Quick Answer
It’s generally safe to add your phone number to your LinkedIn profile, but there are some risks. The main risk is getting more cold calls and spam. However, some experts recommend including your number so recruiters and other contacts can easily reach you. You can reduce unwanted calls by using your work number rather than your personal number. Overall, the benefits tend to outweigh the risks if you’re selective about who can view your number.
Should You Include Your Phone Number on LinkedIn?
Here are the main pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to contact you about job opportunities
- Allows professional connections to reach you quickly
- Shows you’re open to communicating with your network
- Provides an additional way for contacts to get in touch
Cons:
- Increases risk of getting cold calls from salespeople
- Opens you up to more spam calls and texts
- Loss of some privacy as your number is now public
- Need to be thoughtful about who can view your profile
Overall, many LinkedIn experts recommend adding your phone number to maximize your job search and networking capabilities. However, you’ll want to take some precautions to avoid unwanted spam.
Tips for Safely Adding Your Number to LinkedIn
Here are some best practices to follow if you decide to add your phone to your profile:
Use your work number instead of personal number
Using your work or office number will make you appear more professional. It also provides some separation from your personal life.
Adjust profile visibility settings
Limit your profile visibility to exclude recruiters or limit it only to your 1st-degree connections. This prevents spammers and cold callers from accessing your info.
Screen calls and texts
Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them leave a voicemail first so you can vet the caller. Block any suspicious numbers.
Remove your number if you get too many unwanted calls
If you start getting spammed with calls and texts, simply remove your phone number from your profile. You can always add it back later.
Use a Google Voice number
Google Voice gives you a free phone number to forward calls and texts to your actual number. You can screen calls and block spam through the Google Voice dashboard.
How Recruiters May Use Your Phone Number
Here are some of the main ways recruiters may leverage your phone number if you add it to LinkedIn:
Call about an open position
Rather than waiting for an email response, recruiters can immediately call you to discuss an open role they think you’d be a fit for.
Screen candidates over the phone
Some recruiters do initial phone screens before bringing candidates in for interviews. This allows them to quickly vet prospects.
Schedule interviews
It’s often easier to schedule interview times over the phone compared to lengthy email exchanges.
Discuss job opportunities not posted online
Recruiters may learn about openings not formally listed and reach out to qualified candidates directly over the phone.
Provide feedback after interviews
Following up with feedback over the phone creates a more personal experience compared to email.
Negotiate job offers
Sensitive salary and job offer negotiations often happen over the phone rather than email.
How to Screen Cold Calls and Spam from LinkedIn
To reduce unwanted calls and spam texts from having your number on your profile, here are some tips:
Don’t pick up calls from unknown numbers
Let unknown callers leave a voicemail first so you can screen them. Avoid answering numbers you don’t recognize.
Look up phone numbers online
Do a quick web search on any suspicious numbers to see if they are telemarketers or spam. This allows you to block them.
Enable call screening features
Tools like Google Call Screen transcribe incoming calls in real-time so you can see who they are before picking up.
Download spam call blocking apps
Apps like Hiya or RoboKiller will automatically block known spam numbers and scammers from being able to call you.
Add numbers to your block list
When you identify a spam caller, immediately block their number directly through your smartphone settings or phone carrier account.
Report unwanted callers to the FCC
You can file complaints on illegal robocallers and telemarketers with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Ask contacts to not share your number
If your number gets passed around, politely ask connections to no longer share your personal phone number without your consent.
How to Handle Cold Calls from Your LinkedIn Number
If you do start getting cold-called by salespeople who found your number from LinkedIn, here are some tips on handling them diplomatically:
Politely ask to be added to their do not call list
Request they add you to their company’s internal do not call list so you won’t be contacted again.
Say you’re happy with your current provider
Let them know you are satisfied with your current products/services and are not looking to switch companies.
Decline the offer immediately
Don’t engage in lengthy conversations. Decline their offer succinctly. The less interaction, the better.
Ask where they got your number
Inquire how they got your info. If it was from LinkedIn, consider tightening your profile visibility settings.
Be wary of phone numbers you don’t recognize
Avoid answering calls when you don’t recognize the number to limit unwanted solicitation calls.
Request they do not call again
Politely but firmly tell them to no longer contact your number for sales inquires going forward.
Block repeat callers
If the same business calls again, add their number to your block list to prevent future unwanted calls.
Closing Recommendations on Adding Your Number to LinkedIn
Here are some final recommendations on whether to add your phone number to your LinkedIn profile:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Actively job searching | Add your number – makes it easier for recruiters to contact you |
| Open to new job opportunities | Add your number – allows recruiters to reach out to you |
| Not interested in new roles | Don’t add number – reduces unwanted recruiter contacts |
| Concerned about spam calls | Don’t add number or use Google Voice number |
| Want privacy from sales calls | Don’t add your personal number – use your work number instead |
Key Takeaways
- It can be beneficial to add for job seekers but risky in terms of more spam calls
- Use your work number or Google Voice to maintain some privacy
- Limit your profile visibility and screen unknown callers
- Remove your number if you start getting excessive cold calls or spam texts
Overall, adding your phone number to LinkedIn is relatively safe if you follow some best practices. Take the time to adjust your profile visibility settings and be cautious answering unknown callers. Leverage tools to block spam numbers to maintain your privacy. Carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your own job search needs and tolerance for unwanted calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have a private number on LinkedIn?
You can effectively have a private number on LinkedIn by limiting your profile visibility and using your work landline number rather than mobile number. You can hide your number from search engines and adjust settings to exclude recruiters.
Do recruiters call you from LinkedIn?
Yes, recruiters may call candidates directly from their LinkedIn profile to discuss potential job opportunities. This allows them to have a real-time conversation and gauge interest faster than email alone.
Is it safe to share your cell phone number online?
It can be risky sharing your personal cell number openly online as it could lead to more spam calls and texts. Use caution adding it to any public profiles and limit visibility when possible. Don’t add it to sites prone to scraping data.
Can you hide your phone number on LinkedIn?
There is no native setting to completely hide your phone number on your LinkedIn profile. You can exclude it from your contact info section. If added, you can limit profile visibility to connections only or connections of connections.
What is the best way to give your phone number on LinkedIn?
The safest approach is to exclude your personal mobile number altogether. If you do add your number, use your professional work landline and limit visibility to 1st degree connections to reduce unwanted calls.
