Should I Just Copy and Paste My Resume to My LinkedIn Profile?

A LinkedIn profile serves a different purpose from that of a resume, and as such, shouldn’t be a word-for-word replication. LinkedIn is used for networking, professional connections, and also for your job search. Because most job seekers can and will apply for multiple positions—all slightly different—your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t be as specific as your resume.

Your resume should be customized according to each position you apply for—and for each application you submit. However, because you’re not using your LinkedIn profile to apply for a position but rather to discover networking opportunities and employer/recruiter interest, your profile should be slightly broader in scope—and should still be keyword rich, SEO optimized, and accomplishment driven. Be aware that formatting and special characters used within a resume may not translate perfectly to LinkedIn, and the networking site also maintains a character limit.

So remember, don’t just copy and paste your resume; create a slightly broader, keyword-rich, and SEO-optimized profile that is easily searchable online by recruiters and employers. Use bullets and paragraphs interchangeably within the different sections on LinkedIn, and always make sure your profile is at 100% completeness.

For more advice and tips regarding LinkedIn, check out our blog.  It’s important to remember to brand your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter @GreatResume.