How Much Information Should Your LinkedIn Profile and Resume Share?

In the past, we’ve talked about how LinkedIn can help you get found by top recruiters. As you build your LinkedIn profile, you may notice the profile asks for a lot of the same information that can be found on your resume.

While your resume and LinkedIn profile should have certain features in common, they shouldn’t be identical. Here’s where your resume should match LinkedIn – and where the two should diverge:

What Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile Should Have in Common

Make sure the following items on your LinkedIn profile and resume match:

  • Dates and job titles. Every job listed on your resume should also appear on LinkedIn – and the dates and job titles for each of those jobs should line up exactly. By doing so, you’ll spare yourself any unnecessary questions about discrepancies.
  • Your name and contact information. Don’t risk an employer becoming confused over whether your LinkedIn and your resume are the same “you.” Make sure your name and contact information are identical (and spelled correctly) on both items.
  • Your educational background. Degrees and certificates take up little space on a resume and are a great connection tool on LinkedIn, so make sure you list them. Again, double-check dates and the names of your credentials to make sure they match.

LinkedIn offers several features a traditional resume just can’t match, however – and you should take advantage of these.

What Your LinkedIn Profile Should Offer That Your Resume Does Not

To maximize the value of LinkedIn, you’ll need to take advantage of the tools that don’t look like a traditional resume, either. The following items don’t need to appear on your resume, but they should be high priorities for your LinkedIn profile:

  • A comprehensive list of past jobs. Your resume should list only your most relevant experience, given the job you’re applying for. Your LinkedIn, however, can serve as a repository for a comprehensive job background.
  • A keyword-optimized headline and summary. Most resumes don’t need a summary, much less one that contains the keywords recruiters and employers will search for when looking for someone with your skills. Since LinkedIn allows such searches, however, make sure your headline and summary are attention-grabbing and use the words that indicate your strongest skills and career path.
  • A professional photo. Most hiring managers agree that putting a photo of yourself on your resume is a faux pas. On LinkedIn, however, it’s a must. Use a clean, professional-looking headshot.

At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our recruiters can help you fine-tune your resume and connect with some of the best Minnesota job opportunities and employers. Contact us today to learn more.

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