In today’s digital age, LinkedIn has become one of the most popular platforms for networking and job searching. With over 740 million members worldwide, LinkedIn provides a great way for professionals to build connections, join industry groups, and search for new career opportunities.
One common question that comes up is whether it’s acceptable to send a LinkedIn profile as a resume when applying for jobs. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if using your LinkedIn profile as an application is the right choice.
Pros of Sending a LinkedIn Resume
There are some potential benefits to sending a LinkedIn profile instead of a traditional resume:
- It’s convenient – Your LinkedIn profile is already online and shareable.
- It’s comprehensive – Your LinkedIn profile can provide more detailed information than a 1-2 page resume.
- It demonstrates tech-savviness – Sending your LinkedIn profile shows you have technology skills.
- It allows connecting – Hiring managers can easily connect with you via LinkedIn.
- It shows networking activity – Your connections and engagement on LinkedIn are visible.
Having an up-to-date, robust LinkedIn presence can be advantageous when job searching. Since your LinkedIn profile is likely the first impression hiring managers will have of you, ensuring it represents you in the best possible light is key.
Cons of Sending Only a LinkedIn Resume
However, there are also some potential downsides to consider:
- Lacks customization – A LinkedIn profile is generic and not tailored for each application.
- Appears lazy – Some hiring managers may think only sending a link looks lazy.
- Information overload – Not all details on your profile may be relevant to the job.
- Excludes key application materials – Your LinkedIn profile won’t have a cover letter.
- Technical issues – There could be technical problems accessing or viewing your profile.
While convenient, sending only your LinkedIn profile lacks the customization and effort of a traditional resume tailored specifically for the job. Important application materials like a cover letter and list of references are also missing from a LinkedIn profile.
Tips for Using Your LinkedIn Profile as a Resume
If you do want to use your LinkedIn as part of your job application, here are some tips:
- Customize your profile URL – Create a customized public profile URL easy for employers to remember.
- Update your profile – Make sure all information and experience is current before applying for jobs.
- Use LinkedIn skills profile – Fill out your skills section fully with relevant keywords.
- Add media – Use photos, videos, SlideShare presentations to showcase skills.
- Get recommendations – Ask managers and colleagues for recommendations to add to your profile.
- Link to portfolio – If possible, link to a professional website or online portfolio.
- PDF version – Export your profile to PDF to attach with any online applications.
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile before sending it out for jobs can help ensure you make the best impression possible. But it’s still wise to send a customized resume and cover letter as well.
Should You Send Just a LinkedIn Profile as a Resume?
Generally, it’s not recommended to send only a LinkedIn profile in place of a resume when applying for jobs. While your LinkedIn presence is very useful for networking and showing your background, most hiring managers will expect and prefer a properly formatted resume and cover letter tailored specifically for their open position.
A LinkedIn profile alone is not enough to get a sense of the candidate according to a 2019 ResumeLab survey. Around 63% of HR managers said candidates should not send just a LinkedIn profile, while only 37% said a LinkedIn profile could substitute for a resume.
Your LinkedIn profile should be seen as a supplement to and not a replacement for your resume when job searching. The best approach is to:
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and optimized with relevant keywords and media.
- When applying for jobs, send a tailored resume and cover letter that highlights qualifications for that specific role.
- Include your LinkedIn profile link in your cover letter or resume to easily direct hiring managers to your profile.
- You can attach a PDF version of your LinkedIn profile in your job application as an added supplement if you’d like.
This will provide hiring managers with both your professional LinkedIn presence along with a customized resume fitting the job description.
The Bottom Line
While your LinkedIn profile can be a useful part of showcasing your background, skills, and qualifications for a job, it should not replace a well-written resume and cover letter tailored for the specific role.
Most hiring managers will expect you to submit relevant materials like a resume, cover letter, references and more when applying for a job. Sending only your LinkedIn profile instead can appear lazy and prevent you from highlighting your most relevant qualifications.
The best practice is to optimize your LinkedIn profile, and then provide the LinkedIn profile link in addition to your resume and other materials. With a comprehensive application showcasing both your online presence and customized materials, you’ll put your best foot forward in the hiring process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it unprofessional to send a LinkedIn URL instead of a resume?
Yes, in most cases sending only your LinkedIn URL instead of a full resume and cover letter does come across as unprofessional. Hiring managers want to see that you have taken the time to submit proper application materials tailored for their open position.
What are the risks of using LinkedIn as a resume?
Some risks include:
- Hiring managers won’t take the application seriously.
- Vital application materials like a cover letter will be missing.
- It appears lazy compared to a full, customized resume.
- Not enough customization for each specific job.
- Important profile details could be overlooked.
Should you customize your LinkedIn URL for job searching?
Yes, customizing your public profile URL on LinkedIn can be beneficial for job searching. A customized URL looks more professional and makes it easier for hiring managers to remember and access your profile. Just make sure your customized URL is simple and professional.
What LinkedIn sections should you focus on for job searching?
Sections to focus on include:
- Summary – Update this with industry keywords and an overview of your qualifications.
- Work Experience – Keep all positions and descriptions current.
- Skills – Make sure relevant hard and soft skills are listed.
- Accomplishments – Highlight key achievements and awards.
- Education – Include all degrees, certifications, and trainings.
- Recommendations – Ask colleagues for recommendations when possible.
Should you make your LinkedIn profile public when job searching?
In general, yes you should switch your profile visibility to public when using LinkedIn for job searching. This allows hiring managers to easily view your full profile and access key details about your background and experience. You can always switch it back to private after your job search is over.
Conclusion
A LinkedIn profile can be a strong supplement, but not a replacement, for a traditional resume and cover letter when applying for jobs. While it’s fine to provide a link to your profile, you should still submit customized application materials like a resume that is tailored for the specific role.
With a robust LinkedIn presence and resume that highlights your most relevant qualifications, you’ll give hiring managers the best understanding of how you would be a great fit for their open position.