LinkedIn profile: Tailored towards a certain profession or master resume?

To me, my LinkedIN profile is more like an online resume. The jobs that I have done and my interests are tailored and reflect who I am and what I do. So, I couldn't call it a master resume, but a personal online resume that a lot of companies request when applying for a job.

Hi Paajcha Julie X.,

I use LinkedIn for many reasons - a resume is just one. I change and update my resume about every 4 - 6 months to update my skills. I also follow groups to get information, and I network - I've used LinkedIn successfully for that!

I've introduced myself to talent scouts, HR staffers, directors and more in my field. I actually developed a relationship with a head hunter who has given me great job hunting tips! I've also found old friends who I reconnected with for professional reasons.

I love LinkedIn .... it is a resume, but one you should change and update regularly.

Good advice from everyone so far ... read it all!

Stephanie

To answer your question Paajcha. . .

It sounds like you already understand that not everyone on LinkedIn is looking for a job!I halfway sort of am, (although at the moment I think I am hidden). Some people just want to be able to connect with other professionals. I like to join the groups, where it is easy to pose questions to peers. I've seen people do this when they get stuck on Excel, for example. Some of the people are recruiters, looking to be found by jobseekers.

But, for those who are looking for work, I agree, there are different approaches. I think people tend to let a little more of their personality show on LinkedIn, as compared to a resume. And, that is okay! You can really do it however you want. However, one word of caution. Do not say anything that would possibly close off an opportunity. For example, if you are exploring different types of work, you can't keep changing your LinkedIn profile to keep up with your job search. So, you need to be more general on LinkedIn. Otherwise, you run the risk of having a LinkedIn profile that does not agree with the resume, and you can lose the job. I had a client whose resume said he was looking for a specific type of work. He received a job offer. But, before he started work, the company looked at his LinkedIn profile, which said something totally different than his resume. They rescinded the job offer.

Don't let that discourage you, as, the lack of a LinkedIn profile can also hurt you!

Explore, create, learn!
And have fun doing it!