On LinkedIn, the industry field refers to the general area or sector that a member works in or is affiliated with. Some common examples of industries that members may list on their LinkedIn profiles include:
Technology
Members who work in the technology sector may list their industry as Computer Software, Information Technology and Services, Internet, Semiconductors, etc. This encompasses roles such as software engineers, product managers, data scientists, web developers, cybersecurity professionals, and more.
Business Services
Common business services industries include Management Consulting, Accounting, Human Resources, Staffing and Recruiting, Office Services, etc. This covers consulting, accounting, HR, administrative, and other corporate services roles.
Financial Services
The financial industry comprises investment banking, commercial banking, insurance, accounting, financial advisors, etc. Typical roles include bankers, traders, financial analysts, accountants, insurance agents, wealth managers, and others.
Healthcare
Healthcare professionals may list Medical Devices, Hospitals, Health Care Services, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and related industries. This encompasses doctors, nurses, medical device engineers, health IT specialists, lab researchers, and more.
Education
Common education industries are Primary/Secondary Education, Higher Education, E-Learning, EdTech, Training and Development, etc. Teachers, professors, corporate trainers, instructional designers, and other education roles fit here.
Media & Entertainment
Industries like Broadcast Media, Motion Pictures and Film, Online Media, Newspapers, Performing Arts, etc. are common in the media sector. This covers roles like journalists, producers, directors, editors, writers, graphic designers, and more.
Consumer Goods
Major consumer goods industries include Food & Beverages, Apparel & Fashion, Consumer Electronics, Furniture, Cosmetics, etc. Product designers, retail buyers, marketing specialists, manufacturers, and supply chain experts may list these.
Energy & Utilities
The energy and utilities sector is comprised of Electricity, Oil & Energy, Mining & Metals, Environmental Services, Waste Management, etc. Power engineers, drilling specialists, mining safety experts, environmental scientists, and related roles fit here.
Transportation & Logistics
Key transportation industries are Aviation & Aerospace, Automotive, Railroads, Maritime, Warehousing, Supply Chain & Logistics, etc. Pilots, drivers, mechanics, freight agents, warehouse managers, and logistics analysts may have these industries.
Construction & Architecture
Civil Engineering, Construction, Architecture & Planning, Building Materials, Real Estate Development, etc. are common in this sector. Construction managers, architects, engineers, real estate agents, contractors, and related professionals fit here.
Telecommunications
Major telecom industries include Wireless, Broadband, Satellite, Semiconductors, Networking equipment, etc. Telecom engineers, product developers, sales and marketing specialists, and customer support roles may list these.
Retail & Consumer Services
Industries like Retail, Restaurants, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, Consumer Goods, belong here. Store managers, servers, hotel staff, travel agents, and customer experience roles fit into this sector.
Government & Public Administration
Common government industries are Government Administration, International Affairs, Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Political Organization, etc. Local, state and federal government employees across different agencies list these.
Non-Profit
The non-profit sector includes industries like Civic & Social Organization, Religious Institutions, Philanthropy, Fundraising, etc. Non-profit executives, program managers, fundraisers, volunteers, and others in the social sector use these.
Marketing & Advertising
Industries specifically for marketing, advertising and PR roles are Marketing & Advertising, Public Relations & Communications, Printing & Publishing, Broadcast Media, etc. Marketers, advertisers, PR specialists, publishers, and related roles fit here.
Examples of LinkedIn Industry Fields
Here are some more specific examples of industry fields that members commonly list on their LinkedIn profiles:
Technology | – Software Development | – Cloud Computing | – Cybersecurity |
Business Services | – Management Consulting | – Human Resources | – Accounting |
Financial Services | – Investment Banking | – Commercial Banking | – Financial Advising |
Healthcare | – Medical Devices | – Biotechnology | – Health Care Services |
Education | – Higher Education | – E-learning | – Training & Development |
Media & Entertainment | – Motion Pictures & Film | – Broadcast Media | – Online Media |
Consumer Goods | – Apparel & Fashion | – Food & Beverages | – Cosmetics |
Energy & Utilities | – Oil & Energy | – Electric Utilities | – Environmental Services |
Transportation & Logistics | – Airlines | – Warehousing | – Supply Chain & Logistics |
Construction & Architecture | – Civil Engineering | – Architecture & Planning | – Real Estate Development |
Telecommunications | – Wireless | – Satellite | – Networking Equipment |
Retail & Consumer Services | – Restaurants | – Hospitality | – Consumer Goods |
Government & Public Administration | – Government Administration | – Law Enforcement | – International Affairs |
Non-Profit | – Civic & Social Organization | – Religious Institutions | – Philanthropy |
Marketing & Advertising | – Marketing & Advertising | – Public Relations & Communications | – Broadcast Media |
Why Listing Your Industry Matters
Including your industry on your LinkedIn profile is important for several reasons:
Helps You Get Found
Listing an industry helps you come up in relevant searches. When people search for profiles in a specific industry, having it on your profile helps increase your visibility.
Shows Your Domain
Your industry communicates the area you have expertise and experience in. It indicates your professional domain quickly to visitors.
Attracts Recruiters
Recruiters often search LinkedIn for candidates by industry. Listing yours makes it easier for recruiters to find you for relevant job opportunities.
Expands Your Network
The industry field helps connect you with new professional contacts in your domain. It enables industry-based networking and relationship building.
Provides Context
Your industry gives context for your job title and company. It shows the bigger picture of the sector and market you operate in.
Aligns Your Personal Brand
Defining your industry allows you to align your professional brand around your niche area of specialization.
Showcases Domain Knowledge
Listing an industry highlights the depth of knowledge and experience you have in a particular vertical or domain.
Tips for Choosing Your LinkedIn Industry
Here are some tips to guide your industry selection on LinkedIn:
Pick a Broad Industry First
Start by picking a broad industry like Technology, Healthcare, Finance, etc. that encapsulates your overall domain.
Then Choose a Narrower Segment
Next, select a more specific segment within that broad industry relevant to your role like Fintech, Biopharma, EdTech etc.
Leverage Existing Job Titles
Look at conventional industry job titles in your space and choose the industry attached to them.
Align With Your Company’s Industry
Consider aligning your industry selection with your company’s industry categorization for consistency.
Review Connections’ Profiles
Look at the industry selections of your connections in similar roles to get ideas.
Choose Growth Areas
Pick growing, in-demand industry segments that are hiring actively and have network potential.
Refresh Regularly
Reevaluate your industry selection regularly and update it to reflect role changes and career growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put multiple industries on LinkedIn?
It’s best to keep your industry field to 1-2 selections. Listing too many industries can dilute your professional brand. Focus on the 1-2 most relevant to your current role and experience.
What if my role spans multiple industries?
If your role genuinely overlaps several industries, pick the 1-2 that take up the significant majority of your work and background. Or select the industry that you want to be most known for professionally.
Can I put an emerging industry?
Yes, you can select a newer, rapidly growing industry like Agritech, Fintech, Proptech if your work aligns. This can showcase you are on the cutting edge of new domains.
What if my company’s industry doesn’t fit my role?
On your profile, emphasize the industry relevant to your actual function and background over your company’s industry categorization if they differ significantly.
Should I put an aspirational industry I want to transition to?
It’s best to keep your current industry accurate to your latest role and experience. You can showcase aspirational industries in other profile sections like your summary.
Conclusion
Your industry selection is a key LinkedIn profile element that requires careful thought and positioning. Choose it wisely to attract the right contacts, opportunities and visibility. Review it regularly to make sure it accurately reflects your professional domain as your career progresses. Keep it focused on 1-2 primary industries relevant to your current experience and aspirations.