Having multiple LinkedIn profiles can happen for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common explanations for why you might have more than one LinkedIn profile and what you can do about it:
You created a second account by mistake
It’s easy enough to accidentally create a second LinkedIn profile if you try signing up again using the same email address. LinkedIn will then create a new, separate profile rather than linking you to your existing account.
This usually happens because you’ve forgotten you already have a LinkedIn account. For example, maybe you created a profile years ago but haven’t used it much since. When trying to create a new account for job searching, entering your email address triggers a new profile.
The solution is simple – merge your LinkedIn accounts. You can do this by going to your account settings and looking for the option to merge accounts. LinkedIn will walk you through the steps to combine profiles and choose which one to keep active. Just make sure you backup any important data first!
You’re trying to separate professional and personal contacts
Maintaining two LinkedIn profiles, one for work connections and one for your wider personal network, is a common practice. Some professionals feel more comfortable keeping these audiences separate or want to maintain different branding for their career versus private life.
While this approach is understandable, it can cause complications. Trying to manage two distinct accounts means double the work keeping both profiles updated. It can also lead to accidental contacts and confusion for anyone who knows you from multiple contexts.
A better solution is to have one fully fleshed out LinkedIn profile but customize privacy settings. You can choose which parts of your profile are visible to your entire network versus just direct connections. Have a professional photo and headline for your career persona but feel free to connect with friends too.
You have multiple professional roles
For some professions like consulting or freelance work, it makes sense to have separate LinkedIn profiles focused on each of your professional roles. This allows you to clearly showcase your expertise in different industries without a jumbled profile.
Unfortunately, LinkedIn’s terms of service prohibit having more than one individual account. Business pages can be created for companies, organizations, or brands – but your personal profile should just be one account.
The best approach is to have a single robust profile with details on all your areas of specialty. You can feature the services you offer to different clients using sections like Services, Projects, and more. Customize your headline and summary statement for versatility across roles.
You’re not allowed to merge accounts
In some cases, attempting to merge LinkedIn accounts results in an error message that it’s not possible. This is typically due to restrictions from LinkedIn tying certain types of accounts together.
For example, you can’t merge a personal profile with a LinkedIn page for a company or organization. Student accounts also can’t be merged with regular professional accounts until after graduation. And accounts that are super outdated or inactive often can’t merge either.
If you encounter this roadblock, the next best step is to closely connect the accounts. Make sure both profiles have identical contact info like your email and links to websites. Use matching profile photos and similar headers. Then focus engagement only on your primary profile.
You have legitimate reasons to keep separate accounts
While most people should ultimately merge or connect dual accounts, there are some circumstances where separate LinkedIn profiles make sense:
- Highly confidential jobs – For example, spies or investigative work.
- Avoiding workplace conflicts – Keep work and side gigs separate.
- Independent research – Scholars may want anonymous accounts.
- Strict privacy – For public figures or concerned users.
Assess your own rationale for maintaining two accounts – if it truly makes sense for your situation, some separation can be warranted. Just take care to avoid confusing contacts and present consistent personal branding across both profiles.
Conclusion
Accidentally creating multiple LinkedIn profiles is common and easy to remedy by merging accounts. Purposefully maintaining two accounts can be riskier but justified in some unique circumstances. Take steps to connect dual profiles and focus on actively engaging with just one main account.
With care and some maintenance, you can resolve the issue of having two LinkedIn profiles. A single robust LinkedIn presence is best for building your professional network and personal brand in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to have 2 LinkedIn profiles?
Generally yes, having two LinkedIn profiles is seen negatively. It can look suspicious to connections like you are trying to hide something or misrepresent yourself. In most cases, you should work to merge or connect dual accounts on LinkedIn.
Can you have 2 LinkedIn accounts on the same email?
No, LinkedIn only allows one account per email address in their terms of service. If you try to create multiple accounts with the same email, it will either connect you to your existing profile or lock the new account.
Is it legal to have 2 LinkedIn profiles?
It is technically allowed to have two separate LinkedIn accounts, but against their recommended best practices. LinkedIn prefers users to merge multiple profiles when possible. There could be legal concerns if you use dual accounts deceptively.
Can I reactivate my old LinkedIn account?
Yes, you can reactive a closed or inactive LinkedIn account through your profile settings. Simply login and look for the option to renew your account. Just be wary of then having two active profiles – merge or connect them.
Should I delete my second LinkedIn profile?
Rather than deleting entirely, the best approach is to merge your two LinkedIn accounts into one consolidated profile when feasible. If accounts can’t combine, try to reference both profiles in each, cross-linking information.
Key Takeaways
- Accidentally creating a second LinkedIn profile when signing up again is common.
- Some purposefully maintain two profiles to separate work and personal connections.
- LinkedIn prefers users only have one profile – multiple accounts should be merged.
- In rare cases, two accounts are warranted but take care to connect profiles.
- Focus your time and engagement on one robust LinkedIn presence for best results.
Table Comparing Reasons for Multiple LinkedIn Profiles
Reason | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Accidental second account | – Easy to resolve by merging | – Looks suspicious and unintended |
Separating work/personal contacts | – Customizes audiences | – Hard to manage multiple accounts |
Showcasing different roles | – Highlights varied expertise | – Violates LinkedIn terms of service |
Can’t merge accounts | – Connects overlapping profiles | – Less professional brand cohesion |
Legitimate need for separation | – Makes sense in rare situations | – Potentially confusing or concerning |
Conclusion
In summary, while there may be some narrow reasons for maintaining multiple LinkedIn profiles, having two accounts often does more harm than good. Take steps to merge or closely connect dual profiles when possible for the best professional brand and networking experience.