LinkedIn Profile vs Resume: Key Differences

Many job seekers treat their LinkedIn profile and their CV as the same document in different places. They are not. Each platform has different audiences, different algorithms, and different content conventions.

The Core Difference

Your CV is targeted and concise — written for a specific role. Your LinkedIn profile is your public professional presence — it should be comprehensive, always up to date, and written to attract opportunity proactively. A recruiter might find your LinkedIn without you having applied for anything.

What Goes on LinkedIn But Not on a CV

• A professional photo (never on a CV in most countries)
• Your full professional headline (optimised with keywords for LinkedIn search)
• A longer 'About' section — more personal, first-person narrative
• Recommendations from colleagues and managers
• Skills endorsed by your network
• Articles and posts you have published
• All education, certificates, volunteer work (no need to be selective)
• Featured section — portfolio pieces, presentations, press mentions

What Goes on a CV But Not Necessarily on LinkedIn

• A targeted professional summary written for the specific role
• Exact dates (month and year) in a specific format
• Quantified achievement bullets edited for the application
• A concise skills section curated for the role
• References section (kept off LinkedIn entirely)

LinkedIn Headline Tips

Your LinkedIn headline is the most keyword-heavy real estate on your profile. Do not just put your job title. Add specialisations and the type of role you want next. Example: 'Senior Software Engineer | React · Node.js · AWS | Open to Senior & Staff roles in FinTech or SaaS.'

Should They Match?

They should be consistent — same job titles, same dates, no contradictions. But they do not have to be identical. Recruiters will compare them if your application catches their eye. Discrepancies create doubt. Consistency builds trust.