Should You Apply to Jobs Using Your Resume or LinkedIn Profile (5 Tips)

Should You Apply to Jobs Using Your Resume or LinkedIn Profile (5 Tips) Spread the loveWhile applying for jobs online, you may have come across an option to apply with LinkedIn. This would allow you to use your LinkedIn profile instead of (or in addition to) a resume. So should you apply to a job with your LinkedIn profile or a resume?In this article, well answer this question with advice from our experts, along with some good tips when using your LinkedIn profile when applying for jobs.Should you Use Your LinkedIn Profile to Apply to Jobs?  You have likely come across a job posting that allows you to use your LinkedIn profile instead of a resume.For example:The answer is.you should use both.Almost every site or posting will allow you to apply with your LinkedIn and attach your resume.For example, once you proceed with the Groupon application from the example above, youre given an opportunity to upload your resume.The same goes for jobs you find on LinkedIn. You would see an option to attach your resume when applying with your LinkedIn profile. Even with Easy Apply positions, you still have the option to attach a resume.Why You Should Use Both Your LinkedIn Profile and ResumeEven if you apply for a job using your LinkedIn profile and capture the attention of the hiring manager, theyre probably going to ask for your resume.The hiring manager will also usually check your LinkedIn profile before inviting you in for an interview.  Its always better to provide both if you have the opportunity to do so.There is only one situation where you wouldnt use your LinkedIn profile: when its not up to date. Dont apply with your LinkedIn profile if you dont have a photograph, connections or a sufficient amount of information.Here are some tips to keep in mind when using your LinkedIn profile to apply for jobs.  5 Tips When Using Your LinkedIn Profile to Apply for Jobs#1 Use KeywordsThis may come as a surprise to some of you. When you submit either a resume or your LinkedIn profile for an opening its screened by software to see if youre a good fi t for the position before it gets to a hiring manager.These systems which are utilized by most employers are called Applicant Tracking Systems. These ATS filter out approximately 75% of applicants and many times theyre qualified but their resume (or LinkedIn) isnt formatted and keyword optimized for these scans.You can test your resume in an actual ATS test here: ATS Resume TestThese systems scan your resume for relevant skills, education and experience. One thing they scan for is keywords that are relevant to the position. Having the right keywords on your resume and LinkedIn will help you get past these filters. Look at the job descriptions before you send in your application to see which keywords you can include.#2 Professional Image  Your image on LinkedIn needs to be professional. Its usually the first impression you have on a potential employer and many make the mistake of uploading an unprofessional image.Check out this guide on using a good image on LinkedIn#3 Dont Copy an d Paste Your ResumeMany also make the mistake of copying and pasting their resume into LinkedIn. Your resume is a document that is detailed and tailored to the position youre applying to. It should answer the question Why are you a good fit for this position?Your LinkedIn is more of an overview of your career. This is why LinkedIn hasnt replaced the need for a resume. Its also why a hiring manager would still ask you for a resume if you apply with your LinkedIn profile.#4 Be Active on LinkedInIf you have 7 connections and no photo uploaded, dont use your LinkedIn profile to apply for jobs. This would do more harm than good. You need to be active on LinkedIn with a decent amount of connections.Making connections on LinkedIn isnt difficult. You can search for your contacts via email and browse through your recommended connections. You should also join groups that are relevant to your industry or the position youre targeting.#5 Get Endorsements and RecommendationsHaving colleagues an d other professionals leave endorsements and recommendations will make your profile more effective. The best way to get these endorsements and recommendations is by giving them to others. You will be surprised to see the number of people that will return the favor!We wrote a good post here on writing a good LinkedIn recommendation.SummaryYou should use both your resume and LinkedIn profile when applying for a job whenever possible. Most jobs still require a resume, but most hiring managers will also want to see a solid LinkedIn profile before they interview you.If you need more advice, check out our professional resume writers who will help you craft that perfect LinkedIn profile and resume to land more interviews.Good luck with your job search! Should You Apply to Jobs Using Your Resume or LinkedIn Profile (5 Tips) Spread the loveWhile applying for jobs online, you may have come across an option to apply with LinkedIn. This would allow you to use your LinkedIn profile instead of (or in addition to) a resume. So should you apply to a job with your LinkedIn profile or a resume?In this article, well answer this question with advice from our experts, along with some good tips when using your LinkedIn profile when applying for jobs.Should you Use Your LinkedIn Profile to Apply to Jobs?  