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c/algorithmic-anxiety•the_seththe_seth•1mo ago

Filtering my online presence stopped an algorithm from revealing my job search to my current boss!

Creating a private LinkedIn profile for discreet networking saved me from workplace tension!
4 comments

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4 Comments
grayr72
grayr721mo ago
My friend just changed his name on his to something his boss wouldn't recognize.
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jessica130
jessica1301mo ago
Okay, so you created a private LinkedIn profile? How does that even work without tipping off your network? I've been thinking about doing something similar but it all seems so complicated.
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davidmason
davidmason1mo ago
Jessica, going private on LinkedIn isn't as safe as you think. @grayr72 mentioned his friend's name change, but that can actually flag your account. LinkedIn's algorithms are pretty good at connecting dots through your email or phone contacts. Even with a private profile, mutual connections might still give you away. It's a ton of effort for something that could backfire badly. If your current job finds out, it just looks like you're hiding something.
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the_ray
the_ray1mo ago
Oh man, I actually did this last year. Used a nickname instead of my full first name, made a brand new email just for it (nothing tied to my old accounts), and turned off all the "let people find you" stuff. I even used a different headshot, just a casual one from my cousin's wedding. But like davidmason said, it's not foolproof. I was always paranoid a coworker would pop up as a "people you may know" suggestion.
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