How to Add Interests on LinkedIn to Boost Networking

How to Add Interests on LinkedIn to Boost Networking

If you want to stand out in the professional world, knowing how to add interests on LinkedIn can be a game‑changer. This often‑ignored feature can enhance your profile, increase visibility, and help you connect with people who share your professional passions. In this guide, you’ll learn how to strategically choose and add interests that strengthen your brand and expand your networking potential.

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Understanding LinkedIn Interests

On your LinkedIn profile, the Interests section shows the companies, universities, influencers, hashtags, and topics you follow. Located near the bottom of your profile, it is visible to anyone who views it. Your interests give a quick snapshot of your industry focus areas, the communities you engage with, and even some personal passions.

When someone notices you follow the same public figure or organization, it instantly establishes common ground and can spark a meaningful conversation.

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Why Adding Interests Improves Networking and Visibility

Adding interests isn’t only about creating a “complete” profile — it delivers measurable benefits:

• Strengthened Network Connections: Shared interests encourage introductions and conversations.
• Increased Visibility: Following pages populates your feed with relevant content you can share or comment on.
• Enhanced Professional Branding: Interests reinforce your expertise and engagement in your field.
• Easy Conversation Starters: Mutual interests make outreach and engagement more authentic.

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Step 1: Log Into LinkedIn and Navigate to Your Profile

Begin by signing into LinkedIn:

1. Click your profile photo or Me in the top right corner.
2. Select View Profile from the dropdown list.

This gives you access to every editable section of your profile.

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Step 2: Scroll to the “Interests” Section

Move down to the bottom of your profile until you see Interests. This section is divided into categories such as:

• Companies
• Groups
• Schools
• Influencers
• Hashtags

These categories display the professional and community pages you follow.

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Step 3: Explore Categories, Groups, and Pages

If your Interests section is sparse, explore LinkedIn to expand it by following:

• Industry‑related business pages
• Professional associations and groups
• Universities or training providers
• Influential professionals

Adding a range of connections makes your profile relatable to a broader audience.

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Step 4: Search for Industry Leaders, Companies, and Topics

Use the search bar at the top of LinkedIn to find relevant people, organizations, and subjects.

Example searches:

Cybersecurity Influencers
Renewable Energy Companies
AI and Machine Learning Topics

Review each profile or page before deciding to follow, ensuring they align with your professional aims.

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Step 5: Follow Relevant Pages, Influencers, and Topics

Visit a page and click Follow to add it to your Interests. Consider:

• Following companies you admire or hope to work for
• Following influencers with thought‑provoking content
• Subscribing to trending hashtags in your niche

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Step 6: Add Educational Institutions and Alumni Groups

Educational interests showcase your academic background and build alumni connections. Follow:

• Your university or college page
• Alumni associations or class groups
• Institutions offering courses relevant to your career path

These ties can lead to valuable mentoring or collaboration opportunities.

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Step 7: Balance Professional Interests with Personal Passions

While career focus is important, personal passions add personality to your profile. Examples:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Sports teams or community clubs
• Creative hobbies like writing or photography

Combining professional and personal interests makes you approachable.

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Step 8: Periodically Review and Update Your Interests

Review your interests every 6–12 months to keep them current as your career develops:

• Remove outdated or irrelevant pages
• Add emerging companies or new influencers
• Follow rising thought leaders in your field

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Step 9: Leverage Interests to Start Conversations

Mutual interests can be an easy talking point when networking.

Sample outreach message:

> "Hi Jane, I noticed we both follow the Renewable Energy Council. I recently attended one of their webinars and thought you might find it interesting—let’s connect!"

A shared interest builds instant rapport.

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Step 10: Align Interests with Your Professional Brand

Ensure interests reinforce your professional positioning. If your goal is to be known as a tech innovator:

• Follow technology news outlets
• Engage with startup incubators
• Track entrepreneurs and innovators in the sector

This strengthens your credibility and authority.

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Quick Reference Table: Categories of LinkedIn Interests

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Pro Tips for Maximizing LinkedIn Interests

1. Curate Strategically: Follow pages that genuinely enhance your career and personal growth.
2. Engage Actively: Comment or share meaningful posts from your interests to increase visibility.
3. Cross‑Promote: Add your own business page to your interests.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: Too many mismatched interests dilute your professional message.
5. Use Hashtags Smartly: Following the right hashtags keeps you in key industry conversations.

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Summary

Knowing how to add interests on LinkedIn turns a small profile detail into a powerful networking tool. By curating professional and personal passions, keeping them up to date, and using them to connect authentically, you strengthen your brand and expand your reach.

Start updating your Interests section today — and unlock new opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow your network.