LinkedIn’s interface is filled with various icons and symbols that can sometimes be confusing for users. This guide will help you navigate the platform more effectively by explaining the meaning behind these visual elements.
Home Screen Icons
When you open LinkedIn, you’ll encounter several icons on the home screen:
- Profile Icon: Your profile picture or initials in the top left corner. Tapping this opens your profile menu.
- Messaging Icon: A speech bubble with three dots in the top right corner. This opens your LinkedIn messages.
- Post Options: Three dots on each post allow you to save, share, or report content.
- Hide Post: An “X” in the top right of a post removes it from your feed.
- Public Post Indicator: A globe icon shows that a post is visible to all LinkedIn users.
- Video Controls: “CC” toggles captions, while a speaker icon mutes/unmutes videos.
- Engagement Metrics: A heart or thumbs-up icon with a number shows how many likes a post has received.
- Notification Counters: Red circles with numbers on the navigation bar indicate unread notifications.
Messaging Icons
The messaging interface has its own set of icons:
- Back Arrow: Returns you to the previous screen.
- Chat Options: Three dots open additional conversation settings.
- Message Filter: A downward arrow lets you sort messages by type (e.g., unread, archived).
- New Message: A pencil in a square starts a new conversation.
Within individual chats, you’ll find:
- Chat Settings: Three dots for options like muting or archiving the conversation.
- Video Call: A camera icon with a plus sign initiates a video meeting.
- Important Chat: A star marks conversations as important for quick access.
- Verified Account: A checkmark in a shield indicates a verified LinkedIn profile.
- Attachments: A plus sign in a circle lets you add files, photos, or GIFs.
- Voice Message: A microphone icon allows you to record and send audio messages.
Post Interaction Icons
When interacting with posts, you’ll see:
- Reaction Options: Tapping and holding the “Like” button reveals additional reactions (Celebrate, Support, Love, Insightful, Funny).
- Comment Sorting: Up and down arrows let you change the order of comments.
- Mention: The “@” symbol tags other LinkedIn users in your comment.
Company Page Icons
On company pages, look for:
- Notification Settings: A bell icon manages updates from the page.
- Page Options: Three dots in a circle provide additional actions like visiting the company website or sharing the page.
Creating Posts
When composing a new post, you’ll encounter:
- Cancel: An “X” discards your draft.
- Audience Selector: A downward arrow customizes who can see your post.
- Schedule Post: A clock icon lets you set a future publishing time.
- Add Media: A photo icon allows you to include images or videos.
- Create Event: A calendar icon helps you set up and share LinkedIn events.
- More Options: Three dots reveal additional post elements like polls or documents.
Profile and Connection Icons
- Premium Badge: A golden LinkedIn logo indicates a Premium account.
- Connect: A person icon with a plus sign sends a connection request.
- Connection Degrees: Numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd) show how closely you’re connected to other users.
- Easy Apply: A blue LinkedIn logo on job postings allows for quick application submission.
- Job Feedback: Thumbs up/down icons help refine job recommendations.
- AI Features: A star icon indicates AI-powered tools (for Premium users).
- Following: A checkmark in a circle shows you’re following an account.
- Direct Message: A paper airplane icon opens a private message to that user.
Understanding these icons will help you navigate LinkedIn more efficiently, allowing you to focus on building your professional network and advancing your career.
Now that you’re familiar with LinkedIn’s visual language, you can confidently use the platform to its full potential. Remember, LinkedIn regularly updates its interface, so keep an eye out for new icons and features as they’re introduced.