It is a common misconception that LinkedIn® is simply an online version of your CV. While it might seem convenient and easy to copy and paste your CV details directly into LinkedIn®, doing so limits your ability to fully leverage the platform’s potential.
LinkedIn® is not just a document repository; it is your personal branding platform, your networking tool and your professional story in real time.
LinkedIn® should be distinct from your CV, a platform through which you can elevate your career presence.
1. LinkedIn® is Dynamic; Your CV is Static
A CV is a static, detailed document, which provides a summary of your experience, skills and education tailored for specific job applications. It is usually straightforward, listing accomplishments in bullet points or brief paragraphs.
LinkedIn®, however, is designed for networking, engagement and showcasing a broader narrative.
Unlike your CV, LinkedIn® is an evolving, interactive platform where you can continuously update your achievements, engage with industry content and receive endorsements.
LinkedIn® profiles invite interaction, giving you the freedom to share insights, recommendations and interests - creating a richer professional story that is difficult to convey in a traditional CV format.
Tip: At Farrell Francis Consulting (FFC) we recommend that you regularly update your LinkedIn® profile to reflect your latest skills, projects and interests. This keeps your profile relevant and allows connections to see your professional journey in real-time.
2. LinkedIn® is About Personal Branding, Not Just a Job Search
While a CV is typically tailored to secure a specific job, LinkedIn® serves as a broader platform for showcasing your personal brand. Think of your LinkedIn® profile as a space to tell your unique professional story: your values, your interests and the impact you aspire to make.
Unlike a CV, which although unique and specific to you, is highly structured and formal, LinkedIn® allows you to share a more genuine, relatable version of yourself. You can use the “About” section to create a compelling narrative that showcases not just your professional achievements, but also your personality, motivation and goals.
FFC Tip: Use LinkedIn’s “About” section to summarise your career journey, your passions and the problems you enjoy solving. Write it in a conversational, engaging tone that captures who you are beyond the job titles. Use multiple keywords, relevant to your industry, role and location and ensure you write in your own voice.
3. LinkedIn® Highlights Your Professional Network
Networking is a key feature that differentiates LinkedIn® from a CV.
LinkedIn® allows you to build connections, follow industry leaders and interact with a community of appropriate professionals. Your endorsements and recommendations are visible to everyone, signalling your credibility and industry reputation.
When others endorse your skills or write recommendations, it bolsters your profile in a way a CV cannot. By its nature, a CV cannot showcase who you are connected with or highlight others’ recognition of your skills - elements that can significantly impact recruiters’/employers’ perceptions on LinkedIn®.
FFC Tip: Request recommendations from colleagues, clients, professors or mentors who can speak to your skills and achievements. These recommendations strengthen your profile and make it more engaging for potential employers.
4. LinkedIn® Content and Engagement Matter
Your LinkedIn® profile is not limited to listing past experiences; it is also a platform for sharing insights, industry knowledge and original content. By regularly posting relevant content or commenting on industry trends, you are building a professional voice that stands out. This engagement shows you are not just experienced but also actively interested in latest developments within your field.
This content engagement aspect can be vital for establishing thought leadership. It is something a CV cannot achieve - no matter how impressive the content, it remains static and non-interactive.
FFC Tip: Share articles, comment on trending topics or post about projects you are working on. These interactions contribute to a dynamic, engaging profile that reflects both your expertise and your enthusiasm for your field.
5. Showcase Visuals and Projects
LinkedIn® allows you to incorporate media - photos, presentations, portfolios, links and videos - within your profile. These can illustrate your projects, portfolios or articles you have published, inviting your audience to review your work.
For example, if you led a project that had an impressive outcome, you could add a link to an article detailing that project’s success. Visual elements and project links help tell your story in a compelling way, making your profile visually appealing and informative.
FFC Tip: Include media files in the “Experience” or “Featured” sections to showcase portfolios, presentations or project outcomes that reflect your work quality and creativity.
6. Create a Strong, Engaging Headline
Your LinkedIn® headline is like a mini-advertisement for your professional brand. Unlike a CV, where you list job titles and dates, your LinkedIn® headline can be customised to describe your expertise, passion and career focus in a compelling way.
A headline like “Project Manager Specialising in Sustainable Development & Green Initiatives” is more descriptive and engaging than a simple “Project Manager.” A well-crafted headline can improve your visibility in LinkedIn® searches and make your profile instantly appealing to recruiters and connections.
FFC Tip: Avoid using the default LinkedIn® Headline (your current job title) as your headline. Instead, craft a headline that encapsulates your skills, expertise and the impact you are making or want to make. Be creative, engaging and honest with your audience, in your Headline. Excite their curiosity by enticing them to read more, show them that your profile is relevant and of interest.
A CV and a LinkedIn® profile serve distinct purposes.
While a CV is structured, concise and specific to each job application, LinkedIn® is a dynamic platform where you can showcase your ongoing professional journey, build your personal brand and connect with a larger network.
By understanding these differences, you can create a LinkedIn® profile that does more than copy your CV; it establishes a digital presence that is interactive, engaging and compelling.
So, approach your LinkedIn® profile as a tool for storytelling, networking and branding. Think of it as an ongoing narrative about who you are professionally and where you are going professionally - elements that a CV alone could never capture.
Please reach out if we can help you to optimise your LinkedIn® Profile.
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