Quick answer: It’s best to wait until after you’ve started your new job before announcing it on LinkedIn. However, you can update your LinkedIn profile with your new job title and company before your start date. Just avoid making a major public announcement about the new role until you’ve actually begun working there.
Posting about a new job on LinkedIn before you’ve started can be seen as presumptuous. It’s better to wait until you’re actually in the role before informing your network about the career change. That said, you can make minor updates to your profile once you’ve accepted the offer. This allows connections to see your updated work status while avoiding a bold public declaration.
Some additional tips:
– Only change your job title and company name before starting. Avoid writing about your new responsibilities or announcing the news in posts.
– If asked about the change before your start date, you can say you’re “moving companies” or “starting a new opportunity soon.” Be discreet.
– Once you’ve begun working, post an update announcing the change and outlining your new role. Thank previous employers and colleagues.
– Customize your LinkedIn URL to reflect the new position and company. This makes your profile searchable by your new title.
– Update your work experience section with the new job details once you’ve started. Add photos, videos, etc. that are relevant.
– Remember your current manager and team may still see updates. Be thoughtful about timing to avoid awkwardness.
The best approach is updating some profile details before starting, but waiting until your first day on the job before officially announcing the news on LinkedIn. This allows you to celebrate the new role without being presumptuous.
Should You Announce a New Job on LinkedIn Before You Start?
Announcing a new job on LinkedIn before your start date is generally not recommended. Here are some specific reasons it’s better to wait:
– It can come across as presumptuous – You haven’t actually started the new job yet. Announcing it too early risks looking arrogant or naïve.
– You don’t want to make things awkward with current colleagues – Your connections likely include many co-workers. An early announcement could upset your current manager.
– Details may change before you start – Though rare, job offers can occasionally be rescinded. Waiting reduces potential embarrassment if something falls through.
– You lack context for the new role – Without experiencing the job, you can’t accurately describe your new responsibilities or skills gained.
– It could complicate reference checks – Your current employer may get calls to verify employment. Early announcements can create confusion.
– Recruiters may reach out prematurely – Recruiters may start contacting you about other roles, when you’re not ready to consider new opportunities.
– The news will be more impactful after starting – Announcing when you’ve actually begun the job carries more weight and looks less speculative.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, it’s best to avoid public announcements on LinkedIn until your first day in the new job. Be patient and hold off on actively sharing the news, even if you’re excited.
Can You Update Your LinkedIn Profile Before Starting a New Job?
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to make minor updates to your LinkedIn profile before starting a new job. You can update the following:
– Job title – Update your position title to reflect the new role.
– Company name – Change your company to the name of your new employer.
– Location – If you’re moving for the job, update your location.
– Description – Revise your profile summary to say you’ll be “starting at [New Company].”
– Skills – Add any new skills you’ll gain from the new job.
– Recommendations – Request new references from colleagues at your current employer.
– Profile photo – Consider adding a new headshot before starting.
Avoid major changes like posting about responsibilities, adding multimedia, or connecting with new colleagues. Keep updates discreet. Also be aware your connections will see changes, so they could draw attention.
If asked about the new job, you can say you’re “starting a new opportunity soon” before your start date. This allows you to update details without a public announcement.
How to Announce a New Job on LinkedIn
Once you’ve started your new job, here are some tips for announcing it on LinkedIn:
– Thank your former employer and colleagues – Show appreciation for the opportunities you had. Mention your previous team and manager by name.
– Share how you landed the role – What parts of your background made you a fit? How did you ace the interview process?
– Describe your excitement – Express why you were drawn to the company and new opportunity. Share your passion.
– Explain your new responsibilities – What will you do day-to-day in the new job? How will you add value?
– Note any major changes – Are you moving cities? Jumping industries? Highlight significant shifts.
– Share photos and videos – Post media that highlights your onboarding experience, new office, or first meetings.
– Update your profile fully – Revise your profile summary, work experience, education, etc. to reflect the new role.
– Add new connections – Connect with new colleagues and follow company leadership. Boost your network.
– Customize your profile URL – Change your unique LinkedIn URL to reflect the new position.
– Engage with your network – Reply to all the congratulatory messages and well wishes you’ll receive. Pay it forward in the future by supporting others in their career moves too.
Spread the news far and wide across your network. LinkedIn is for professional announcements like new jobs, so don’t be shy. Just be sure to wait until you’ve officially started the role before sharing to avoid missteps.
