One of the biggest concerns that clients convey to me is that if they update their LinkedIn profile, their boss will know or think that they are looking for a new job. If you’re one of those people who is afraid to update your LinkedIn profile because of a scary boss, this article is for you.
Updating your profile doesn’t mean you’re unhappy at your job
The first thing to realize is that updating your LinkedIn profile or revamping your resume doesn’t automatically mean you’re unhappy in your current role. You might have recently taken on a big project that you want to acknowledge, or maybe it’s just been a while since you’ve freshened things up. Regardless of your reasoning, you have every right to update your professional documents and LinkedIn profile without feeling guilty or scared that a manager or boss might be unhappy.
If your boss gets that upset over a LinkedIn update, (updating your LinkedIn can be considered professional development) you probably aren’t working for someone who wants to see you succeed.
If you’re still concerned about updating your profile or giving off the wrong message about it, be transparent and acknowledge the update
If you’re concerned that a manager or boss might feel like you’re going behind their back, let them know that you’re updating your profile. By coming out and telling them that you’re planning on doing an update or revamp, there’s no way for them to feel like you were trying to hide it.
Swing by your boss’s desk or shoot them an email saying something along the lines of “I was looking at my LinkedIn profile, and I noticed that there are a lot of projects and responsibilities that I haven’t included, so I’m going to be adding a bunch of information in the next few days. I just didn’t want any updates or changes to catch you by surprise.” This shows that you’re open and respecting your boss by giving them a head’s up for what they can expect.
Still feel like there could be tension about it? Frame it in a way that benefits your boss
If you still feel like your boss/manager might get upset about the update, put it into perspective for them. A great way to phrase it is, “I always want our clients/candidates/partners to have the most updated information on their LinkedIn profiles so I can learn more about them, so I feel like I need to do the same in order to reflect that standard.”
This statement articulates that you want to hold yourself to the same standard that you hold others to, which is great. This highlights how it will benefit you as well as benefit you clients/candidates/partners, which will in turn benefit your boss/company.
___________
At the end of the day, you have control of the information you put out there, and you shouldn’t feel guilty or scared about updating your LinkedIn profile. If your superior is that upset about it, you may want to look into a new role where your boss/manager wants to actually see you succeed. If you’re afraid to update your LinkedIn profile because of a scary boss, be transparent about it, and frame it in a way that will benefit them. At that point you’ve made a conscious effort to be respectful, and if they’re still upset, that’s on them.
What if you have left your company even via a mutual separation. When should you change your linkedin profile. I have heard one side say immediately and the other say leave it be for at least a while
Hi Scott,
Updating your profile is never a bad thing. I would say you can update it whenever you’re comfortable doing so, but it’s not wise to have it on your LinkedIn that you currently work at a company if you no longer work there.
If you’re concerned about people taking the update the wrong way, I would suggest updating your profile to reflect the date you departed the company, and keep the update private. When you go to update your profile, you can check the box stating that you don’t want others to be alerted that you made an update.
Hope this helps!
Michele
Hi Michelle,
How can you address leaving a company and still not having a job to put it in its place? Should I go ahead and not update it until such time? Also, some jobs have a 6 month trial period (employer and employee) so would it be wise to immediately update a new job in this case? Thank you so much!