Are you a recently married woman who wants to showcase her maiden name on LinkedIn? Do you want to avoid confusion among your professional connections and maintain consistency with your previous work history? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place!
Many women face the dilemma of how to display their maiden name on LinkedIn after getting married. It’s a common challenge that can affect your online presence and make it difficult for recruiters and colleagues to find you. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to showcase your maiden name on LinkedIn and help you make an informed decision that suits your needs. So, let’s get started!
How to Show Maiden Name on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a popular social media platform for professionals to connect, network, and showcase their skills and achievements. It is important to have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile that reflects your professional experience and education. However, if you have changed your name due to marriage or any other reason, you might wonder how to show your maiden name on LinkedIn. In this article, we will discuss how to add your maiden name on LinkedIn and the benefits of doing so.
Step 1: Edit Your Profile
To add your maiden name on LinkedIn, the first step is to edit your profile. Click on the “Me” icon on the top right corner of your LinkedIn homepage and select “View Profile” from the dropdown menu. On your profile page, click on the “Edit” button, which is located next to your profile picture.
Once you are in the edit mode, scroll down to the section where your name is displayed. Here, you can add your maiden name to your last name by clicking on the “Add name” button. Type your maiden name in the “Last name” field and click on the “Save” button to update your profile.
Step 2: Update Your Headline and Summary
After you have added your maiden name to your last name, it is important to update your headline and summary to reflect the change. Your headline is the first thing that people see when they visit your profile, so make sure it is clear and concise.
You can add your maiden name to your headline by using parentheses. For example, if your name is Sarah Smith and your maiden name is Johnson, your headline could be “Sarah Smith (Johnson) – Marketing Professional.” Similarly, you can update your summary to include your maiden name and any relevant information about your professional experience.
Step 3: Benefits of Showing Maiden Name on LinkedIn
Showing your maiden name on LinkedIn can have several benefits. Firstly, it can make it easier for people to find you if they are searching for you by your maiden name. This is particularly useful if you have built a professional reputation under your maiden name or if you have a common last name.
Secondly, it can help you to reconnect with old classmates, colleagues, or friends who might be searching for you using your maiden name. By adding your maiden name to your LinkedIn profile, you can increase your visibility and expand your professional network.
Step 4: Maiden Name vs. Married Name
Some people might wonder whether they should use their maiden name or their married name on LinkedIn. The answer to this question depends on your personal preference and professional goals.
If you have built a strong professional reputation under your maiden name, it might be beneficial to continue using it on LinkedIn. However, if you have changed your name legally and want to use your married name, you can add it to your LinkedIn profile and mention your maiden name in your summary or experience section.
Step 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, adding your maiden name on LinkedIn can be a simple yet effective way to increase your visibility and expand your professional network. By following the steps outlined in this article and updating your profile with your maiden name, you can showcase your professional experience and achievements under both your maiden and married names. With a strong LinkedIn profile, you can attract potential employers, clients, and collaborators, and take your professional career to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers related to showing maiden name on LinkedIn:
Can I display my maiden name on my LinkedIn profile?
Yes, you can display your maiden name on your LinkedIn profile. This can be helpful for reconnecting with old colleagues or friends who may not recognize your married name. To add your maiden name, click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage, select “Settings & Privacy,” and then “Name Pronunciation.” From there, you can add your maiden name as a pronunciation option, which will display under your name on your profile.
How can I change my name on LinkedIn to include my maiden name?
If you want to permanently change your name on LinkedIn to include your maiden name, you can do so by editing your profile. Click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage, select “View profile,” and then click the “Edit” button. From there, you can update your name to include your maiden name in the appropriate field. Be sure to save your changes when you’re finished.
What if I don’t want to change my name but still want to display my maiden name on my profile?
If you prefer not to permanently change your name on LinkedIn but still want to display your maiden name on your profile, you can add it as a secondary last name. To do this, click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage, select “Settings & Privacy,” and then “Edit your public profile.” From there, you can add your maiden name as a secondary last name, which will display under your name on your profile.
Can I choose which name is displayed more prominently on my LinkedIn profile?
Yes, you can choose which name is displayed more prominently on your LinkedIn profile. By default, your first and last name will be displayed in larger text on your profile, but you can change this by updating your name format. To do this, click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage, select “Settings & Privacy,” and then “Edit your public profile.” From there, select the name format you prefer, which will determine how your name is displayed on your profile.
Will displaying my maiden name on LinkedIn affect my privacy?
No, displaying your maiden name on LinkedIn should not affect your privacy. LinkedIn allows users to choose which information they want to display on their profile, so you can choose whether or not to include your maiden name. If you’re concerned about privacy, you can also adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your profile and what information is visible.
In conclusion, showing your maiden name on LinkedIn can be a great way to reconnect with old colleagues, classmates, and friends. It can also help you maintain professional connections that you may have lost touch with over time. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily update your LinkedIn profile to include your maiden name.
Remember, including your maiden name on LinkedIn is entirely optional, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable. However, if you choose to include it, it can be a great way to showcase your full professional identity and highlight your unique skills and experiences.
Overall, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building and maintaining professional connections, and by showing your maiden name, you can enhance your profile and make it easier for others to find and connect with you. So why not give it a try and see where it takes you?