LinkedIn

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented online service that operates via websites and mobile apps. It was launched on May 5, 2003, and is mainly used for professional networking, including employers posting jobs and job seekers posting their CVs. As of 2023, LinkedIn has over 900 million registered members in more than 200 countries and territories.

History

LinkedIn was founded by Reid Hoffman and founding team members from PayPal and Socialnet.com. The site was launched on May 5, 2003. In December 2016, Microsoft completed its acquisition of LinkedIn, valued at $26.2 billion.

Features

LinkedIn allows members (both workers and employers) to create profiles and "connections" to each other in an online social network which may represent real-world professional relationships. Members can invite anyone (whether a site member or not) to become a connection.

Profiles

A LinkedIn profile is a professional landing page for individuals. It includes sections such as a profile photo, headline, summary, work experience, education, skills, endorsements, and recommendations. Users can also showcase their work by uploading documents, photos, videos, and presentations.

Connections

Connections are the basic building blocks of LinkedIn. Users can connect with colleagues, classmates, and other professionals. LinkedIn allows users to see connections of their connections, a concept known as "degrees of separation."

Groups

LinkedIn Groups provide a place for professionals in the same industry or with similar interests to share content, find answers, post and view jobs, make business contacts, and establish themselves as industry experts.

Job Listings

LinkedIn allows employers to post jobs and job seekers to apply for them. The platform also offers a premium subscription that provides additional features such as the ability to see who has viewed your profile and more detailed analytics.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that offers video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. It was launched in 2016 after LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com.

Privacy and Security

LinkedIn has faced scrutiny over its privacy practices, particularly regarding the handling of user data. The platform provides various privacy settings that allow users to control who can see their information and how it is used.

Criticism

LinkedIn has been criticized for its handling of user data, the prevalence of spam and fake profiles, and the effectiveness of its job-matching algorithms. Despite these criticisms, it remains a popular tool for professional networking.

Also see

• Social Media
• Professional Networking
• Microsoft
• Online Learning

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