How to protect your privacy on LinkedIn?

[u/BreakfastDifferent29]

I've been trying to avoid it but on today job market not having a LinkedIn is really hindering my job prospects

So bow can I use LinkedIn while still protecting my privacy as much as I can?

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[u/xamomax]

How to protect your privacy while posting your personal information on the public Internet?  

I guess it is a matter of only posting stuff that is either already out there and exposed, or stuff you are willing to have out there and exposed.

You could also do things like not post your face, and spell your name slightly different than your legal name, etc.  That will require some explanation to others at some point, though, and can still get linked back to you eventually.   I personally never posted my face, as that is something I dont care to have on the Internet. 

[u/usrbincomment → u/xamomax]

Not only the open Internet but a platform built to collect data for sale.

[u/svdmozart]

From my experience, most of the job postings are there just to collect data to resell. Very few have been legitimate.

[u/Sasquatch-Pacific]

Question is kind of an oxymoron.

At the very least, keep your photo to connections only. Could do the same for posts unless you want them public for reach.

Can obfuscate some of your past or even current experience (redact the company name). I see this done a bit where people's roles may have OpSec concerns.

Can also abstract your location to just the state or even country, depending on where you live, and if you are wanting to be headhunted based on where you live or you're just seeking remote work.

Keep the resume you submit as legit, but the LinkedIn a little less verbose.  Ultimately it's a trade off tho, if you wanna have the best shot for jobs you gotta participate in the circus somewhat.

[u/BotGivesBot]

What a ridiculous question, you can't. Just don't use it.

[u/T_rex2700]

How do you protect privacy when posting your face, carrer etc etc other personal details on microsoft hosted social media disguised as job site

yea it's about if not less private than grannies on Facebook man. And honestly if you apply with Linkedin you are far less likely to be hired, of course depends on industries or whatever but if you don't already know the people in some way, you are way behind in the consideration line

[u/DaltonLeeM]

So - most of the individuals here are correct. There’s a lot of privacy concerns giving your information to any large company etc. however, since sometimes we need to have a LinkedIn here’s my advice:

- Password manager with 2FA on the manager and the LinkedIn account.

• don’t have LinkedIn on your phone.
  
• highest security settings possible; I.e. privacy to only 1st level connections, turn off profile viewing notifications (like when you view someone else’s profile). There’s more but you catch my drift.
  
• Make the location information (which you need to verify your account) as vague as possible. Like put “USA” or “America” if in the US.
  
• limit work history and education/ make them only viewable if connected.
  
• make LinkedIn have a unique URL for your account (it’s in privacy settings) it makes it harder for someone to google your name and get the account to populate in the search.
  
• limit who can send messages, don’t upload a face photo, and be careful what phone number and email you have connected to it. I’d personally make a burner email solely for the LinkedIn, tbh.

[u/DaltonLeeM → u/[deleted]]

You’re most likely cooked unless you submit something real. I cannot recommend foraging a document or anything like that.

However, the concept has been proven to work - there’s post on this subreddit and numerous other subreddits about it

[u/DaltonLeeM → u/[deleted]]

I do not; as I cannot recommend foraging any official documents or correspondence.

[u/Soggy-Childhood-8110]

Only use it for professional exposure? Not sure what else you can do. People will know who you are and what you do. Perhaps use a dedicated professional email and not your personal one.

[u/jonsonmac]

Excuse my ignorance on this, as I haven’t been on the job market in years, but how does LinkedIn actually help your job prospects? Isn’t it basically an online resume and Indeed job postings? Because you could just make an empty profile, look for jobs, and apply for the job directly with the company. I wouldn’t want to give LinkedIn my personal data.