Why should never copy-paste your resume into your LinkedIn profile

Think creating a LinkedIn profile is as simple as copy-pasting your resume into the online platform? Think again.

Though both your resume and your LinkedIn profile are marketing tools you can use to secure a new job, they serve slightly different purposes. Your resume is a quick, at-a-glance recap of your work history with a few select responsibilities and achievements highlighted. It functions best as a direct response to a job posting, where each of your bullet points reflects the listed qualifications. Your resume should be tailored to each job description and should tell only the story that’s necessary to prove you can do the job you’re currently applying for.

A LinkedIn profile, however, is a more complete overview of your professional expertise and career history. Sure, you can use your LinkedIn profile to apply for jobs, but you can (and should) also use it to attract the attention of recruiters, connect with your professional network, and supplement the story you tell in your resume. Your LinkedIn profile should be written conversationally, and you should supply more background about what you do day-to-day, any specific achievements you are proud of, and why you’re passionate about your career choice. Think of it as an extended version of your resume, mixed with a more detailed version of a cover letter, plus some fun highlights that you might share elsewhere on social media.

If you choose to replicate your resume in your LinkedIn profile, it’s not like anything bad will happen, but you will miss out on the opportunity to show some personality and give hiring managers a better view of the well-rounded person you are. We highly recommend taking the extra time to craft your LinkedIn profile -- it will allow you to utilize the site to its fullest extent.

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