LinkedIn is your online Resume
By Muriuki Gitonga on October 20th 2025
Image credit: Pinterest
In today’s digital hiring landscape, your LinkedIn profile plays just as important a role as your traditional CV if not more. Recruiters, hiring managers, and potential collaborators often turn to LinkedIn before they even review a job application. This means your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a networking tool; it’s your online CV, your personal brand, and often the first impression you make in your professional world.
Unlike a CV, LinkedIn is dynamic. It allows you to go beyond bullet points and bring your career story to life. Your headline, summary, and featured sections are prime real estate for showcasing not only what you’ve done but also who you are professionally. A well-optimized profile can highlight your unique strengths, achievements, and career direction in ways that static documents cannot. This is why keeping your LinkedIn profile updated and consistent with your CV is essential it ensures that recruiters see a clear and unified picture of your professional identity.
LinkedIn also gives you a powerful advantage when it comes to visibility. By using relevant keywords, setting your profile to “open to work” (if applicable), and sharing thoughtful content, you increase your chances of appearing in recruiter searches. Employers actively use LinkedIn’s search filters to find candidates who match their job descriptions. If your profile isn’t current, complete, and keyword-optimized, you risk being overlooked even if your CV is strong.
Another key difference between LinkedIn and a CV is interactivity. LinkedIn allows you to showcase recommendations, endorsements, and tangible work samples. From project links to media uploads, these elements act as living proof of your skills and experience. Recruiters can see not only what you claim but also how others in your network validate your contributions.
Consistency between your LinkedIn profile and CV is crucial. Any discrepancies like differing job titles, timelines, or skills can raise red flags for employers. Ensuring both documents tell the same story reinforces your credibility and professionalism. While your CV remains the formal document for applications, your LinkedIn acts as the ongoing, public version that can attract opportunities at any time.
At Careermove, we help professionals position their LinkedIn profiles as powerful career tools. By aligning your online presence with your goals, we make sure recruiters see your value clearly, confidently, and consistently. Think of LinkedIn as your CV but smarter, broader, and always working for you. hello@careermove.co.ke
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