Quietly Job Hunting
January 18, 2018 8:18 AM Subscribe
I plan to start looking for a new job soon. I haven't even logged into LinkedIn since shortly after being hired at my current job. I'm worried about how my employer will react if/when they see I've updated my LinkedIn profile.
For many reasons I won't go into here, it is time for me to move on from the job I've had for 5 years. I'm sure this should involve updating my LinkedIn profile which I haven't touched, let stagnate, since shortly after starting in my current position. It's a very small company and I'm connected to one of the owners on LinkedIn. Said owner is my direct supervisor's spouse.
What do I say or do when I'm confronted about updating my LinkedIn profile? They will almost definitely notice, and will almost definitely freak out that I'm leaving. I cannot afford to lose this job before I have another one, but I don't trust my supervisor not to get rid of me before I'm ready.
My current role is office/administrative assistant. Can I job hunt without the LinkedIn profile? Is there any way to update my profile without my boss being notified? Is there a decent alternative to LinkedIn that potential employers appreciate as much they seem to appreciate LinkedIn?
For many reasons I won't go into here, it is time for me to move on from the job I've had for 5 years. I'm sure this should involve updating my LinkedIn profile which I haven't touched, let stagnate, since shortly after starting in my current position. It's a very small company and I'm connected to one of the owners on LinkedIn. Said owner is my direct supervisor's spouse.
What do I say or do when I'm confronted about updating my LinkedIn profile? They will almost definitely notice, and will almost definitely freak out that I'm leaving. I cannot afford to lose this job before I have another one, but I don't trust my supervisor not to get rid of me before I'm ready.
My current role is office/administrative assistant. Can I job hunt without the LinkedIn profile? Is there any way to update my profile without my boss being notified? Is there a decent alternative to LinkedIn that potential employers appreciate as much they seem to appreciate LinkedIn?
What do I say or do when I'm confronted about updating my LinkedIn profile?
As SD says, just hide those notifications from going out. And if people ask you can just say "I got tired of getting constant emails from them to add this or that, so I figured I'd give it a one-time refresh." People who use LinkedIn know that their' harassing emails are epic and would likely understand that.
posted by jessamyn at 8:45 AM on January 18, 2018 [10 favorites]
As SD says, just hide those notifications from going out. And if people ask you can just say "I got tired of getting constant emails from them to add this or that, so I figured I'd give it a one-time refresh." People who use LinkedIn know that their' harassing emails are epic and would likely understand that.
posted by jessamyn at 8:45 AM on January 18, 2018 [10 favorites]
You could also create a new profile, without involving your boss. All you need is a different email address, and those are easy to come by.
posted by ubiquity at 9:09 AM on January 18, 2018
posted by ubiquity at 9:09 AM on January 18, 2018
Are your position titles and dates accurate? If so you could still apply to positions on LinkedIn with an updated resume even with a basic, accurate profile.
posted by typecloud at 9:33 AM on January 18, 2018
posted by typecloud at 9:33 AM on January 18, 2018
What do I say or do when I'm confronted about updating my LinkedIn profile? They will almost definitely notice, and will almost definitely freak out that I'm leaving. I cannot afford to lose this job before I have another one, but I don't trust my supervisor not to get rid of me before I'm ready.
"I haven't logged in for a couple of years but got a connection request and then noticed some of the info wasn't right. I don't use it for much."
posted by notorious medium at 10:07 AM on January 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
"I haven't logged in for a couple of years but got a connection request and then noticed some of the info wasn't right. I don't use it for much."
posted by notorious medium at 10:07 AM on January 18, 2018 [5 favorites]
Some people are just fussy and edit their LinkedIn profiles even if they're not going anywhere. I can't imagine anyone noticing or calling you out because you edited your profile but a look of confusion and an "And..."?" would be my reaction if such a thing were called out.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 10:31 AM on January 18, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 10:31 AM on January 18, 2018 [2 favorites]
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Me (upper right corner, under your photo) > Settings and Privacy (dropdown) > Privacy (center tab) > Sharing profile edits (set to No)
And, for better or worse, LI is expected and used. You're smart to get it updated.
Liz Ryan (who is great to follow on LI for general job search advice) has written an article about stealth job searches. I also love Ask A Manager for all things career-related.
Good luck with your search!
posted by Sweetie Darling at 8:23 AM on January 18, 2018 [13 favorites]