As a professional in today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for networking and career growth. One platform that many individuals utilize for professional connections is LinkedIn. However, there may be times when you want to hide your LinkedIn profile from public view. In this article, I will guide you through the steps of how to hide your LinkedIn profile and provide some personal commentary on the matter.
Why would you want to hide your LinkedIn profile?
There can be several reasons why you might want to hide your LinkedIn profile. One common reason is when you are currently employed but exploring new career opportunities. You may not want your current employer or colleagues to be aware that you are actively seeking other job prospects. Hiding your profile allows you to maintain your privacy while still utilizing LinkedIn for research and networking purposes.
Another reason to hide your profile is if you are in the midst of updating or revamping it. You might want to take the time to polish your profile, add new skills, or update your experiences before making it public again. Hiding your profile during this process ensures that viewers are only seeing your best and most up-to-date version.
How to hide your LinkedIn profile
Follow these steps to hide your LinkedIn profile:
- Login to your LinkedIn account
- Click on “Me” in the top navigation bar
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu
- Under the “Privacy” tab, click on “Edit your public profile & visibility”
- In the “Visibility” section, click on “Change” next to “Profile viewing options”
- Select the “Private profile characteristics” option
- Toggle off the “Public profile visibility” switch
- Your profile will now be hidden from public view
It’s important to note that while your profile is hidden, you can still view other public profiles. Your connections will also be able to see your profile and message you as usual.
My thoughts on hiding your LinkedIn profile
Personally, I believe that hiding your LinkedIn profile can be a useful tool when used strategically. It allows you to maintain control over who can view your profile and when. When you are in a sensitive job search or updating your profile, having the ability to hide it can provide peace of mind.
However, it’s important to be mindful of how long you keep your profile hidden. LinkedIn is a platform designed for networking and professional connections, so keeping your profile hidden for an extended period may hinder your ability to engage with others and make valuable connections. Use hiding your profile as a temporary measure and remember to make it public again when you are ready.
In conclusion
Hiding your LinkedIn profile can provide you with the privacy and control you need during certain professional circumstances. This feature allows you to strategically manage your online presence while still utilizing LinkedIn for networking and career growth. Just remember to make your profile public again when the time is right, so you can continue to engage with others and make meaningful connections on the platform.