With the lines blurring between traditional job boards and social networking platforms, it can be difficult to decide what information to include on a social profile page and what to include on a CV.

Despite social media’s original purpose of keeping in touch with friends, family and colleagues on a personal level, 73% of people reported finding their last position through a social channel. This suggests that Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are starting to take on more than just the role of a social site but also a place where companies come to attract new talent and raise awareness of their brand.

LinkedIn, as a professional network site, closest resembles that of a job board, and with differing memberships designed specifically for those interested in talent attraction, its unsurprising that 87% of recruiters have used LinkedIn as part of their candidate search. So, back to the original issue of how your LinkedIn profile should differ from your CV…

Tone

Your CV is a much more formal representation of yourself, therefore this should be reflected in the tone it’s written. Of course, it is important to show some personality and stay away from generic, nondescript language but the overriding style should be of a professional feel.

LinkedIn is not so rigid. Your tone can be more relaxed and informal. As a networking tool, LinkedIn is based on connections and the relationships you form, therefore it is important for peers to be able to connect with you on an individual and personal level. A casual, friendly tone is an easy and effective way to do this.

Content

Both your CV and LinkedIn page will cover some of the same information; employer, job title, duration etc. however, your CV should be the document weighted with detail. Recent projects and your role within them, achievements, certifications and courses are all great examples of the content that should be included in a resume, as well as an overview of the technologies and tools you are skilled in. Whilst your LinkedIn profile will contain some of this information, enough to give colleagues, clients or peers a feel for what you do, the same level of detail is not required.

It is crucial that both LinkedIn profile and CV alike, are concise. The detail provided should be relevant, accurate and current. For example, a role description of a part-time job 17 years ago has no bearing on the skills and expertise you offer today! Previous positions can be listed but should not detract from the importance of your current experience.

Style

There is little flexibility in the style that your LinkedIn profile appears. Apart from uploading any additional documents, LinkedIn dictate how the information you input looks. This isn’t the case with your CV, you can style it in a way that represents you and your experiences. How this is done differs between individuals; some choose to add pictures and logos; others keep it more simple. Whichever you decide, ensure it is easy to read and understand. Ultimately, what you have written is more important than how it is displayed.

Does the traditional CV still have a place?

Simply, yes it does. LinkedIn is primarily a social networking platform, a place for professionals to connect and exchange. Whilst recruiters have a heavy presence, your profile should be catered towards your peers.

Recruiters will be able to use your profile as a starting point to build further conversations and introduce opportunities. Then allowing time for individuals to create a tailored resume for the different job opportunities.

For all the above reasons and more, each medium is designed for a different circumstance, audience and purpose. Whilst the distinction between job boards and social networking sites are decreasing, the need for a purpose-made CV is not.

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