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Who Viewed Your LinkedIn Profile? Can They See You Viewed?

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Who Viewed Your LinkedIn Profile? Can They See You Viewed?

LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professionals to network, search for job opportunities, and showcase their skills and experience.

One of the key features of LinkedIn is the Who Viewed Your Profile section, which allows users to see who has been checking out their profile. This feature can help you track your visibility and measure the interest your profile generates.

In this article, we’ll explain how to see who’s viewed your profile and answer the question: Can other accounts see that you viewed their profile?

LinkedIn’s Who Viewed Your Profile Feature

Before we tackle the privacy aspect of profile views, let’s first understand how LinkedIn’s Who Viewed Your Profile feature works.

LinkedIn allows users to see a limited number of the most recent people who have viewed their profiles. The exact number varies depending on your account type, but even free users can see the last five viewers. Premium users get additional insights and a more extended list.

This feature is a valuable tool for job seekers, networkers, and professionals who want to gauge the interest their profile generates.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
By leveraging sites like LinkedIn, you can connect with people you might not have the chance to meet in person.

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The Privacy of Profile Views

One of the most common questions about LinkedIn’s Who Viewed Your Profile feature is whether the people you’ve viewed can see that you’ve visited their profiles. The answer is, it depends on your settings.

Depending on your subscription tier, you can browse LinkedIn profiles in one of the following three modes:

  • Private Mode
  • Semi-Anonymous Mode
  • Full Visibility Mode

Private Mode

Users will not see that you viewed their profile when you visit other LinkedIn profiles while in Private Mode.

This is only available to Premium members.

What are the Benefits of Private Mode?

Browsing anonymously can be beneficial if you wish to maintain your privacy while viewing someone else’s profile. Although the specific reasons may vary, many users use Private Mode to research their competitors.

Semi-Anonymous Mode

When you visit a profile in Semi-Private Mode on LinkedIn, other users will have limited access to your information. Usually, they will only see your company and professional title. Your full name will remain hidden, and the information displayed is not associated with your LinkedIn profile.

Only Premium members can choose to set their account to Semi-Anonymous Mode.

What are the Benefits of Semi-Anonymous Mode?

Semi-Anonymous Mode can be useful when you want to maintain a degree of confidentiality while sharing specific professional details.

Full Visibility Mode

In Full Visibility Mode, users will be able to see your name and professional headline. This information is clickable and can lead them directly to your profile.

Any type of account can use Full Visibility Mode. However, free accounts are required to use it.

What are the Benefits of Full Visibility Mode?

Full Visibility Mode allows other users to find you easily. This is ideal for active networking and building a professional presence on LinkedIn.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
Recruiters frequently use LinkedIn to identify top talent for open positions.

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How to Control Your Visibility on LinkedIn

To check or modify your visibility settings, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Access Your Settings

Once you log into your LinkedIn account, click on your profile icon at the top of your Home page. This will give you a dropdown menu where you can click on Settings & Privacy.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
Select Settings.

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Step 2: Access Your Visibility Options

You can view your Visibility options by clicking on either Visibility or the eye icon.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
Click on Visibility.

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Step 3: Check Your Profile Viewing Options

At the top of the screen, click Profile viewing options.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
Click on Profile viewing options.

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Step 4: Confirm Your Preferred Mode

It’s important to note that you will only have these options if you subscribe to the Premium plan. Free users cannot browse in Private Mode or Semi-Private Mode.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
Free users cannot select their preferred mode.

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How to Check Who Has Viewed Your Profile on LinkedIn

Step 1: Open the Main Menu

Begin by clicking on your profile icon. This will bring up the main menu where you can select profile viewers.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
Click on your profile icon.

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Step 2: See Who’s Viewed Your Profile

Within this area, you will see who has viewed your profile. However, this list is limited to individuals who either have a free account or are set to Full Visibility Mode.

When Premium members select Semi-Anonymous Mode, only basic details are shown, and those in Private Mode are entirely invisible.

Additionally, you’ll find options to filter visitors by time frame, company, industry, and location.

Can I see who has viewed my profile on LinkedIn?
Once you click on your Profile Visitors, you’ll be able to see who’s viewed your profile.

©History-Computer.com

Using Profile Views to Your Advantage

Being mindful of who views your profile can be advantageous. You can:

  • Identify potential connections
  • Optimize your profile
  • Track the impact of your activity

Let’s explore this in further detail.

Identify Potential Connections

When someone views your LinkedIn profile anonymously, it’s a sign of interest. They might be exploring your qualifications or your mutual connections. This presents an excellent opportunity to initiate contact.

