Chapter 7 of 7 · 4 checks · 2 min
Privacy settings to check
A few settings control what your network is told, what search engines see and how you appear when you view profiles.
Decide whether profile updates are shared with your networkShould
Why it matters and how to check
LinkedIn can notify your network when you change jobs, add education or reach a work anniversary. The setting is Share profile updates, under Settings and Privacy, then Visibility, then Visibility of your LinkedIn activity.
Turn it off before a big round of edits so your network is not notified of every change, then decide whether to turn it on for a real job change you want to announce. LinkedIn notes some edits never generate notifications, and anyone who visits your profile still sees the changes.
Do
- Turn it off while polishing your profile
- Turn it on when you want to announce a new role
Avoid
- Assuming turning it off hides changes from visitors
Choose how you appear when you view other profilesNice to have
Why it matters and how to check
Under Settings and Privacy, then Visibility, Profile viewing options decides what people see when you look at their profile: your name and headline, private profile characteristics such as job title and industry, or private mode.
Showing your name can start conversations, for example when you view a hiring manager's profile before applying. Private mode is useful when you are researching competitors or a current employer's team. Pick deliberately rather than leaving it to chance.
Do
- Show your name when you want people to notice your interest
Avoid
- Browsing your current company in public mode while job hunting
Check what your public profile shows to people who are not signed inShould
Why it matters and how to check
The Public profile and URL settings control what people who are not signed in, and search engines, can see. If recruiters find you through a search engine, a hidden profile or hidden photo makes you look inactive.
Open your profile URL in a private browser window. If your photo, headline or experience are missing, adjust the public profile settings. If you have a reason to stay private, keep it that way and rely on your CV and direct applications.
Do
- Make photo, headline and experience public if you want to be found
Avoid
- Showing personal details you would not put on a CV
Keep phone numbers and personal addresses out of public viewShould
Why it matters and how to check
Your Contact info section can hold an email, phone number, address and links, each with its own visibility. Scam messages and fake recruiters target people who list phone numbers publicly.
Share an email and your portfolio link, and give your phone number only to recruiters after you have checked the company and role are real. Check by viewing your profile as a public visitor and confirming no phone number or home address appears.
Do
- Verify a recruiter and company before sharing your phone number
Avoid
- Putting a phone number or national ID details in your About section