Have you ever wondered how others perceive your LinkedIn presence? Do you want to make a lasting impression on potential employers, leads, collaborators, and connections? You’re in the right place!
Imagine you’re meeting someone for the first time – you’d want to put your best foot forward, right? The same principle applies to your LinkedIn profile, but there’s a twist. You’re not just presenting yourself to one person; you’re showcasing your professional self to the entire world.
This is where viewing your profile as others see it becomes essential. But how to view your own LinkedIn profile as others see it? And why is it a good idea to view your own LinkedIn profile? Let’s have a look!
View Your Own LinkedIn Profile As Others See It
Here are the steps to view your own LinkedIn profile as others see it:
- Open LinkedIn and sign in to your account.
- At the top right corner of the screen, click on your profile picture or the “Me 🔻” button.
- A menu will drop down. Among the options, select “Settings & Privacy”.
- On the left sidebar of the page, click on “Visibility”.
- In the Visibility section, click on “Edit your public profile”.
- A new page will open, displaying your profile as others see it. This is your chance to take a detailed look.
Alternatively, you can view your profile as an external visitor by copying your profile’s link (e.g., https://www.linkedin.com/in/YOURNAME) and pasting it into an incognito Chrome tab. This will show how someone not logged into LinkedIn would see your profile.
Remember, seeing your profile as someone logged out versus someone logged in reveals different perspectives.
Why Checking Your LinkedIn Profile from Others’ Perspective Matters
Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a stagnant digital representation; it’s a dynamic reflection of your professional journey. Think of it as a virtual introduction to your career story. This is where people get their first glimpse of your skills, accomplishments, and aspirations.
But let’s go beyond the surface – why does seeing your LinkedIn profile from others’ perspectives hold such significance? Read on for the answers!
1. Crafting a Lasting First Impression
Think about the last time you met someone new. Your initial impression of them likely shaped your perception. The same holds true for your LinkedIn profile.
When someone stumbles upon your profile for the first time, it’s your chance to impress, intrigue, and resonate. And when you view your profile the way others do, you can fine-tune that impression. It is not only a great way to improve your profile on LinkedIn but also to ensure what your audience sees aligns with who you are professionally.
2. Tapping Into the Hidden Potential
The profile level meter on LinkedIn can guide you in showcasing your profile’s most critical elements. But your profile is more than just a checklist.
Stepping into someone else’s shoes allows you to uncover the potential that lies beneath the standard information. This is your opportunity to infuse your unique personality, passion, and character into every section of your profile.
3. Staying Ahead of Your Story
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither does your professional journey. You might have moved up the career ladder, acquired new skills, or achieved milestones since you last updated your profile. Seeing it from an external perspective gives you a reality check – if someone were to assess your profile today, would they get an accurate picture of where you stand now? Streamline your B2B LinkedIn account with automation.
4. The Impact of Context
LinkedIn isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform.
Different viewers – potential employers, colleagues, clients, and mentors – come to your profile seeking specific information. Each person is looking for something unique, and by understanding their viewpoint, you can cater your profile to address their needs. This context awareness can make your profile more engaging and relevant.
What’s more, when you know how to view your own LinkedIn profile as others see it, you can SEO optimize your profile with keywords and terms your leads or prospects use to search the network.
5. Fostering Authentic Connections
As you know, LinkedIn is a networking powerhouse. But networking isn’t just about collecting connections; it’s about building meaningful relationships.
When someone visits your profile, they’re not only looking at your skills but also your authenticity. This is where viewing your profile as others see it can help you align your story with your true self. Eventually, it will foster connections that are built on genuine interest and shared goals.
6. Starting Engagement
An engaging profile sparks conversations. When someone finds points of interest or common ground on your profile, they’re more likely to reach out. Viewing your profile as others see it can help you strategically position conversation starters, encouraging meaningful interactions that can lead to opportunities down the road.
7. Adapting to a Dynamic Landscape
LinkedIn is ever-evolving, with useful features, new AI features, trends, and practices emerging regularly. When you constantly look at your profile from others’ viewpoints, you’re not just ensuring accuracy but also staying agile and adaptable. This flexibility is essential to staying relevant and making the most of the platform’s potential.
A Deeper Dive Into LinkedIn’s Privacy and Visibility Settings
Edit the Visibility of Your Public Profile
This setting allows you to control who sees your profile. For instance, you can decide whether you want your LinkedIn profile to be visible in search engines so users can find your profile on google. Want more connections? Make your info public. Being reachable is easier when people know about you.
Create Your Public Profile Badge
On the same settings page, you’ll find the option to create a Public Profile badge. You can add this badge to your blog, website, or online resume. Simply click “Create a badge” and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Stay Undercover
Ever noticed the “Customers who bought this also bought” feature on Amazon? A similar thing happens on your LinkedIn profile. You can deactivate this option to prevent people from leaving your profile prematurely.
Customize Your URL
Did you know that LinkedIn allows you to stand out with a custom URL? Yes, that’s true! The custom URL makes it easier for people to search and find you.
Want to create a custom URL? Click on the Me icon and then View Profile. Click the pencil icon under the public profile & URL. Under your edit custom URL, type the last part of your profile URL, and you’re good to go.
Manage Your Activity Visibility
LinkedIn also allows you to take control of who can see your LinkedIn activities. Now you’re in the driver’s seat to determine what your network sees about your activity. Simply click on the Me icon > Setting & Privacy > Visibility and find the page Visibility of your LinkedIn activity. This is where you can set the visibility of your different LinkedIn activities.
Conclusion
Viewing your profile through others’ eyes lets you manage your professional impression, seize opportunities, and build your personal brand. Remember, LinkedIn is an ever-evolving platform – regularly checking your profile as others see it helps you stay ahead of the game. So go ahead, log in, follow the steps, and make your LinkedIn profile truly shine!