Here's a mistake I see constantly: people treat their CV and LinkedIn profile as if they're interchangeable. They copy-paste the same content across both and wonder why neither is working.
Remember this: your CV and LinkedIn serve completely different purposes
The fundamental difference:
Your CV is a targeted document. It's designed for a specific role or type of role. You tailor it, send it, and someone reviews it with intent (in other words 1 job description = 1 personalized CV)
Your LinkedIn is a discovery platform. It's searchable, public, and working for you 24/7. Recruiters find you. Connections see your updates. It builds your professional presence over time.
Think of it this way:
Your CV is a formal introduction in a job interview
Your LinkedIn is you at a networking event, making connections and staying visible
What this means in practice:
Your CV should:
Be tailored to the specific job you're applying for
Focus on relevant achievements and responsibilities
Be concise (ideally 2 pages for most professionals)
Your LinkedIn should:
Reflect your broader professional identity (not just one role)
Be keyword-rich for searchability (think: what would a recruiter search for?)
Show personality and approachability (first-person voice is fine here)
Example: Same person, different approach
I use (with his consent) the example of one of the leaders I had the chance to work with:
CV version (Experience section): Marketing Manager, Tech Solutions Ltd (2021–2024)
Led rebranding project that increased brand awareness by 35% across key demographics
Managed team of 4 marketing specialists, delivering 12 integrated campaigns annually
Reduced campaign costs by 20% through vendor consolidation and process improvements
LinkedIn version (About section): I help B2B tech companies cut through the noise and connect with the customers who actually need what they're selling.
Over the past 8 years, I've led marketing teams through rebrands, product launches, and market expansions. I'm particularly interested in how smaller teams can punch above their weight with the right strategy and a bit of creativity.
Currently Marketing Manager at Tech Solutions Ltd. Previously at StartupX and AgencyY.
See the difference?
The CV is specific, measurable, tailored
LinkedIn is broader, more conversational, shows the human behind the job title
Why both matter:
Scenario 1: You apply for a role They see your CV first (tailored, relevant, impressive). Then they check your LinkedIn to see if you're a real person, active professionally, and if your story aligns.
Scenario 2: A recruiter searches LinkedIn They find your profile because you used the right keywords. Your headline and About section intrigue them. They ask for your CV to see the details and proof points.
Scenario 3: You're networking Someone you met says "send me your details." You share your LinkedIn (easy, always up-to-date, gives them the full picture). If they have a specific opportunity, then you send a tailored CV.
Today's insight:
Your CV gets you into conversations. Your LinkedIn gets you found for conversations.
Both need to be strong, but they don't need to say the same things in the same way.
Tomorrow: We'll look at the 5 key elements you need to take into account to make both work harder for you.
Stay tuned!
Yours,
Stephanie
