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How Much Privacy Do You Need on LinkedIn?

Jobhunters may need to lower their privacy bar on this business network

By Miriam Salpeter and AOL Jobs

As the fine line between the personal and the professional (is there even a line at all?) becomes less and less significant, it's important to be vigilant so you know what you are sharing with whom online and the potential consequences.

 

It's unwise for job seekers to don the online equivalent of Harry Potter's invisibility cloak, though. That's because it's difficult to accomplish your professional goals if your privacy settings are locked down to the point they effectively render your profile useless.

Managing Privacy Wisely on LinkedIn

 

Be aware of how LinkedIn works by keeping an eye on messages you receive from the network. Check the “Communications” tab under Settings to ensure that you receive the type of messages that will help you decide what you want to share with others.

 

 

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3. Select who can see your LinkedIn connections. Some people worry they'll compromise their privacy by allowing people to know who is connected to them on LinkedIn. If you are in such a cutthroat field that your livelihood is in jeopardy if your connections are revealed, by all means, make this setting private. Otherwise, don't.

 

4. Change your LinkedIn photo profile and visibility. This is non-negotiable. Your photo should be viewable by everyone. Otherwise, people who may want to learn more about you may be discouraged from reaching out because they see the default “shadow face” that LinkedIn inserts in lieu of a picture.

 

Check your LinkedIn privacy settings routinely. Be vigilant about them and make sure your settings match your goals. Then, you'll be more likely to find new work opportunities. 

Miriam Salpeter is a job search and social media consultant, career coach, author, speaker, resume writer and owner of Keppie Careers. She is author of Social Networking for Business Success, Social Networking for Career Success and 100 Conversations for Career Success.

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