This Job Seeker Created a “Desperate” LinkedIn Banner to Counter the Taboo of the “Open for Work” Banner

Instead of believing that her groceries, phone bills and rent would magically pay for themselves, Courtney Summer Myers decided to be honest about her need to make a living.

The 28-year-old British graphic designer was fired in November — the second time in her six-year career that she was summoned to an impromptu Slack call and fired.

After applying to about 30 jobs a day in the ten months since, Myers decided last week it was time to hang up the gauntlet.

The University of Portsmouth graduate created her own LinkedIn banner: bright pink with #DESPERATE emblazoned across it, displayed below her profile picture.

Her idea is based on other banners made available by professional social networks, such as “Employment” and “Open for work”.

However, according to employment experts, the latter banner raises a red flag.

Recruiters recently said wealth potential employers will take advantage of individuals panicking and undercut them, or be concerned that the candidate is applying for a range of jobs instead of roles they are truly suited for.

Myers disagrees, saying the banner is just common sense.

She explained: “LinkedIn is a platform built for networking and connecting with people, and we’re doing it because it’s going to help us in some way. So if you need it, why not ask for help?”

Why should you be ashamed of looking for work?

Myers points out that for the majority of the population, the need to work for a living is completely normal – so why be ashamed?

“If I sit there and pretend everything is fine, how is anyone going to know I need a job or freelance work? How would they know I need help in general, even just a conversation? People are not psychic.” she added.

“Why be ashamed of a situation you were forced into?”

Reaction to Myers’ initial post drew both support and criticism, with some suggesting it was time for her to start over.

But after devoting the better part of a decade to investing in a degree and career in graphic design — as well as having a list of high-profile campaigns under her belt — Myers wonders if individuals in other industries would be subject to same advice.

Myers previously worked for Regent Street toy store Hamleys in London, creating schemes for Mattel and Disney products. She asked, “Would he say that to a CEO who was fired? Is it just because it’s a more creative role that I think it’s okay for them to say that?”

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Desperate does not mean delirious

In Glasgow, Scotland, 22-year-old Hanna McFadyen also has the fluorescent banner displayed on her page.

McFadyen, an illustrator and designer who found Myers’ post thanks to their shared network, left his remote role in April because he wanted to spend more time in the office learning from colleagues.

Given the commonality between the careers of those using the #Desperate banner, it might be easy to assume that the nature of the individuals’ roles presents a problem – as opposed to the trio’s overlapping networks.

Studies have shown that this is unlikely to be the case. For example, in 2022, student review website Eduopinions analyzed feedback from thousands of students to determine which degrees had the worst job prospects.

Media studies, European studies, psychology, international relations and civil engineering are on the list – design is not.

But McFadyen now applies to 20 jobs a day, as well as spending hours on interview assignments to hire companies that never respond.

When she receives feedback, her work is complimented, but she is told that she was suggested by a more experienced candidate.

The 2023 graduate doesn’t want much from his job search because he knows he’s at the beginning of his career.

She said wealth she is simply looking for a role where she can learn from peers and a salary that will cover her living expenses under her parents’ roof, such as the running cost of her car.

“I wouldn’t want to go below what I was earning before,” says McFadyen wealth in a telephone interview. “We’re still confident enough to say to recruiters, ‘Look, we know we’re desperate, but we’re not going to play because of this label.

“A lot of companies don’t even mention salary on job applications. I live at home with my parents, but I could very well have an apartment and rent to pay. I have cell bills to cover, so I might be in a situation where I really need to know the salary – not saying that leaves you in the dark.”

Going global

Myers’ original post sharing her #Desperate banner has now garnered over 338,000 likes on LinkedIn and over 7,000 comments.

The global phenomenon saw Barcelona’s Elena Carballo, for example, using the banner and receiving messages of support from people in the US, Canada, Taiwan and India.

Carballo, 29, lost her job at an agency a year ago and, under Spanish state benefits rules, has seen her payments slowly drop month by month. Living with her mother and sister, Carballo still pays a significant portion of her family’s bills.

As a UX design major, Carballo said he’s never been in this situation before, saying wealth: “When I saw Courtney’s post, as if he read my mind.

“LinkedIn was created for people to… find work. But it doesn’t make sense that recruiters and headhunters won’t talk to you if you put up a banner (#OpenToWork). It’s paradoxical.”

Like Myers, Carballo was advised by friends to end her search for a rewarding role and instead apply for jobs in supermarkets and clothing stores.

The master’s graduate replied: “I studied further because I love this profession — I know I’m good because I’ve always had work. I chose this profession when I was young because I’m creative — it’s part of me.”

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com