LinkedIn Adds ‘Open to Volunteer’ Option

LinkedIn’s latest update introduces a new feature aimed at connecting users with volunteer opportunities and supporting charitable organizations in recruiting volunteers.

Profile Enhancement

The new “Open to Volunteer” option on LinkedIn will now provide users with an additional tab on their profile, showcasing the causes they are passionate about contributing to.

LinkedIn’s Statement

In their announcement, LinkedIn emphasized that 75% of its members have shown interest in volunteering activities. The platform’s new feature aims to facilitate members in discovering relevant volunteering positions with non-profit organizations that align with their skills and interests.

LinkedIn stated, “Volunteering is not only a unique way to acquire valuable skills like communication and empathy, which are becoming increasingly vital in the evolving job market, but it also nurtures a sense of purpose and promotes community engagement.”

How It Works

Users can now express their willingness to volunteer by selecting the “Volunteer” option from the “Open to” menu located below their profile picture. Subsequently, they can specify their preferred causes, skills, and volunteering preferences, such as location and the choice between in-person or virtual volunteering.

Notifications and Recommendations

Upon activation, LinkedIn will highlight relevant volunteer opportunities directly on users’ feeds. Members will also have the option to receive notifications about new opportunities matching their profile.

Impact and Implications

This new feature is expected to encourage increased volunteer engagement among LinkedIn users and enable them to present their philanthropic interests more prominently. Furthermore, it will offer charitable organizations a streamlined approach to identifying potential volunteers, although it may also prompt heightened direct messaging outreach.

While some individuals might exploit this feature for virtue signaling purposes rather than genuine volunteering intentions, the overall benefits are likely to outweigh any drawbacks, making it a valuable tool for fostering volunteerism.

For more details on LinkedIn’s “Open to Volunteer” option, visit the official announcement here.