How to anonymously view someone’s LinkedIn profile (without paying)

Yes, it’s true. You can indeed view someone’s profile without them knowing and without paying for the Premium version of LinkedIn.

Why might you want to do this? Here are some of the reasons I recommend to my Guidance Counselling for Adults students…

• To get a sense for how someone has framed their experience (especially if it’s similar to yours)
• To find potential contacts for coffee chats
• To do research on the people who may be interviewing you
• To see what other people with your experience/education/skills are doing
• To see who is working at a particular organization or company
• To get more info about your potential future colleagues
• To research former colleagues or classmates

Could you do all of these things without being in “private mode” on LinkedIn?

You definitely could – and it can be very strategic to do so at the right time- but I recommend that your profile be up to snuff before you do.

So how do you go anonymous?

Here are 5 quick steps:

Step 1: Click your little profile pic in the top right hand corner

 

Step 2: Click on “Settings & Privacy” in the dropdown menu

 

Step 3: Click on the “Privacy” section

 

Step 4: Scroll down to “Profile viewing options” and click “Change”

 

Step 5: Select “Private mode”

 

Something to remember….

When you’re in this mode, LinkedIn won’t be tracking who is viewing your profile so as soon as you’re done creeping, go back to regular mode.

 

How to switch back? Just follow the same steps above and then select “Your name and headline”

 

Wondering how to find a new job or switch careers? Check out Figure Out Your Next Step – it’s my free 7 day email course full of strategies that don’t rely on resumes.