The Dynamic Duo: LinkedIn and Your Resume

It doesn’t have to be like that tough! Because you can create fantastic resumes and equally good LinkedIn profiles; all you need is to pay attention to the differences between the two and how you can use those differences to your own benefit.

LinkedIn is not a resume

When you apply for a job you create a job-specific resume that only contains information which is relevant to your employer. LinkedIn, however, is a professional profile that tells more about you. In other words, it works as a complementary resume: your primary resume draws attention to you which results in the hiring manager checking out your LinkedIn (and Facebook, Twitter etc.) profile. In a resume you enlist your abilities. On LinkedIn you can actually prove them, further convincing your employer that you are the ideal candidate.

What LinkedIn can do that your resume can’t

LinkedIn is the ideal place for networking, which usually manifests in the form of job offers by hiring managers. Sometimes this can be strange, especially if you have a job, but even by forwarding the offer to a real job seeker you contribute to the growth of your own network. LinkedIn is also perfect for receiving recommendations and gathering references, which can prove your work history. And last, but not least, the summary: in this part you can tell about your expertise and personal brand differentiation in 120 words in a somewhat more informal tone you are not allowed to use in a resume.

What can be the same on a resume and LinkedIn