How to Put a Side Job on LinkedIn (Reddit): The Definitive Guide

Navigating the professional networking landscape can be tricky, especially when you’re balancing a full-time role with the exciting (and often crucial) world of side hustles. Wondering how to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit or extra skills on LinkedIn without jeopardizing your primary employment or confusing potential employers? This guide will break down the best approaches, directly addressing how to feature your side job based on insights and discussions often found on Reddit and similar platforms, while emphasizing best practices for a professional online presence.

Directly Addressing the Core Question: How to Put a Side Job on LinkedIn?

The answer, as you’ll often see debated on Reddit, isn’t always straightforward. It depends heavily on your goals, your current employer’s policies, and the nature of your side hustle. Here are the primary options and how to execute them effectively:

• Option 1: List it as a Separate Experience. This is ideal if your side job is significant, involves substantial responsibilities, and aligns with your overall career trajectory.
  • Implementation: Create a new “Experience” entry. Be clear about the dates of employment (often “Part-time” or “Contract”), the company name (even if it’s just “Freelance Consultant” or your own name), and a detailed description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Highlight quantifiable achievements whenever possible.
• Option 2: Integrate it into your Skills Section. This is suitable for skills gained or honed through your side hustle.
  • Implementation: Under the “Skills” section, list the relevant skills developed during your side job. Endorsements from clients or colleagues associated with your side hustle can significantly boost your profile’s credibility.
• Option 3: Highlight it in your Summary (About) Section. This provides a brief overview of your capabilities and allows you to weave in your side hustle organically.
  • Implementation: Incorporate a sentence or two about your side hustle, emphasizing how it complements your primary skills or demonstrates your passion. For example, “Alongside my role as a Project Manager, I also run a successful photography business, leveraging my skills in project planning and client management.”
• Option 4: Showcase Projects in the “Projects” Section. This is perfect for showcasing specific pieces of work completed through your side hustle.
  • Implementation: Create a “Project” entry for each significant piece of work, detailing your role, the project’s objectives, and the outcomes achieved. Include relevant visuals (photos, videos, documents) to enhance your portfolio.
• Option 5: Mention it in Recommendations. Request recommendations from clients or collaborators involved in your side hustle.
  • Implementation: Actively seek recommendations that specifically address the skills and qualities you’ve demonstrated in your side job. This adds substantial credibility to your profile.

The key is to be transparent and professional, framing your side hustle as a valuable addition to your skill set and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Side Jobs on LinkedIn

1. Should I Inform My Current Employer About My Side Job Before Adding It to LinkedIn?

Absolutely. Transparency is crucial. Review your employment contract and company policies regarding outside employment or conflicts of interest. Disclosing your side job to your employer demonstrates integrity and prevents potential misunderstandings. Some companies even encourage employees to pursue side hustles that enhance their skills.

2. What If My Side Job Conflicts with My Current Employer’s Business?

This is a serious concern. If your side job directly competes with your employer’s business or involves similar services, it’s highly advisable to avoid mentioning it on LinkedIn altogether. Focus on skills and experiences that are not directly related. Consult with an employment lawyer if you are unsure about the potential for conflict.

3. How Do I Prevent My Side Job From Making Me Look Less Committed to My Full-Time Role?

Frame your side job as a demonstration of initiative, entrepreneurial spirit, and skill diversification. Highlight how it enhances your capabilities and benefits your professional development. Emphasize that it doesn’t interfere with your full-time responsibilities.

4. Can I Use My Company Email Address for My Side Job on LinkedIn?

Never. Always use a separate, professional email address specifically for your side hustle. Using your company email address for personal business is unprofessional and could violate company policies.

5. How Detailed Should I Be When Describing My Side Job on LinkedIn?

Provide sufficient detail to showcase your skills and accomplishments, but avoid overwhelming the reader with unnecessary information. Focus on quantifiable achievements and the impact you’ve made. Tailor the description to your target audience (potential clients, employers, or collaborators).

6. What If My Side Job Is Still in Its Early Stages and Doesn’t Have Many Accomplishments Yet?

Focus on the skills you’re developing, the goals you’re pursuing, and the learning experiences you’re gaining. Highlight your passion and dedication. Even in the early stages, demonstrating initiative can be impressive.

7. Should I Use a Different Photo for My Side Job Profile Than My Main Profile?

Generally, use the same professional headshot across all your profiles to maintain consistency. However, if your side hustle involves a specific branding aesthetic, you could consider a secondary photo that aligns with that brand.

8. How Often Should I Update My Side Job Information on LinkedIn?

Regularly update your profile with new accomplishments, projects, and skills gained through your side hustle. Aim for updates at least quarterly to keep your profile fresh and relevant.

9. What Type of Side Hustles Should NOT Be Included on LinkedIn?

Avoid listing side hustles that are illegal, unethical, or potentially damaging to your professional reputation. This includes multi-level marketing schemes, gambling-related activities, or anything that violates company policies. Use common sense and prioritize your professional image.

10. How Can I Use LinkedIn to Find Clients or Opportunities for My Side Job?

Actively engage with relevant groups, participate in discussions, and share valuable content related to your side hustle. Use LinkedIn’s advanced search features to identify potential clients or collaborators. Network strategically and build relationships.

11. Should I Create a Separate Company Page on LinkedIn for My Side Job?

This depends on the scale and maturity of your side hustle. If you’re operating a fully-fledged business with employees or a significant client base, a company page can enhance your credibility and visibility. However, if it’s a smaller, solo venture, listing it under your personal profile is often sufficient.

12. What If I’m Worried About My Competitors Seeing My Side Job on LinkedIn?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely hide your activities on LinkedIn from competitors. However, you can limit the information you share and focus on showcasing your unique skills and accomplishments. Consider using privacy settings to control who can see your connections and activity.

By carefully considering these points and tailoring your LinkedIn profile accordingly, you can effectively showcase your side job while maintaining a professional image and navigating potential challenges. Remember to always prioritize transparency, professionalism, and ethical considerations.