Amanda Clark — April 18, 2017 
Contrary to some people’s beliefs, your resume and your LinkedIn profile are not one and the same. You shouldn’t be opting for one or the other – you should have both. Each of these tools offers its own benefits and can help you in your job search. In today’s technology-driven world, it is surprising when someone says they don’t have a LinkedIn profile. After all, the Internet is an extraordinary resource for connecting with others.
Increasing Searchability
One benefit to having a LinkedIn profile is that it makes you more searchable. Chances are, a potential employer is going to Google your name and see what comes up. When your LinkedIn profile is front and center, it provides them with a host of information. Also, recruiters can search for you on LinkedIn based on specific key words or criteria they are interested in. If you’re a match, your information is right at their fingertips.
Making Yourself Shine
Also, there are plenty of options for adding “extras” to your LinkedIn profile that you can’t add to a hardcopy of your resume. For instance, you can attach media or documents, add links, and include other details you wouldn’t necessarily include on your resume. On the flipside, your LinkedIn profile is more of a general overview of your career while your resume is a document that you can tailor to each position you apply for.
Making an Impression
Another perk of having LinkedIn is that you can present yourself as a more well-rounded and engaged individual, offering hiring managers a closer look at who you are and what you value. Post industry-related articles or blogs that show you are a thought leader. Get involved in discussions with professional groups and learn from others while also sharing your own insight. These are aspects of you and your career that might not come through on a resume.
Leveraging Connections
LinkedIn is a wonderful resource for networking. You can connect with industry leaders, colleagues, coworkers, and others. They have the opportunity to endorse your skills and leave recommendations based on their professional involvement with you. This can also show recruiters another side of who you are and let them see how others perceive you.
You can also scope out thousands of job opportunities on LinkedIn. These may or may not be posted on other job sites. Plus, you can see if you have any connections in common with people who may work at these companies, and potentially set up an online introduction to make yourself more memorable and get a foot in the door.
Your LinkedIn profile and resume should complement one another. Just because you have LinkedIn does not mean that your resume is not important, and vice versa. These are both documents that you should continue updating and refining to present you in the best possible light and attract hiring interest.
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