Terminology for LinkedIn and Professional Networking Alternatives in 2026
Connection
On LinkedIn, a mutual acceptance that creates a visible link in the member graph and usually allows messaging.
InMail
A paid or credit-based message on LinkedIn that can be sent to people outside the sender's direct network.
Easy Apply
A LinkedIn feature that lets a candidate submit a profile as an application without leaving the platform.
Job board
A site such as Indeed that primarily lists openings and accepts applications, with little or no persistent social graph.
Portfolio platform
A site such as Behance or GitHub where the main artifact is work samples rather than a resume and connection list.
Regional network
A platform such as Xing whose membership and job listings concentrate in one geographic or language area.
In 2026 these terms help distinguish what each platform is built to do. A tool described as a job board will not automatically provide the same networking features as a professional network, and a portfolio site will not function as a general directory. Understanding the vocabulary makes it easier to match a need to the right type of service.
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