What is xing

Overview

Xing is a professional networking platform designed to connect career professionals, job seekers, and employers. Founded in Germany, it operates primarily in European markets and serves a similar function to LinkedIn but with regional specialization and localized features tailored to European business culture.

History and Development

Launched in 2003 as openBC (Open Business Club), the platform rebranded to Xing in 2007. The company grew organically through European expansion and was acquired by Axel Springer, a major German media company, in 2015. This acquisition strengthened Xing's position in the German-speaking professional community.

Key Features

Xing provides several professional tools:

• Professional profile creation with CV upload capabilities
• Job marketplace with thousands of current postings
• Company directory and employer profiles
• Skill endorsements and recommendations from colleagues
• Messaging system for professional communication
• Industry groups and networking events

Regional Importance

Xing maintains stronger market presence than competing platforms in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Many employers in these regions use Xing as their primary recruitment channel. For professionals in European markets, particularly German-speaking countries, Xing is often essential for career visibility and job opportunities.

Premium Services

While basic Xing accounts are free, premium memberships offer enhanced features like advanced search, unlimited messaging, and priority visibility to recruiters. Companies can create premium accounts for recruitment and employer branding purposes. The platform's business model relies significantly on premium subscriptions and employer services.