YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT – CV OR LINKEDIN PROFILE?
DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND
The short answer is both. A CV and LinkedIn profile are two separate but complementary entities that serve different purposes. When you register with a recruiter or apply for a job, your CV is viewed first. This document gives the recruiter a factual and chronological snapshot of your skills and experience and explains why you are interested in and suitable for the job. A recruiter will then turn to your LinkedIn profile to learn more and see evidence of your work. Even if a recruiter finds you on LinkedIn and contacts you to gauge your interest in a vacancy, they will still require a CV to send to their client.
SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS
A well-crafted CV will always have a place as part of creating your profile as a candidate. Unfortunately, many people have chosen to embellish their career history on LinkedIn and it is difficult for employers to ascertain the real validity of a LinkedIn profile without other sources of truth. A LinkedIn profile needs to be short and to the point and will generally highlight your current role with a brief reference to previous experience whereas a CV will provide more detail on your career history as well as the opportunity to highlight areas of expertise relevant to the role you are applying for.
JULIE BARR SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR
Both are equally important and used together can support the message you are creating about who you are, what you can do, where you have been, what you want to be, or are already famous for. It’s critical that information in your CV and LinkedIn profile match. Find a CV format that suits your purpose, ensuring it’s succinct, factual and professional. Your LinkedIn profile allows you to provide headline information about you. LinkedIn is a good tool to create a network of likeminded people, sharing information and connections that can add value to your career pathway.
DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
I put them on par with each other. The latter allows prospective employers/ recruiters to contact you about job opportunities you may not be aware of. The reach of your LinkedIn profile far exceeds the more targeted audience you send your CV to. Keep your CV and LinkedIn profile consistent in terms of employment dates and job titles. Be careful with the detail you provide on your LinkedIn profile to ensure it doesn’t breach any confidentiality clauses you may have with your current employer.