Editing Linkedin

'''LinkedIn''' is a social networking platform designed for professionals and businesses. Launched on May 5, 2003, it allows users to create resumes, build career connections, apply for jobs, follow companies, and share professional content. LinkedIn is owned by [[Microsoft]] and is widely regarded as the world’s largest professional networking site.

== History ==
LinkedIn was founded in December 2002 by [[Reid Hoffman]], [[Allen Blue]], [[Konstantin Guericke]], [[Eric Ly]], and [[Jean-Luc Vaillant]]. The site officially launched in May 2003 and grew steadily, reaching 1 million users by 2004.

By 2011, LinkedIn had gone public on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol **LNKD**. In June 2016, [[Microsoft]] announced its acquisition of LinkedIn for $26.2 billion, completed later that year. Since then, LinkedIn has operated as a subsidiary of Microsoft with a degree of independence.

== Features ==

=== Profiles ===
Each LinkedIn user has a profile similar to an online résumé. It includes sections such as:
* Summary
* Work experience
* Education
* Skills & endorsements
* Recommendations
* Licenses and certifications

=== Networking ===
Users can connect with other professionals, follow companies, and join interest-based groups. LinkedIn recommends connections based on mutual contacts, work history, and interests.

=== Job Search ===
LinkedIn is widely used by job seekers and recruiters. Users can:
* Browse job listings
* Apply for jobs directly
* Enable "Open to Work" status
* Get recruited via LinkedIn Talent Solutions

=== LinkedIn Learning ===
A premium educational platform offering online courses in business, tech, leadership, and creative skills. Formerly known as Lynda.com, it was integrated after LinkedIn acquired it in 2015.

=== LinkedIn Premium ===
Paid membership tiers that offer:
* Advanced profile viewing insights
* Direct InMail messages
* Enhanced job applicant visibility
* Access to LinkedIn Learning

=== News Feed and Publishing ===
Users can share articles, updates, polls, and long-form posts. Influencers and professionals often use LinkedIn to establish thought leadership through content publishing.

== Privacy and Data ==
LinkedIn has faced criticism over its data policies and has taken steps to improve privacy, such as restricting third-party scraping and offering users more control over visibility. Users can control who sees their profile, activity, and contact details.

== User Base ==
As of 2024:
* Over 950 million members
* Users from over 200 countries
* Most popular in the U.S., India, UK, and Brazil
* Widely used by recruiters, job seekers, CEOs, freelancers, and students

== Criticism ==
* Data breaches: LinkedIn experienced major data leaks in 2012 and 2021.
* Spam and fake profiles: Criticized for rising number of bots and unsolicited messages.
* Paywall for features: Some job search tools and analytics are restricted to premium users.

== Impact ==
LinkedIn has changed how professionals network, how companies recruit, and how individuals build personal brands. It has also contributed to the rise of “social recruiting” and digital résumé culture.

== See also ==
* [[Indeed]]
* [[Glassdoor]]
* [[Monster.com]]
* [[Upwork]]
* [[Microsoft]]
* [[LinkedIn Learning]]

== External links ==
* [https://www.linkedin.com Official LinkedIn Website]
* [https://learning.linkedin.com LinkedIn Learning]
* [https://news.linkedin.com LinkedIn Newsroom]
* {{IMDb company|co0320842}} (for LinkedIn original video content)

[[Category:Professional networks]]
[[Category:Online business directories]]
[[Category:Microsoft subsidiaries]]
[[Category:2003 establishments]]
[[Category:Job search websites]]
[[Category:Social networking websites]]