LinkedIn is one of the most popular professional networking platforms out there, boasting millions of users worldwide. It’s a great place to connect with colleagues, potential employers, and business partners. But have you ever wondered if LinkedIn shows birthdays?
Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. While LinkedIn does offer a section for users to input their birthday, it is not publicly displayed unless the user chooses to make it visible. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at LinkedIn’s birthday feature and explore why some users might choose to make their birthday public and others might not.
Does LinkedIn Show Birthdays?
If you are a frequent user of LinkedIn, you might have noticed that some of your connections receive birthday notifications on their profiles. This raises the question of whether LinkedIn shows birthdays or not. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide you with relevant information.
What Information Does LinkedIn Show on Profiles?
Before diving into whether LinkedIn shows birthdays or not, it is essential to know what information LinkedIn displays on profiles. LinkedIn shows the following information about a user on their profile:
- Name and profile picture
- Professional headline
- Summary
- Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Recommendations
- Accomplishments
- Interests
Benefits of LinkedIn Profile Information
Having a complete LinkedIn profile can be beneficial, especially for job seekers. Employers and recruiters often use LinkedIn to search for potential candidates. A complete profile with relevant information can increase your chances of being discovered by recruiters.
Does LinkedIn Show Birthdays?
The answer is yes. LinkedIn does show birthdays on user profiles if the user decides to make it visible. Users can choose to show their birthday on their profile by going to the “Edit Intro” section and selecting “Add birthday.” They can then choose to show their birthday to everyone, to only their connections, or to no one.
Benefits of Showing Your Birthday on LinkedIn
Showing your birthday on LinkedIn can have some benefits. It can remind your connections to wish you on your special day, which can help strengthen your professional relationships. It can also make it easier for recruiters to remember your birthday, which could work in your favor when they are considering you for job opportunities.
What Information is Not Displayed on LinkedIn Profiles?
While LinkedIn does show a lot of information on user profiles, there are some things that LinkedIn does not display. The following information is not displayed on LinkedIn profiles:
- Religion
- Political views
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Physical address
- Phone number
Why LinkedIn Does Not Display Certain Information
LinkedIn does not display certain personal information on user profiles to protect users from discrimination and potential bias. Employers and recruiters should not make hiring decisions based on any of the above-listed personal information; instead, they should focus on a candidate’s skills and experience.
LinkedIn Vs. Other Social Media Platforms
LinkedIn is different from other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, which display more personal information about users. LinkedIn is primarily a professional networking platform, and its focus is on highlighting a user’s professional experience and skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LinkedIn does show birthdays on user profiles if the user chooses to make it visible. A complete and updated LinkedIn profile can be beneficial for job seekers and professionals looking to expand their network. However, certain personal information is not displayed on LinkedIn profiles to protect users from discrimination and bias. It is essential to keep this in mind while using LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about LinkedIn.
1. Can I see birthdays of my connections on LinkedIn?
No, LinkedIn does not show birthdays of your connections. This is to protect their privacy and personal information. However, you can still send them a personalized message or even a birthday message on their work anniversary.
2. How can I change my birthday on LinkedIn?
To change your birthday on LinkedIn, go to your profile and click on the “Edit Profile” button. Then, scroll down to the “About” section and click on the “Edit” button next to your birthday. Enter the correct date and click “Save.”
Note that your birthday will not be visible to other LinkedIn users, but it will be used to send you personalized messages and notifications.
3. Why is it important to keep personal information private on LinkedIn?
It is important to keep personal information private on LinkedIn to protect yourself from identity theft and other forms of online fraud. Hackers and scammers can use your personal information, such as your birthday or location, to steal your identity and access your sensitive data.
Additionally, keeping personal information private can help you maintain a professional image on LinkedIn and avoid potential discrimination based on age, gender, or other personal characteristics.
4. Can I hide my work anniversary on LinkedIn?
Yes, you can hide your work anniversary on LinkedIn by going to your profile and clicking on the “Edit Profile” button. Then, scroll down to the “Experience” section and click on the pencil icon next to your current position. Under “Update job,” uncheck the box next to “Share with network” and click “Save.”
This will hide your work anniversary from your connections and prevent them from receiving a notification about it.
5. How can I send a birthday message to my connections on LinkedIn?
While LinkedIn does not show birthdays of your connections, you can still send them a personalized message or even a birthday message on their work anniversary. To do this, go to their profile and click on the “More” button next to their profile picture. Then, select “Say congrats” and choose the appropriate option from the dropdown menu.
You can also send a personalized message by clicking on the “Message” button on their profile and typing in your message. Remember to keep your message professional and respectful.
In conclusion, while LinkedIn does provide some personal information on its users, such as their work experience and education, it does not display their birthdays. This is likely due to privacy concerns and the professional nature of the platform.
However, there are still ways to connect with your LinkedIn connections on their special day. You can send a personalized message or even a thoughtful gift to show that you are thinking of them.
Overall, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and building professional relationships. While it may not include all personal information like birthdays, it still provides ample opportunities to connect with others and grow your career. Keep utilizing the platform to its fullest potential and see where it takes you!