You have likely come across a job posting that allows you to use your LinkedIn profile instead of a resume.For example:The answer is.you should use both.Almost every site or posting will allow you to apply with your LinkedIn and attach your resume.For example, once you proceed with the Groupon application from the example above, youre given an opportunity to upload your resume.The same goes for jobs you find on LinkedIn. You would see an option to attach your resume when applying with your LinkedIn profile. Even with Easy Apply positions, you still have the option to attach a resume.Why You Should Use Both Your LinkedIn Profile and ResumeEven if you apply for a job using your LinkedIn profile and capture the attention of the hiring manager, theyre probably going to ask for your resume.The hiring manager will also usually check your LinkedIn profile before inviting you in for an interview.  Its always better to provide both if you have the opportunity to do so.There is only one situation where you wouldnt use your LinkedIn profile: when its not up to date. Dont apply with your LinkedIn profile if you dont have a photograph, connections or a sufficient amount of information.Here are some tips to keep in mind when using your LinkedIn profile to apply for jobs.  5 Tips When Using Your LinkedIn Profile to Apply for Jobs#1 Use KeywordsThis may come as a surprise to some of you. When you submit either a resume or your LinkedIn profile for an opening its screened by software to see if youre a good fi t for the position before it gets to a hiring manager.These systems which are utilized by most employers are called Applicant Tracking Systems. These ATS filter out approximately 75% of applicants and many times theyre qualified but their resume (or LinkedIn) isnt formatted and keyword optimized for these scans.You can test your resume in an actual ATS test here: ATS Resume TestThese systems scan your resume for relevant skills, education and experience. One thing they scan for is keywords that are relevant to the position. Having the right keywords on your resume and LinkedIn will help you get past these filters. Look at the job descriptions before you send in your application to see which keywords you can include.#2 Professional Image  Your image on LinkedIn needs to be professional. Its usually the first impression you have on a potential employer and many make the mistake of uploading an unprofessional image.Check out this guide on using a good image on LinkedIn#3 Dont Copy an d Paste Your ResumeMany also make the mistake of copying and pasting their resume into LinkedIn. Your resume is a document that is detailed and tailored to the position youre applying to. It should answer the question Why are you a good fit for this position?Your LinkedIn is more of an overview of your career. This is why LinkedIn hasnt replaced the need for a resume. Its also why a hiring manager would still ask you for a resume if you apply with your LinkedIn profile.#4 Be Active on LinkedInIf you have 7 connections and no photo uploaded, dont use your LinkedIn profile to apply for jobs. This would do more harm than good. You need to be active on LinkedIn with a decent amount of connections.Making connections on LinkedIn isnt difficult. You can search for your contacts via email and browse through your recommended connections. You should also join groups that are relevant to your industry or the position youre targeting.#5 Get Endorsements and RecommendationsHaving colleagues an d other professionals leave endorsements and recommendations will make your profile more effective. The best way to get these endorsements and recommendations is by giving them to others. You will be surprised to see the number of people that will return the favor!We wrote a good post here on writing a good LinkedIn recommendation.SummaryYou should use both your resume and LinkedIn profile when applying for a job whenever possible. Most jobs still require a resume, but most hiring managers will also want to see a solid LinkedIn profile before they interview you.If you need more advice, check out our professional resume writers who will help you craft that perfect LinkedIn profile and resume to land more interviews.Good luck with your job search! Should You Apply to Jobs Using Your Resume or LinkedIn Profile (5 Tips) Spread the loveWhile applying for jobs online, you may have come across an option to apply with LinkedIn. This would allow you to use your LinkedIn profile instead of (or in addition to) a resume. So should you apply to a job with your LinkedIn profile or a resume?In this article, well answer this question with advice from our experts, along with some good tips when using your LinkedIn profile when applying for jobs.Should you Use Your LinkedIn Profile to Apply to Jobs?  