LinkedIn is a popular social media platform used primarily for professional networking and career development. With over 722 million users worldwide, it’s likely that at some point you will interact with someone on LinkedIn who decides to block you. Getting blocked can be confusing and frustrating, especially if you don’t know what it looks like on your end. In this article, we will walk through the key signs that someone has blocked you on LinkedIn and what you can do about it.
How can you tell if someone blocked you on LinkedIn?
Here are some of the main ways to know if you have been blocked by another LinkedIn user:
Their profile is no longer accessible
The most obvious sign is if you try to access someone’s profile directly and you get an error message saying the page cannot be found. Their profile photo will be greyed out and you will not be able to view any part of their profile anymore. This happens because they have restricted your ability to view their profile while logged into your account.
You are no longer connected
If you were previously connected on LinkedIn and now the connection is gone, this could indicate you have been blocked. One way to check is to look at your list of connections and see if they have disappeared from it. You could also try searching for their name in your connections and see if their profile comes up. If you can no longer find any trace of the connection, it likely means you have been blocked.
You can’t message them
Another clear sign is if you try to send the person a message on LinkedIn and you receive an error that your message could not be sent or that you are unable to message this person. This happens because blocking prevents all communication from your account to theirs. So if you are unable to message them either directly or through InMail, it’s a sign they have blocked you.
Your comments on their posts are hidden
If you have commented on one of their posts in the past and now the comment is no longer visible, this indicates you have probably been blocked. Others can see your comment, but to the person who blocked you and their connections, your comment will be hidden. So if you know you have commented on their content before and can no longer see it, it’s likely you have been blocked.
You disappear from their followers/connections list
Just as their profile disappears from your connections list when blocked, they will disappear from your followers and connections lists if they have blocked you back. If you notice you no longer appear on their connections or followers list, it’s a sign they have blocked you.
Why would someone block you on LinkedIn?
There are a few reasons why someone might make the choice to block you on LinkedIn, including:
Spam or harassment
If you have repeatedly spammed someone with connection requests or messages, or have harassed the person in some way, this could prompt them to block you. Excessive messaging that comes across as harassing is one of the primary reasons for blocking on LinkedIn and social media in general.
Competitors
People may also block competitors in the same industry to limit their social media spying and keep their connections and activity private. For example, a sales professional might block a competitor sales rep from viewing their LinkedIn profile or connections.
Personal reasons
In some cases, there may be personal or professional bad blood between individuals that leads one person to block the other, even if no recent communication has occurred. The block may happen preemptively or out of the blue.
Mistaken identity
It’s also possible to be blocked by mistake if someone thinks you are a different person. This can happen if you have a similar name to someone else who the person intended to block.
General privacy concerns
Some LinkedIn users choose to be more private and block connections liberally to limit who can view their full profile and activity. So you may get blocked simply because the person wants to prune their network.
What should you do if you’re blocked?
If you find out someone has blocked you on LinkedIn, here are some tips on how to handle it:
Don’t attempt to reconnect
It may be tempting to try sending a connection request again or attempt to message them from a different account. But this will likely be seen as harassment and could prompt further blocking. Avoid trying to circumvent their blocking.
Reflect on why it happened
Think about your past interactions and whether anything you did may have caused offense or seemed inappropriate. If it’s possible they blocked you by mistake, see if you can clarify this politely through a mutual connection.
Move forward professionally
Don’t take a blocking personally or hold a grudge. Be gracious, leave them alone, and continue networking normally. There are plenty of other professionals to connect with.
Focus on your brand
Rather than stressing about the block, dedicate your energy towards building and improving your own LinkedIn presence. Produce engaging content in your niche and focus on your professional brand and goals.
Request feedback if needed
If the block came out of nowhere from someone you had a good relationship with, consider asking for confidential feedback through a mutual contact you both trust. This can provide closure and valuable insights.
Review your online conduct
Look at your wider online conduct through an honest lens. If you display unprofessional behavior online frequently, you may need to make some changes to avoid repeats of this issue.
Limitations of a LinkedIn block
While blocking prevents direct communication and limits some profile viewing, it does not completely separate you online. Here are some limitations to keep in mind:
Public information is still visible
Your public LinkedIn profile remains visible to the person who blocked you when they are logged out or using an anonymous browsing mode. They will be able to access any public information you display.
Indirect contact still possible
You can still potentially interact in LinkedIn Groups, on mutual connections’ posts, company pages, etc. Blocking only prevents direct communication.
General online searches still work
Outside of LinkedIn, the person can find public information about you through general Google searches, social media, etc. Blocking is LinkedIn-specific.
Mutual connections retained
Any shared connections you have will still be visible to both parties. Blocking does not impact mutual networks.
Company pages remain visible
Assuming you both work for the same company, your employer’s LinkedIn page will be accessible to both of you. Company pages are public.
So in summary, blocking is not an absolute shield – it just places communication restrictions within LinkedIn. General online transparency remains, for better or worse.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to remember about being blocked on LinkedIn:
– It prevents you from viewing someone’s full profile or communicating directly.
– You may have been blocked for harassment, professional competition, personal reasons, privacy, or by mistake. Don’t overreact.
– Move forward in a polite, professional manner. Don’t try to circumvent or retaliate for being blocked.
– Focus on strengthening your own brand and conduct on LinkedIn. Be your best self.
– Blocking has limits – much information remains mutually visible online. Don’t assume it establishes an impermeable wall.
– Use the experience to thoughtfully assess your online behavior and presence. Make improvements where needed.
Getting blocked on LinkedIn can be an awkward and confusing experience. But with the right perspective and professionalism, it doesn’t have to derail your networking goals. Apply these lessons to maintain your composure and continue cultivating great connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell who viewed your LinkedIn profile?
No, LinkedIn does not have a direct way for users to see who specifically has viewed their profile. You can only see aggregate anonymous data about profile views in your account analytics. LinkedIn does this to protect privacy and prevent unwanted solicitation.
What happens if you block someone on LinkedIn?
Blocking someone prevents them from viewing your full profile, messaging you, or interacting with your posts. You will no longer show up as a connection, and they will be restricted from seeing your profile or activity.
Can you unblock someone on LinkedIn?
Yes, you can choose to unblock people if you change your mind. Go to your account settings, access the blocked members list, and remove anyone you want to unblock. They will then be able to message you or view your full profile again if you remove the block.
Is it bad to block someone on LinkedIn?
Blocking can be necessary in cases of harassment, spam, professional rivalry, or other unwanted contact. However, blocking connections casually and frequently is not considered a best practice for relationship-building on LinkedIn.
Can someone tell if you block them on LinkedIn?
In most cases, yes – if you fully block someone they will notice that your profile is inaccessible and two-way communication is prevented. But partial blocking of content may happen without their knowledge.
Conclusion
Being blocked on LinkedIn can feel disheartening, especially if you view the platform as vital for your career development. However, maintaining perspective and grace will allow you to move past the blocking in a constructive way. Focus on improving your own conduct and online presence rather than obsessing over the block. With so many professionals active on LinkedIn, there are plenty more fruitful connections to be made.
