruiters reaching out? Use that data to guide your strategy.

Author: Henntiher Gant
CHRO at Career Image Solutions — helping professionals succeed through expert hiring strategies and workforce development.

21Apr

Upset manager standing at office door. Annoyed employees leaving shaming woman.

Do this before your employee leaves

Preparing for an Employee’s Departure: What Every Manager Should Know

At Career Image Solutions, we stay in tune with what career professionals say about our services. One key area that comes up often is how to handle employee departures effectively.

Did you know that the end of the year is one of the most common times employees look for new jobs? If you’re facing a staff member’s resignation—or planning to terminate someone—this guide will walk you through what to do next.

✅ What to Do Before an Employee Leaves

Every employee who enters and exits your company can shape your brand. They may act as a positive ambassador—or leave with negative impressions. That’s why handling their departure the right way matters.

Unless the employee is being terminated for gross misconduct, it’s important to treat them with dignity. Final impressions often last the longest.

Here are the three key steps to follow:

1. Schedule an Exit Discussion

It might feel awkward, but having a respectful conversation before the employee leaves is essential. During this talk:

Address any unresolved questions or concerns
Offer well wishes for their next chapter
Be cautious with your words—don’t say anything that could create legal risk

2. Create a Succession Plan

If your team has been communicating effectively, this step should be smooth. You’ll want to:

Decide how the employee’s responsibilities will be managed in the short term
Plan for a long-term replacement or role restructure

This is a good time to involve your HR Advisor or leadership team.

3. Conduct a Thoughtful Exit Interview

Many small businesses skip this—but it’s a mistake. Exit interviews can give you a peek into the culture of your workplace from an insider’s point of view.

They can uncover:

Management gaps
Process flaws
Team morale issues

To encourage honesty, have your HR Advisor or an external consultant conduct the interview.

Final Thoughts

When you treat departing employees with respect and plan their transition carefully, it strengthens your business. You build a better reputation, protect your culture, and gain insights that help you grow.

Author: Hennither Gant
Chief Human Resources Officer, Career Image Solutions
Empowering leaders and businesses with practical HR strategies that work.

Author: nihcf2

Should You Use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” Feature?

Should You Use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” Feature?

✅ What Does “Open to Work” Do?

👍 Pros of Using “Open to Work”

👎 Cons to Be Aware Of

💡 Best Tips for Job Seekers

Do this before your employee leaves

Preparing for an Employee’s Departure: What Every Manager Should Know

✅ What to Do Before an Employee Leaves

1. Schedule an Exit Discussion

2. Create a Succession Plan

3. Conduct a Thoughtful Exit Interview

Final Thoughts

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