You have likely come across a job posting that allows you to use your LinkedIn profile instead of a resume.For example:The answer is.you should use both.Almost every site or posting will allow you to apply with your LinkedIn and attach your resume.For example, once you proceed with the Groupon application from the example above, youre given an opportunity to upload your resume.The same goes for jobs you find on LinkedIn. You would see an option to attach your resume when applying with your LinkedIn profile. Even with Easy Apply positions, you still have the option to attach a resume.Why You Should Use Both Your LinkedIn Profile and ResumeEven if you apply for a job using your LinkedIn profile and capture the attention of the hiring manager, theyre probably going to ask for your resume.The hiring manager will also usually check your LinkedIn profile before inviting you in for an interview.  Its always better to provide both if you have the opportunity to do so.There is only one situation where you wouldnt use your LinkedIn profile: when its not up to date. Dont apply with your LinkedIn profile if you dont have a photograph, connections or a sufficient amount of information.Here are some tips to keep in mind when using your LinkedIn profile to apply for jobs.  5 Tips When Using Your LinkedIn Profile to Apply for Jobs#1 Use KeywordsThis may come as a surprise to some of you. When you submit either a resume or your LinkedIn profile for an opening its screened by software to see if youre a good fi t for the position before it gets to a hiring manager.These systems which are utilized by most employers are called Applicant Tracking Systems. These ATS filter out approximately 75% of applicants and many times theyre qualified but their resume (or LinkedIn) isnt formatted and keyword optimized for these scans.You can test your resume in an actual ATS test here: ATS Resume TestThese systems scan your resume for relevant skills, education and experience. One thing they scan for is keywords that are relevant to the position. Having the right keywords on your resume and LinkedIn will help you get past these filters. Look at the job descriptions before you send in your application to see which keywords you can include.#2 Professional Image  Your image on LinkedIn needs to be professional. Its usually the first impression you have on a potential employer and many make the mistake of uploading an unprofessional image.Check out this guide on using a good image on LinkedIn#3 Dont Copy an d Paste Your ResumeMany also make the mistake of copying and pasting their resume into LinkedIn. Your resume is a document that is detailed and tailored to the position youre applying to. It should answer the question Why are you a good fit for this position?Your LinkedIn is more of an overview of your career. This is why LinkedIn hasnt replaced the need for a resume. Its also why a hiring manager would still ask you for a resume if you apply with your LinkedIn profile.#4 Be Active on LinkedInIf you have 7 connections and no photo uploaded, dont use your LinkedIn profile to apply for jobs. This would do more harm than good. You need to be active on LinkedIn with a decent amount of connections.Making connections on LinkedIn isnt difficult. You can search for your contacts via email and browse through your recommended connections. You should also join groups that are relevant to your industry or the position youre targeting.#5 Get Endorsements and RecommendationsHaving colleagues an d other professionals leave endorsements and recommendations will make your profile more effective. The best way to get these endorsements and recommendations is by giving them to others. You will be surprised to see the number of people that will return the favor!We wrote a good post here on writing a good LinkedIn recommendation.SummaryYou should use both your resume and LinkedIn profile when applying for a job whenever possible. Most jobs still require a resume, but most hiring managers will also want to see a solid LinkedIn profile before they interview you.If you need more advice, check out our professional resume writers who will help you craft that perfect LinkedIn profile and resume to land more interviews.Good luck with your job search!