If you are a true LinkedIn user and/or a job seeker then you’d better be looking at who viewed your profile. The people who view your profile are great warm leads for whatever reason you are using LinkedIn. Whether it be networking or job searching, it’s the absolute easiest way to connect with anyone on LinkedIn.
But you know what is the most frustrating part about this LinkedIn feature? When you see this message pop up.
LinkedIn member
This member chose to be shown as anonymous
As an interview and job searching coach, nothing makes me more upset then seeing this message. There are very few instances where you actually need to hide your identity from LinkedIn; perhaps if you work for the government or are a private investigator, but that’s it and even that’s a stretch.
So many times, I’ve seen job seekers change their LinkedIn identity to “anonymous” and every time, I need to sit them down and have a nice talk with them.
The consistent argument that I hear is, “well, I don’t want people to think that I’m stalking them.” My response is always, that’s not a good reason, do you have another? LinkedIn was created to be the professional networking platform. It is reasonable and acceptable to view anyone’s profile without it being weird. Now there are a few instances where it might become too much such as viewing someone’s profile each and every day, but at that point, just send an invitation request. Generally speaking, people want to network with other people. As long as you follow the generally accepted LinkedIn rules, you will be fine!
LinkedIn was designed to help people network, so why are you hiding your identity? What do you have to hide?
In addition to that, when you make yourself anonymous, it also makes you “unsearchable” to the LinkedIn community. This means NO ONE CAN FIND YOU! What is the point of using LinkedIn, if no one can see you? Not only does it make no sense, but it also disables your ability to view your profile stats. This means that you can’t view the other people who have viewed your profile!
So I ask you, why are you using LinkedIn then?
LinkedIn can be one of the greatest tools available to you for finding a job, but when used incorrectly, you can actually do more harm than good. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people on LinkedIn. Start a discussion, join in on one that has already started, meet someone new, rekindle an old relationship or share an article. However you use LinkedIn, just do so with your identity known. It will help you build your reputation, people will take you seriously and it might lead you down a path that you never thought.
Here’s what it comes down to. If you want the best odds possible for landing your dream job then you need to let me review and rewrite your resume and LinkedIn profile for you. If you’re unsure, feel free to email me at marc(at)abetterinterview.com. I am here to help you and I want you to land your dream job!
Be sure to check out my video in regards to my resume and LinkedIn review service, here.
