
If you're wondering if your LinkedIn profile can take the place of your resume, the answer is “not exactly." Related:3 LinkedIn Strategies For Escaping Your Crummy Job Keep in mind that your LinkedIn profile is a tool to helping employers and recruiters find you on the Internet. It's also an informal way of introducing yourself so that contacts have a better idea of who you are and what you're capable of doing without having to go into much finer details. Certainly, this is not to say your LinkedIn profile is any less important in the job search process. There are plenty of benefits to having a LinkedIn profile in the job search process. Consider that:
- Recruiters use it to source talent
- It can help with networking
- You can apply for a job posting on LinkedIn
- You can show more than the resume in terms of connections, recommendations, groups, and contributions to discussions
- Many employers use an Applicant Tracking System and an electronic copy of your resume is needed for that.
- Not everyone utilizes LinkedIn or even to its full extent, so there are limitations to information available that only the resume may be able to offer.
- You can better customize your resume to each employer's need.