If you're like most job seekers, your resume and LinkedIn profile are likely quite similar. You've likely followed the same template and included all of the same information. However, the reality is both resumes and LinkedIn profiles are created for different purposes. This is why it's important for you to think about these audiences and how you should tailor each document to their needs. If the two documents don't serve these audiences effectively, you're going to miss out on opportunities to connect with prospective employers.
If you're confused as to the purpose of each of these documents and how they differ, you're not alone. Read this to learn how your professional resume should differ from your LinkedIn profile so you can land a job faster!
Customization of the Contents
While both documents are formatted in the same way and include the same basic information, they're meant to serve different purposes. Although LinkedIn profiles can help identify professionals and build connections, resumes are designed to help you get a job. Therefore you can have one LinkedIn profile and multiple professional resumes.
Professional resumes are meant to be customized to the position you're applying for, so they should highlight relevant skills and accomplishments that will help you be a good fit for the position. All the areas of your resume, including skills, experience, and education, should be 100 percent aligned with the needs of the job you are applying for.
Length of the Documents
LinkedIn is meant to support networking – good attention-grabbing sentences for people not yet familiar with your work but in which you are soliciting interest from contacts you know/not yet know. This introduction starts with relationship building and seeking advice; the job requirement is in the title. You have the luxury to discuss the ins and outs of your passion and career with people who are potentially interested in it or are willing to do so with you.
While with resume writing, you only have a few seconds to attract the attention of the employer who is sifting through dozens or hundreds of candidates within tight time constraints. This means your resume needs to be concise and focus on the most relevant qualifications for the job you're applying for. The length shouldn't exceed one page unless it's an executive resume. This means that you should avoid including extraneous information that won't get you hired, such as hobbies and interests.
Attachments and Proof
With your LinkedIn profile, you generally have more freedom to include information like recommendations, certifications, and other hyperlinks to supporting materials that might enhance a reader's understanding of your experience. In contrast, resumes are typically much more focused on the experience and achievements that qualify a person for a particular job.
You cannot add any other physical documents to supplement your resume (i.e., a list of references or a work portfolio). All information on your resume should be in text format so that a hiring manager can search keywords and find all the relevant information quickly and easily. The only exception would be if you are submitting a hard copy version of your resume along with a cover letter and/or writing samples as additional evidence to back up your claims, which is generally acceptable.
Tone and Language
On your LinkedIn profile, you will have more flexibility in terms of tone and language than you would on a resume, allowing you to present a more human side of yourself that can connect with the reader more easily than a resume can. This is especially helpful if you are applying for a position that requires you to work in a creative or collaborative environment where you will be interacting with a variety of people on a regular basis.
On the other hand, the tone in your resume should be more serious than your LinkedIn profile. It should emphasize the skills and experience you bring to the table, rather than being chummy or informal. Focus on results and accomplishments rather than what you were doing in your spare time or during your lunch breaks. Make sure to use proper grammar and avoid jargon. Writing an error-free resume is half the battle.
Word choice is also important when writing a resume, so avoid using words that may give the impression that you lack professionalism or are disorganized. For example, stay away from words like "awesome" and "incredible." Instead, focus on showing your accomplishments through concrete examples and measurable results like increased sales, reduced costs, and improved employee morale.
Profile Picture
To optimize your profile for recruiters on LinkedIn, you should include a professional headshot of yourself next to your name and contact information. This will show potential employers that you are serious about your job search and make a strong first impression. Keep in mind that your photo should be a high-resolution image that is clear and free of distractions. Make sure your background is solid, and do not wear any distracting clothing that could take away from your face.
However, when it comes to professional resumes, pictures aren't required. In fact, candidates are discouraged from including them, as employers tend to focus on the resume's content rather than the format or design. It can also trigger unconscious bias, which could harm your chances of being hired.
It can be overwhelming to write a resume from scratch, especially for an entry-level job candidate with little to no work experience. If you're struggling to create a resume from scratch, you may want to consider using a resume-writing service. The Resume Store has years of experience in this matter.
They provide services like LinkedIn profile optimization, cover letter writing service, professional resume writing services, and federal resume writing.
Contact them today or place an order at their shop!
About the Author
The author of this blog is a career coach who helps job seekers improve their job search strategies and find rewarding employment. She regularly blogs about hiring trends and hiring advice for job seekers around the world. In her leisure, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and cooking for her friends and family.
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