LinkedIn Identity Verification is Available and Free for Rwandans

Some of you might have been recently prompted by the blue call-to-action button saying -verify now, appearing next to your name. What does it mean and why is LinkedIn doing this?

In this info-article, we will walk through LinkedIn's Identity verification feature; look at its better and bitter sides, what you need to be verified, why and whether it is something worth getting at all.

In the updated information released on March 7, 2024, on LinkedIn's help page. The site clarifies the different kinds of verification available which are Identity verification, workplace verification and education Institution Verification.

Let's now dive in and explore more about identity verification which is currently available for LinkedIn users in the countries that issue NFC-enabled passports. (NFC stands for Near-Field Communication)

Why did LinkedIn roll out Identity Verification?

The main reason behind this feature according to LinkedIn, is to enhance account authenticity while fostering genuine connections among users.

"Having verified information helps provide authenticity signals to others that you’re who you say you are." LinkedIn clarifies in the news article available on their help page

As you're likely aware, various social media platforms use verification badges (check marks) to affirm your authenticity as a recognized user. These badges, appended to your name, offer distinct advantages based on the platform.

While some platforms bestow verification for free, others require users to reach into their pockets and pay for the coveted badge.

What can the LinkedIn verification badge help you?

LinkedIn says Verified profiles receive 60% more profile views. On top of that, As indicated by Rob Hoeijmakers in his January article verified accounts also get 50% more comments and reactions on their posts and 30% more messages.

What does it take for you to have it on your profile?

In the beginning, identity verification was only available for users in the US, Canada and Mexico. Recently this 5-minute process has been extended to more countries including Rwanda. See country list

You just need to have these two things in your hands.

1. Mobile phone:
2. Government ID:

Your phone will help you scan the QR code generated by LinkedIn to initiate the verification process. Here is a Spoiler ?? LinkedIn doesn't accept national ID cards -What the heck?

You need to have your passport with you as it has an embedded chip holding all the information printed on it. This allows the verification organizations to get access to your information through electric data processing.

Claver, is there a red flag when getting verified?

Well, like almost everything under the sun - except breathing. There is a kind of bitter side to this process. If you always tend to hold back from anything that needs your personal information, this verification badge is probably not good news to you.

This is my advice to you

I presume you already know what you want from LinkedIn, this will guide your decision on whether you either opt-in or opt-out out for the identity verification.

Do you need to enhance your connection by appealing more authentic and credible? Would you wish more people to visit your profile, increase your engagement and interact with more like-minded professionals? If yes, this verification badge is worth having if not a must-have.

However, if you like a more low-key approach, talking to a few selected people (mostly your workspace friends and career mates) you may consider saving your 5 minutes and using it maybe to arrange your to-do list if you happen to have one??

In case you need to know, Over 400, 000 people in Rwanda use LinkedIn

In Rwanda, available data indicates that there are over 400,000 users with LinkedIn profiles as indicated in the Rwanda Talent Insights Report shared by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) exploring elements in Rwanda's partnership with LinkedIn

This user base is a fraction of over 1 billion people around the world who use this platform. Being present here allows you to connect with anyone you need as per your preferences.

If you also want someone with an interest in brand marketing, social media marketing and content creation for impact-driven projects, then I will be happy to connect with you here Claver RUSARO