LinkedIn's "People Also Viewed" section is a powerful feature designed to help you expand your professional network and discover relevant connections within your industry. It's a curated list of LinkedIn profiles that the algorithm suggests based on your viewing history and professional profile. Understanding what this section means and how it works can significantly enhance your LinkedIn experience.
Understanding the Algorithm Behind "People Also Viewed"
The "People Also Viewed" section isn't randomly generated. LinkedIn's sophisticated algorithm analyzes numerous data points to provide you with the most relevant recommendations. This includes:
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Your Profile: Your industry, job title, skills, experience, education, and location are all key factors. The algorithm identifies individuals with similar professional backgrounds and experiences.
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Your Viewing History: The profiles you've recently viewed heavily influence the suggestions. If you've looked at several profiles of marketing managers in the tech industry, "People Also Viewed" will likely show you more marketing managers in tech.
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Network Connections: The algorithm considers your existing connections. If your network has many individuals in a specific field or company, you're more likely to see profiles from that area in this section.
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Engagement Metrics: LinkedIn tracks your engagement with various profiles, such as views, connections, and endorsements. This helps refine the algorithm's suggestions over time, learning your preferences and offering increasingly relevant recommendations.
How to Leverage "People Also Viewed" for Networking Success
This feature is more than just a passive suggestion; it's a valuable tool for professional networking and career advancement. Here's how to make the most of it:
1. Discover Potential Connections:
Use "People Also Viewed" to uncover individuals you might not have found otherwise. This can broaden your network, leading to new opportunities and collaborations.
2. Research Industry Trends:
By examining the profiles suggested, you gain insights into the skills, experiences, and companies that are currently in demand within your field. This helps you identify areas for professional development and stay ahead of the curve.
3. Identify Potential Recruiters:
"People Also Viewed" can surface recruiters actively seeking candidates with your skills and experience. Connecting with these individuals can significantly enhance your job search efforts.
4. Gain Competitive Intelligence:
By exploring the profiles of competitors or individuals in similar roles, you can understand their career paths, skills, and achievements, which helps you benchmark your own progress and identify potential areas for improvement.
5. Expand Your Knowledge Base:
Connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences broadens your professional perspective and fosters a richer understanding of the industry.
Improving the Relevance of "People Also Viewed"
To ensure "People Also Viewed" provides the most relevant suggestions, optimize your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your profile is complete, accurate, and up-to-date, reflecting your current skills and career goals. The more complete and accurate your profile is, the better the algorithm can understand your needs and preferences, leading to highly relevant recommendations.
In conclusion, LinkedIn's "People Also Viewed" is a valuable asset for professional networking and career growth. By understanding how it works and leveraging its functionality effectively, you can significantly enhance your LinkedIn experience and unlock new opportunities.
