The pandemic has changed perspectives. The world is tending to be technology-driven. We have all adapted to work from home. We have faced a lot of changes in the past 2 years in all sectors and the recruitment process is no exception.
Interviews and other selection rounds are now conducted online. The online process considers various different things for selection rounds such as video resumes. And this has given rise to a lot of confusion.
The emerging job seekers are confused about what should they do and what should they not. And one such confusion is, LinkedIn Profile Vs Resumes: What's more important?
Linkedin is a widely used professional networking platform. More than 700 million people from 150 countries are on LinkedIn. LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities.
LinkedIn facilitates job seeking, business opportunities, networking and allows you to create your personal brand. A strong LinkedIn profile acts as an online resume. And a lot of employers prefer LinkedIn for the recruitment process.
A lot of them go through a candidate's LinkedIn profile to conduct a background check. All things considered, a LinkedIn profile is important. But, is it more important than a resume? Can a LinkedIn profile replace a traditional resume? The answer is no.
Even though a LinkedIn profile and a resume quite look alike, they serve different purposes.
Trying to decode this question, let us say, you can randomly search for jobs, connect with professionals with the help of LinkedIn. And if they find something interesting in you, they can go through your profile or might even contact you in order to ask for your resume.
On the other hand, a traditional resume can be sent only to the employer where you wish to get a job. You cannot randomly ask people to see your resume and ask them to consider you.
With a LinkedIn profile, you can create job opportunities for yourself while with a resume you can go a step ahead in grabbing these opportunities. Hence, both are equally important in their respective genres.
Let us look into more details of these two things that can affect your job search and try to paint a clearer picture.
Here are a few points that will make you realize the independent potential of each.
What does the recruiter see first? A resume or a LinkedIn profile?
The answer to this question depends on how you apply for a job.
For example, if you apply for a job through a job board, consultancy, website, or directly through referrals from the company, the recruiter will first go through your CV or Resume.
In the second step, he or she will look for your LinkedIn profile to get more information about you or perform a background check.
On the other hand, if you apply for a job through LinkedIn, say LinkedIn Easy Apply, then the recruiter first reviews your LinkedIn profile. And in the next step might ask you to submit your resume.
Thus, the recruiter carefully reviews both your LinkedIn profile and your CV based on his or her requirements or expectations. You need to ensure that you keep updating both.
Why a strong resume or CVs central to your job search?
A tailored CV has the potential to create an impression on the recruiter and determine whether you are fit for the job position or not.
CV is a long document and covers all details about your education, work, projects, achievements, personal details, and experience.
However, the LinkedIn profile includes your overall experience. And let us not forget, it is a social media platform. Anybody can create a LinkedIn profile.
Checking the authenticity of LinkedIn profiles can sometimes be a challenge. Most of the time CVs are shortlisted through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or by the internal recruitment team.
This process is easier than that searching for a candidate's LinkedIn profile. People applying with CVs can be limited. However, LinkedIn is such a huge network it might become almost impossible to shortlist candidates from a huge number based on their profiles.
Your LinkedIn Profile should bring your CV to life
Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your CV. You need to keep your LinkedIn profile updated with your recent achievements.
Add your skills and abilities to your LinkedIn profile. This might attract potential employers.
You can create engaging content on LinkedIn. LinkedIn gives you the ability to posts articles, photos, and videos based on your interests.
This thing is not possible with your CV. So you need to make sure, your LinkedIn profile complements your CV.
For example, if you state a certification course in your CV, you can post your actual certificate on your LinkedIn profile. Doing this makes both your CV and your LinkedIn profile more credible.
This can enhance your activity on LinkedIn. Create a strong LinkedIn profile using the following tips:
Upload a recent and professional photo
Customize the LinkedIn URL
Add a prompting Headline and choose keywords for better reachability of your profile
Engage your connections through activities such as posting frequently, commenting on their wall, etc.
Comment, share, and likes on the posts of your LinkedIn network
Build your network and ask for endorsements and recommendations
LinkedIn Profiles and Resumes: The Similarities
1) Sections:
Your resume and LinkedIn profile consist of similar sections wherein you fill in your details. For example education, experience, skills, and interests. LinkedIn provides you with these sections similar to those you create in your resume.
2) Keywords and phrases:
Another similarity between a resume and a LinkedIn profile is the use of keywords. Keywords in your resume help you get through the ATS gateway whereas keywords in your LinkedIn profile increase your reachability.
Did you know?
In one year almost 5.7 billion people are searched through keywords.
And hence, using keywords can be very beneficial for you and your job search.
3) Photo:
Choose a recent, decent, professional photo for both your resume as well as your LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn Profiles and Resumes: The Differences
1) The length:
A resume is a short 1 paged document. A Linkedin profile has more space to add and elaborate on your skills and abilities. However, you need to use this space effectively.
Anything, short and concise is easy to read. And so, keep it short, simple, and specific. Avoid jargon and add only relevant information in both, a resume and your LinkedIn profile.
2) Precision and professionalism:
Your LinkedIn profile is a reflection of your professional as well as personal life. It is not limited to one job application only. It can be somewhat informal.
You can write and customize anything you want about your work and expertise. Just keep it relevant and precise.
3) Tone:
Your resume is a formal document and is only viewed by recruiters or professionals. Besides, your LinkedIn profile is a social media account that is viewed by many people.
Therefore a formal tone is preferred for a resume. You can use a little casual or informal tone in your LinkedIn profile.
Now that you must have got a clear idea of the importance of both your resume and your LinkedIn profile, you can work on leveraging both.
The LinkedIn profile and a resume both are summaries of your professional life. CVs are still preferred by the recruiter first and then to review more about you, your LinkedIn profile gets reviewed.
You need a strong LinkedIn profile to support your CV to increase your chances of getting hired. Make sure that you update your resume, CV, and your LinkedIn profile regularly. Both are independently important and can help you get your dream job.
So, what's your plan to create a stunning resume and a credible LinkedIn profile? Let us know in the comments.
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