LinkedIn is a powerful platform for professionals to network, find jobs, and grow their careers. It allows users to connect with others in their industry, showcase their skills and achievements, and search for new opportunities. While LinkedIn offers many benefits, sometimes you may want to view someone’s profile in private mode, especially if you don’t want them to know you’re looking at their profile. In this blog, we’ll explain how to view a LinkedIn profile in private mode.
Private Mode
Private mode is a setting on LinkedIn that allows you to browse profiles without the person knowing that you viewed their profile. When you view a profile in private mode, your name and other identifying information are hidden from the person whose profile you’re viewing. Instead, they will see “LinkedIn Member” as the viewer of their profile.
When you browse profiles in private mode, you can protect your privacy and avoid unwanted attention. However, it’s important to use this feature ethically and responsibly. Private mode should not be used to stalk or harass other LinkedIn users.
Why View a LinkedIn Profile in Private Mode?
There are several reasons why you may want to view a LinkedIn profile in private mode. Here are a few:
Avoiding Unwanted Attention
If you’re browsing LinkedIn for job opportunities, you may not want your current employer to know that you’re looking for other opportunities. In this case, viewing profiles in private mode can help you avoid unwanted attention.
Researching Competitors
If you’re working in a competitive industry, you may want to research your competitors on LinkedIn. However, you may not want them to know that you’re looking at their profiles.
Preventing Awkward Situations
Sometimes, you may come across a LinkedIn profile of someone you know, but you don’t want them to know that you’re looking at their profile. In this case, private mode can help you prevent awkward situations.
How to View a LinkedIn Profiles in Private Mode
Now that we’ve discussed the reasons why you may want to view a LinkedIn profile in private mode, let’s dive into how to do it.
- Log in to your LinkedIn account: Go to LinkedIn.com and log in to your account.
- Search for the person you want to view: Use the search bar at the top of the LinkedIn homepage to search for the person you want to view.
- Click on their profile: Once you’ve found the person you want to view, click on their profile to open it.
- Click on the “Me” icon: In the top right corner of the screen, you’ll see a “Me” icon. Click on it.
- Click on “Settings & Privacy”: From the drop-down menu that appears, click on “Settings & Privacy.”
- Click on “Privacy” tab: From the left-hand menu, click on the “Privacy” tab.
- Click on “Profile viewing options”: Under “How others see your LinkedIn activity,” click on “Profile viewing options.”
- Select “Private mode”: Under “Profile viewing options,” select “Private mode.
- “Save your changes: Click “Save” to save your changes.
What Happens When You View a Profiles in Private Mode?
When you view a LinkedIn profile in private mode, your name and other identifying information will be hidden from the person whose profile you’re viewing. However, LinkedIn will still show that someone viewed their profile, but it will say “LinkedIn Member” instead of your name. This way, the person whose profile you’re viewing won’t know exactly who viewed their profile, but they will know that someone did.
When Should You View a Profile in Private Mode?
While viewing a LinkedIn profile in private mode can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to use this feature ethically and responsibly. Here are some situations where you may want to view a profile in private mode:
When you don’t want to be identified: If you’re researching competitors or looking for job opportunities, you may not want to be identified by the person whose profile you’re viewing.
When you’re researching someone you know: If you’re researching someone you know, but you don’t want to make it obvious that you’re looking at their profile, private mode can help you
Conclusion
Viewing a LinkedIn profile in private mode is the best way to go about looking at someone’s profile without intruding on their privacy. It allows you to view details that may not be available to the public and also gives you the time to properly review the profile without feeling the need to rush through it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to view a LinkedIn profile in private mode in no time.