Sample LinkedIn Posts for a New Job
Here are examples of strong LinkedIn posts for announcing a new job:
Sample Post #1:
I’m thrilled to share that today is my first day as Vice President of Marketing at [Company]! This is an exciting move after 4 years growing the brand at [Former Company].
I’m so grateful to my former colleagues for being amazing teammates and helping prepare me to take on this executive position. I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish in this next chapter.
If you work in branding, advertising, communications or design, I’d love to connect! I’m eager to build up my network at [New Company]. Reach out so we can chat about marketing and company culture. Exciting times ahead!
Sample Post #2:
Some personal news! After nearly 3 years at [Former Company], I’ve accepted an offer as Director of Engineering at [New Company]. This role came about through an old colleague, showing the power of maintaining connections.
Today is my first day in my new office. I’m thrilled to be joining this talented team of developers and lead projects using [Relevant Software]. Huge thanks to [Former Manager] and the [Former Company] crew for all your mentorship and friendship. Let the next adventure begin!
Sample Post #3:
New decade, new gig! Starting today, I’m now a Product Manager at [Company]. I’ll be leading cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle, from conception to launch.
This is an opportunity to take my career to the next level in a leadership role at a company I’ve long admired. The chance to oversee product development from start to finish, while learning from world-class colleagues, is a dream come true.
Time to update that LinkedIn profile! Let me know if you have any open PM roles in your network. I’m always eager to connect with fellow pros in this space.
Thanks to [Former Employer] for 5 amazing years and getting me prepped for this awesome new challenge! What a great way to kick off 2020.
How Soon Should You Update LinkedIn After Starting a Job?
Aim to update your LinkedIn profile and announce your new job within the first week of starting. One to three days into your new role is ideal timing. Any longer than two weeks after your start date and the announcement may seem late.
Posting within the first week allows you to:
– Capitalize on excitement as you begin the new opportunity
– Introduce yourself to new colleagues online
– Strike while your network’s interest is piqued
– Show promptness in updating your employment status
– Enable connections to easily endorse your new skills
– Aid recruiters in reaching out about related roles
Try to announce the new job on your first day when energy is highest. If this isn’t feasible due to onboarding activities, be sure to share the news soon after. The beginning of a new job is the optimal window for making professional announcements and expanding your network.
LinkedIn Etiquette for Job Changes
Follow these LinkedIn etiquette tips when announcing job transitions:
– Notify your current employer first – Your manager should hear the news directly before your wider network.
– Update your profile after you’ve left – Wait until your last day before changing past positions to “past tense.”
– Post on your first day – Announce the news after you’ve started, when it’s officially real.
– Mention colleagues by name – Thank managers and co-workers who helped you grow.
– Keep it positive – Avoid bashing past roles. Focus on the opportunities ahead.
– Customize connection requests – When adding new colleagues, include a note addressing your shared employer.
– Respond to reactions – Personally acknowledge supportive comments and likes.
– Share news humbly – Announcements shouldn’t feel like bragging. Remain gracious.
Updating profiles and sharing career updates on LinkedIn maintains your professional relationships. This allows you to progress connections to new roles and companies over time.
Should You Tell Your Current Boss Before Updating LinkedIn?
Yes, it’s crucial to tell your current manager about a new job before updating LinkedIn. Your boss should be the first to know before you share the news wider.
Here are some tips on informing your manager you’re leaving:
– Request a meeting in private – Avoid a public announcement that could embarrass them.
– Explain your reasons for leaving – What growth opportunities does the new role offer? Focus on positives.
– Offer a proper notice period – Give adequate time for your manager to prepare for your departure.
– Highlight your appreciation – Emphasize positives of working for your current boss and company.
– Make the news gentle – Cushion the blow by starting and ending the conversation on a friendly note.
– Offer to train your replacement – Volunteer to train the new hire during your notice period.
– Provide a written resignation – Follow up the meeting with an email restating your last day.
– Engage normally after resigning – Avoid slacking off or acting resentful during your remaining time.
Informing your boss and team in person before updating LinkedIn will help maintain the relationship. This preserves their ability to serve as references while allowing you to pursue new career steps.
Can You Get Fired for Updating LinkedIn Too Early?
Updating LinkedIn with a new job before resigning your current role can potentially get you fired. Here’s why it can be risky:
– It reveals you’re job hunting while employed – Companies could see seeking other jobs as a breach of loyalty.
