by Kathy Bernard
A verification badge is an optional feature you can add to your LinkedIn profile to prove to others you are who you say you are. LinkedIn supports three forms of verification: Identity, workplace, and educational institution verification.
Identity verification is available to members with a valid government-issued ID and a U.S., Canadian, or Mexican phone number. Once you are verified, the badge will be visible by your name. The information used for verification (such as your email address) will not be visible. There is no cost to add verifications to your profile.
Access the verification feature through the LinkedIn iOS or Android mobile app (it is not yet available on web browsers). The name on your ID must match the name on your LinkedIn profile and if you have a LinkedIn profile in another language, the name on your ID must also match the name on your secondary profile. Your verification will not be added to your Linkedin profile unless they match.
To verify your identity, click “More” on your LinkedIn profile, then “About this profile”, then “Verify for free” to start the verification process.
Once verified, a verification will be visible on your profile, but the actual information from your ID card will not be visible. You can remove your identity verification anytime by going to your LinkedIn settings, but you can’t restore your verification once it is deleted.
So, should you be verified? Definitely if proving your identity, workplace, or educational institution would be beneficial to your business!
Kathy Bernard (kathy@wiseru.com), CEO of WiserU.com, is a St. Louis-based LinkedIn expert/trainer who trains and equips individuals and businesses to maximize LinkedIn for sales, marketing, or fundraising.