Let’s be honest: most of us are semi-obsessive with respect to figuring out who is checking us out on social media. That’s why “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” has become one of LinkedIn’s most popular features. Recently, LinkedIn took it to the next level with the “How You Rank” tool, which enables its users to see how they compare to other connections within their networks.

This new feature can be used as inspiration to improve your own profile and post the type of content that can increase your visibility and profile views.

At the top of the screen, the user interface displays your rank among your connections, both as a percentage as well as numerical rank, along with whether or not your rank has improved or taken a dive over the prior week. Rest assured, your connections cannot see this information.

Underneath your rank are two additional tabs: Your Company and Your Connections. These indicate where your profile views rank compared to your coworkers and users you’re connected to. You’re able to quickly scroll through the lists to see which profiles are more and less popular than yours.

How You Rank is beneficial for all sorts of users, whether you’re a business owner, a consultant, a sales professional, a student, or looking for a job. There are multiple ways to use “Who’s Viewed Your Profile,” according to the stage you’re at in your career.

how-you-rank-e1406064479646

If you’re a consultant or business owner:

It’s great to get a ton of profile views, but if you don’t know the reason for those views, you can’t consistently gain new clients and make new connections. This is why “How You Rank” is so valuable—it can show you what specific keywords were used in search to find you. Once you know what other professionals are searching for, you can strategize your brand and market yourself accordingly.

If you’re a sales professional:

 When you notice someone new has looked at our profile, it’s an excellent opportunity to reach out and start building relationships. “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” is helpful for sales professionals because there’s a higher chance that people who have already viewed your profile will be receptive when you approach them. Once you see how you stack up against other sales professionals, you can make adjustments to give your profile a competitive edge.

 If you’re a student:

Recent graduates seeking a job can use “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” to build their networks and get noticed by recruiters. To start, find alumni that have graduated from your school, look at their profiles, and reach out to introduce yourself. If someone views your profile who within your industry, it can’t hurt to connect and see if they have any advice for someone just starting out, or better yet, whether they can help you get your foot in the door. If you want to know how to design your profile to attract the most attention, take a look at most-viewed members in your network in the “How You Rank” tab for ideas. 

If you’re looking for a job: 

When it comes to landing a job, it’s all about who you know; in fact, nearly 80% of candidates today are found through networking, according to LinkedIn product manager Dmitry Shevelenko. Today’s job market is competitive, and finding ways to stand out in a stack of resumes can be a challenge. Looking at profiles of prospective hiring managers can help you boost your overall How You Rank statistics. “If you notice a recruiter at a company you’re interested in has viewed your profile,” advises Shevelenko, “don’t be afraid to reach out to them.”