LinkedIn private mode

[raisinseverywhere]

I’m looking for a new job and want to research all my competitor’s companies and their profiles etc but without them knowing as I work in a very small industry.

If I set my LinkedIn to private mode I understand that I can look at profiles without them being notified. But when I then set my profile to public, would they then be notified, even if I don’t then look at their profiles again?

No, it'll always stay private.

But if you want to work for a competitor why don't you want them to know you're interested? It's for networking so connect with them