– It shows intent to resign before notifying your employer – Employers expect to hear news of your departure directly from you before wider announcements.
– It could expose proprietary information – Sharing details about projects misappropriates confidential data.
– It amounts to notice of resignation – Posting you’ve accepted a new job signals you plan to leave.
– It could aid competitor recruiting – Advertising your new industry or role may help rival recruiting efforts.
– It notifies colleagues before manager – Your boss should never be the last to know you’re leaving.
Announcing a new job on LinkedIn too early often results in termination for breach of contract or ethics violations. Always notify your direct manager first before any public updates. Never update your LinkedIn profile regarding a new job while still employed elsewhere without resigning first.
How to Handle LinkedIn When Leaving a Job on Bad Terms
If you’re leaving a job under negative circumstances, here’s how to carefully handle LinkedIn:
– Keep announcements minimal – Avoid details that could sound disparaging of past employers.
– Focus on positives – Emphasize gratitude for former colleagues and learning opportunities.
– Allow time before posting – Let tensions settle rather than posting immediately.
– Take the high road – Refrain from liking or sharing negative content about the company.
– Take pride in accomplishments – Highlight successes you’re proud of from the role.
– Remove company signifiers – Change your profile photo, background image, etc.
– Decline endorsements – Graciously reject endorsements from former colleagues to limit interactions.
– Change notification settings – Adjust settings so former co-workers don’t receive all your updates.
– Tightly control references – Choose who can provide recommendations carefully.
Even difficult departures deserve a diplomatic handling on LinkedIn. Maintain a dignified attitude publicly to protect your reputation.
How to Limit Current Employer Visibility of Profile Changes
Here are some ways to reduce visibility of LinkedIn profile changes to your current connections like co-workers and boss:
– Adjust notification settings – Remove specific connections from seeing updates.
– Change visibility of changes – Hide your activity feed or tweak settings.
– Remove boss as a connection – If needed, disconnect from current manager temporarily.
– Update information stealthily – Make changes gradually over a longer timeframe.
– Remove company affiliation – Distance your profile from current employer.
– Line up new job first – Wait to update until you’ve left and started the new opportunity.
– Prioritize privacy settings – Check and customize who can see your full profile and activity.
– Clean up connections – Prune outdated contacts so changes reach fewer eyes.
– Use anonymous browsing – View your profile as strangers would to see their limited perspective.
With strategic settings changes and gradual profile adjusting, you can minimize unnecessary visibility. However, it’s still best practice to simply wait until after leaving your job to announce the next one on LinkedIn.
Should You Say You Left or You’re Leaving?
Once you’ve resigned from your current role and finished your last day, you should list jobs you’ve left in the past tense:
WRONG:
Marketing Manager at XYZ Company
July 2019 – Present
RIGHT:
Marketing Manager at XYZ Company
July 2019 – October 2022
You should only use the present tense for ongoing positions. Once you’ve officially left a job, always swap to the past tense on LinkedIn. This clearly signals to connections that you’re no longer with that employer.
If you need to provide context between jobs, add to the profile summary section wording like:
“Previously worked as a Marketing Manager at XYZ Company, now starting a new opportunity as Brand Director at 123 Enterprises.”
Be specific that old roles are in the past. Avoid confusion by stick to past and present tense accurately. Announce the next job as “starting” rather than “leaving.”
Should You Recommend Connections After Leaving a Company?
It’s fine to recommend and endorse former colleagues after leaving a company if you maintain positive relationships. However, hold off if the departure was contentious.
Ways to gracefully recommend connections when leaving a job:
– Recommend colleagues immediately before resigning.
– Craft recommendations relevant to their current job, not mentioning the former employer.
– Only recommend those you’re still well connected with.
– Personalize recommendations based on real examples of their work and character.
– Recommend colleagues who you’d collaborate with again in the future.
– Focus on how the person enriched your experience vs. the company itself.
Continuing to grow your network after leaving by recommending former co-workers demonstrates maturity. Just be strategic and sincere in how you frame past colleagues for future opportunities.
Conclusion
Announcing new jobs on LinkedIn takes thoughtfulness and care. While it’s exciting news to share, wait until you’ve started the new opportunity to announce it professionally online. Update some basic profile details once you’ve accepted the offer, but post publicly only after your first day on the job. This avoids awkwardness with current colleagues and allows you to fully celebrate the news once it’s official. Stay gracious, positive and discreet as you use LinkedIn to take the next step!
