LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows users to connect with other professionals, search for jobs, follow companies, and more. One of LinkedIn’s features is the ability for users to display badges on their profile that represent their skills, achievements, and certifications.
What are LinkedIn badges?
LinkedIn badges are icons that appear on a user’s profile under their name and headline. These badges signify accomplishments, skills, education levels, and certifications that the user has earned. Some examples of common LinkedIn badges include:
- Skill badges – Represent proficiency in skills like Marketing, Leadership, Communication, etc.
- Education badges – Indicate the user’s highest level of education completed such as a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, etc.
- Certification badges – Show completion of professional certifications in areas like project management, human resources, finance, etc.
- Organization badges – Displays important positions held at companies or organizations
- Publication badges – Highlights authored books, articles, or other publications
- Volunteer badges – Recognizes volunteer work and philanthropic efforts
These badges help showcase a user’s credentials, knowledge, and experience to their network and to potential employers or clients viewing their profile. They serve as visual markers of achievement.
Who can see your LinkedIn badges?
The visibility settings for LinkedIn badges depend on the user’s account settings. By default, badges are visible to anyone who views your LinkedIn profile. However, users can customize their settings to control badge visibility at different levels including:
- Your Connections – Badges will only be visible to 1st-degree connections in your network
- Your Network – Badges can be seen by both 1st and 2nd-degree connections in your extended network
- All LinkedIn Members – Makes badges public to anyone with a LinkedIn account
So in summary, your LinkedIn badges can either be public or restricted just to your directly connected contacts, depending on your profile visibility preferences.
How to display LinkedIn badges on your profile
Here are the steps to add badges to your LinkedIn profile:
- Click on the ‘Me’ icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage and select ‘View Profile’
- Click on the ‘Add profile section’ button
- Choose ‘Accomplishments’ from the menu
- In the Accomplishments section, click on the relevant sub-section for the badge you want to add such as Skills, Education, Licenses & Certifications, Volunteer Experience, etc.
- Fill out any details required to earn the badge – for example, for a Skill you will need to indicate your proficiency level
- Click ‘Save’ and the badge will now appear on your profile
You can edit or delete badges at any time by going back to your Accomplishments section and modifying the details.
Popular LinkedIn badge examples
Here are some of the most common LinkedIn badges displayed by users:
Skill badges
- Marketing – Shows proficiency in marketing skills
- Leadership – Indicates strong leadership abilities
- Communication – Demonstrates good communication skills
- Sales – Highlights sales skills and experience
- Public Speaking – Shows public speaking capabilities
Education badges
- High School Diploma
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- MBA Degree
- PhD Degree
Certification badges
- PMP – Project Management Professional Certification
- CPA – Certified Public Accountant
- SHRM-CP – Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional
- CFP – Certified Financial Planner
- CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate
Benefits of displaying LinkedIn badges
Here are some of the advantages of showcasing badges on your LinkedIn profile:
- Highlight your best skills, credentials and achievements
- Visually communicate your qualifications in a succinct way
- Share important accomplishments and milestones
- Attract opportunities related to your badges such as job offers, speaking engagements, volunteer opportunities, etc.
- Build your professional brand and credibility
- Demonstrate investment in professional development and lifelong learning
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn allows users to showcase various professional badges on their profile reflecting skills, education, certifications and more. These badges provide a quick visual summary of a user’s credentials and experience. Badges can be public or limited in visibility based on account settings. They can help communicate qualifications, achievements, and brand to connections and employers. Adding relevant LinkedIn badges can be a strategic way to strengthen your professional profile and stand out in the job market.