Once upon a time, it was easy to tell a person’s preferred pronouns based on biological gender or name. These days, things aren’t so straightforward. For this reason, a person’s gender identity may not be accurately reflected in their appearance or name.
To keep up with the times, social media platforms have begun to include options to include pronouns on their profile pages, including LinkedIn. Here are the different types of pronouns you can add on LinkedIn and why it matters.
The Different Pronouns You Can Add on LinkedIn
For many people who adhere in accordance with gender expectations, pronouns aren’t so complicated. However, pronouns can be a painful point for those who are still unsure of their identity or in the middle of a transition.
Whether it is meeting someone online or in-person, it may not always be apparent what their preferred pronouns are. It can also be difficult to ask when the situation does not present itself.
In general, there are three common sets of pronouns:
- he / him
- she / her
- they / them
Among these three, people have the option to use either one, two, or all of them. For example, some people can prefer to be called she/they, he/they, or are comfortable with all three.
In some cases, people can get hurt or offended when referring to them with the wrong pronouns, even through professional correspondence such as text messages or emails. With this, you can get on someone’s bad side without even meaning to, or create an unwanted negative impression.
By adding your pronouns on LinkedIn, you can help normalize sharing pronouns, so everyone can feel safe to do so. As more people add pronouns to their LinkedIn profiles, it can be easier for everyone to do a quick check before offending someone, especially a potential client or boss.
How to Add Pronouns to Your LinkedIn Profile
There are two ways to add pronouns on your LinkedIn profile: web browser or app.
How to Add Pronouns to Your LinkedIn Profile Using Web Browser
Here’s how to add pronouns to your LinkedIn profile using any web browser.
- Go to your LinkedIn homepage on a web browser.
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Click the downward arrow under Me.
- Click View Profile.
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Next to your name, click the edit icon.
- Under Pronouns, select your preferred pronouns.
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Alternatively, you can also click custom.
- Type in your preferred pronouns.
- Click Save to confirm your choice.
How to Add Pronouns to Your LinkedIn Profile Using the App
If you're an avid user of the LinkedIn app, you can also add your pronouns using it. Here's how.
- Open the LinkedIn app on iOS or Android.
- In the upper-left corner of the screen, tap your profile photo.
- Tap View Profile.
- Under your profile cover photo, tap the edit icon.
- Under Pronouns, select your preferred pronouns.
- Or, tap custom to write custom pronouns.
- Select Save to confirm your choice.
After adding your pronouns, they will begin to appear next to your name on your LinkedIn profile or posts automatically. Moving forward, you are also allowed to edit your pronouns using the same method above. So, if you've ever had a change of heart or feel more comfortable sharing that aspect of your life, you can easily update your LinkedIn profile.
Once you've added your pronouns, you might as well take the time to change your LinkedIn headline to one that can get you noticed or show recruiters if you're open to work.
Help LinkedIn Become a Safe Space
In some cases, people’s preferred pronouns change with time. For people who are very fluid, there are seasons wherein they are more comfortable being called one or the other. Thankfully, LinkedIn makes it easy to tell people what pronouns you prefer at any given time.
Even if you’re a gender-conforming person, there is merit in adding pronouns to your LinkedIn profile. After all, if you help remove the stigma of pronouns, you can help encourage the people in your network to share theirs without judgment.