How to Get Verified on LinkedIn
Adding a verification badge to your LinkedIn profile builds trust and shows others that your account is legitimate. This article will guide you through the simple steps to get that coveted checkmark next to your name using the LinkedIn mobile app.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll learn how to initiate the verification process within the LinkedIn app, understand the requirements for your identification, and successfully complete the steps to earn your verification badge.
Prerequisites
- A smartphone with the LinkedIn app installed.
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) with a name that matches your LinkedIn profile.
- Access to your phone’s camera.
Steps to Verify Your LinkedIn Account
Open Your Profile: First, open the LinkedIn app on your smartphone. Once it’s open, tap on your profile picture in the top left corner to access your profile page.
Find the Verification Option: Look at the top of your profile page, right below your name. You should see an option that says ‘Add verification badge.’ Tap on this to start the process.
Understand the Process: LinkedIn uses a system called Clear to verify your identity. This system checks your government-issued ID against your profile information. It’s important that the name on your ID exactly matches the name on your LinkedIn account for verification to succeed.
Start with Clear: Tap the button that says ‘Verify with Clear.’ The app will then guide you through the next steps.
Enter Your Phone Number: You’ll be asked to add your phone number. Enter it and then tap ‘Accept and Continue.’
Provide Your Email: Next, you’ll need to enter an email address. Make sure to check the box to agree to the terms and conditions. Then, click ‘Accept and Continue’ again.
Enter the Security Code: A code will be sent to your phone via text message. You need to copy this code and paste it into the designated field in the app. This confirms that you have access to the phone number you provided.
Take a Selfie: The app will now ask you to take a selfie. This is to prove that you are the person associated with the account and the ID. Tap ‘Continue to use your camera’ and position your phone to take a clear picture of your face.
Capture Your ID: After the selfie, you’ll need to capture images of your government-issued ID. The app will likely ask what type of ID you are using; select ‘Driver’s License’ or your specific ID type. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
- Capture the Front: Position your ID so the front is clearly visible and tap ‘Capture Front.’ Make sure all details are readable and the lighting is good.
- Capture the Back: The app will then prompt you to capture the back of your ID. Flip your ID over and align it for the photo, then tap ‘Capture Back.’
Verification in Progress: The Clear system will now process the information. It checks that your selfie matches your ID photo and that the details on your ID align with your LinkedIn profile. Your information is encrypted for security during this process.
Confirmation: Once the verification is successful, you will see a confirmation message, often stating ‘Verification Successful.’ A small checkmark badge will then appear next to your name on your LinkedIn profile. If it’s not successful, the app will usually let you know why and offer the chance to try again.
View Your Verified Profile: You can go back to your profile page to see the new verification checkmark. This badge helps build credibility and assures others that your profile is authentic.
Tips for Success
- Good Lighting: Ensure you have good, even lighting when taking your selfie and capturing your ID. Avoid shadows that might obscure details.
- Clear Photos: Make sure your ID photos are sharp and not blurry. All text and your photo on the ID must be clearly readable.
- Match Your Name: Double-check that the name on your government-issued ID is exactly the same as the name on your LinkedIn profile. Even small differences can cause verification to fail.
- Steady Hands: Hold your phone steady when taking pictures to avoid blurry images.
Why Verification Matters
Having a verified LinkedIn account significantly boosts your credibility. It shows potential employers, clients, or connections that you are a real person with a legitimate presence on the platform. This can lead to more opportunities and better engagement on LinkedIn.
Source: How to Quickly Verify your LinkedIn Account (YouTube)
