LinkedIn users 'time travel' by altering past job profiles

A new trend dubbed "LinkedIn time travel" sees users altering descriptions of jobs they held in the past, often long after their employment ended. The practice aims to enhance their perceived qualifications for potential employers, according to a study.

Research indicates that nearly one-fifth of users modify titles or descriptions of former roles, with changes occurring on average four years later. Common tactics include adding AI-related keywords to align with current market demand, or removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) terms amid political scrutiny. The trend is particularly prevalent among younger job seekers and those in technology fields, especially in AI leadership and UX research roles.

This practice distinguishes itself from standard resume updates by potentially involving the addition of responsibilities that did not exist during the employment period. Researchers refer to this as "marketing" past roles differently, rather than reflecting actual job duties. This can introduce a level of dishonesty that may be rewarded as recruiters search for specific keywords.

The trend also reflects broader societal shifts. The increase in AI terms and decrease in DEI terms on profiles may correlate with changes in the business landscape and political climate. Researchers suggest this could stem from a perceived reduced demand for DEI expertise, prompting job seekers to adjust their professional narratives to improve their prospects in a competitive and uncertain job market.