I have made no bones about the fact that I am a big
proponent of using social media as part of any successful job search.
Networking on social media sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter can lead you to
that next position. But if you are not aware of who is watching, it can also
backfire. One big issue that many job seekers don’t realize is that each time
any facet of their LinkedIn profiles are updated, it’s broadcast for every
direct connection to see. Connections such as bosses and co-workers are
probably not the people you ideally want being tipped off that you are actively
engaged in a job search. Take the right measures to prevent this, and it won’t
be a problem. Here’s how:
Taken directly from LinkedIn’s site, here are some of the
changes that trigger updates (and activity broadcasts):
- Adding a new current job position.
- Adding a new current school.
- Adding a new link to a website.
- Recommending someone.
- Adding a connection.
To remedy this potential problem, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your LinkedIn account
- Hover over your name at the upper top right of the screen
- Click “Settings”
- Find “Privacy Controls” toward the center bottom of the page
- Click “Turn on/off your activity broadcasts” and follow directions
In addition to turning your activity broadcasts on and off,
the settings under Privacy Controls also allow you to:
- Select who can see your activity feed
- Select what others see when you've viewed their profile
- Select who can see your connections
- Change your profile photo & visibility »
- Show/hide "Viewers of this profile also viewed" box