Consider sending a friendly message expressing your interest in connecting. You can turn these profile views into valuable connections that could lead to new professional relationships, job opportunities, or partnerships.

Optimize Your Profile

Knowing who checks your LinkedIn profile can give you insights into your audience. When you look at the profiles of your visitors, you may be able to identify why your profile interests them. This information can help you optimize your profile.

Use this information to make your profile more attractive to the professionals you want to connect with. If you have a valuable skill, be sure to highlight it in your headline.

Track the Impact of Your Activity

The number of profile views you receive can serve as a metric for the impact of your LinkedIn activity. A sudden increase in profile views might indicate that your recent posts, comments, or networking efforts are gaining attention.

Conversely, a drop in views could signal a need for more active engagement. Monitoring your profile views can help you gauge the effectiveness of your LinkedIn strategy.

Does LinkedIn show who viewed your profile?
Reaching out to other professionals by sending a personal message on LinkedIn is a great way to expand your professional network.

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LinkedIn Etiquette and Best Practices

Refrain From Excessively Visiting the Same Profiles

When exploring profiles, remember to do so with genuine professional intent. Avoid excessive and unnecessary profile views, as this might come across as intrusive.

Don’t Begin a Message With, “I See You Viewed My Profile”

If you wish to connect with someone who has viewed your profile, you’re certainly welcome to do so. However, it’s essential to approach this connection request tactfully. You may risk alienating your potential connection if you mention that you saw they viewed your profile.

Instead, introduce yourself and express your genuine interest in connecting. Let the conversation evolve naturally and focus on how your connection can be mutually beneficial.

Send Connection Requests with a Personal Message

When you send a LinkedIn connection request, your recipient has two options: they can accept it or ignore it. Potential connections will be more likely to accept your request if they know why you want to connect with them. Sending a personal message can go a long way to demonstrate your sincerity.

Additionally, if a LinkedIn user chooses to ignore the request, they will receive an option to click an I Don’t Know This Person button. If this happens to your account too many times, LinkedIn can restrict your account.

Be Mindful of the Type of Content You Post

LinkedIn is a professional networking site, so it’s advisable to act professionally. Posting unprofessional content or making negative comments can tarnish your image and potentially limit your future opportunities.

Instead, share content that is relevant to your profession and actively engage with your connections by using comments to congratulate them on their achievements.

Maintain Honesty in Your Profile

Honesty is a fundamental aspect of building credibility in the professional world. While it may seem tempting to exaggerate about your skills or experiences, it’s really not a good idea. Exaggerations may yield short-term gains, but can severely damage your reputation in the long run.

In contrast, when you genuinely express what you can bring to the table, you are more likely to attract and maintain meaningful connections.

Up Next:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a good LinkedIn profile?

Generally, a compelling profile will contain more information. However, it’s crucial to avoid cluttering your profile, allowing only important details to stand out.

While you want to make sure that every section is filled out, here are the most important aspects to focus on:

1. Professional Photo: Use a high-quality photo that shows your face. It’s best to wear professional attire.

2. Engaging Headline: Your headline should highlight your expertise.

3. Experience: List your work experience, starting with your current or most recent position. Include details about your responsibilities and any notable achievements.

Is LinkedIn a job search platform only, or can it be used for other purposes?

LinkedIn is much more than a platform for job hunting. It’s an effective tool for networking, business development, research, and building your professional brand.

Additionally, LinkedIn now offers valuable learning courses. Passing some of these can earn you a badge, which can bolster your professional credibility and make you more appealing to potential employers, clients, and connections.

What is the difference between first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree connections on LinkedIn?

First-degree connections are your direct contacts. Second-degree connections are the contacts of your first-degree connections. Identifying these relationships can be valuable if you hope to gain a warm introduction. Third-degree connections are contacts of your second-degree connections. While they may not be as closely related to your network, they can still provide valuable information.

What are LinkedIn Premium accounts and are they worth it?

LinkedIn Premium accounts provide extra features for various purposes. Within Premium, there are three tiers: Career ($39.99/month), Business ($59.99/month), and Sales Navigator ($99.99/month).

Each tier will have features geared towards different goals. However, all Premium users can expect to receive the following benefits:

  • See who viewed your profile
  • Send direct messages to anyone
  • Access to learning courses
  • Receive company insights
  • AI to determine if you’re a top applicant
  • Unlimited browsing
  • Add a custom button to your profile

If you don't have a Premium account, is there any way to view someone's profile without them knowing?

Private Mode, sometimes called Incognito Mode, is one of the major selling points of the Premium membership. Because of this, LinkedIn has made it nearly impossible to view someone’s LinkedIn profile anonymously without subscribing to one of the Premium plans.

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