Browsing LinkedIn, I’ve noticed some LinkedIn members who feature their CV as a downloadable file on their profile. Some have uploaded it as a media element under their Summary, and others under Publications. I do advocate adding rich media on LinkedIn to brighten your profile and engage your target reader, but is it a good idea to upload your CV to LinkedIn? Here’s my personal view.
Uploading a CV to your LinkedIn profile signals your readiness and availability to new job opportunities in quite a blatant way. You could argue that LinkedIn members are by association open to opportunity but, for me, attaching a full CV signifies a whole other level of availability. It may cause the reader to wonder why you haven’t been snapped up already, and could diminish your attractiveness as a potential hire.
Featuring your CV as a downloadable element of your LinkedIn profile also eliminates a recruiter’s need to call you. At a click, they have everything they think they need to make a snap decision about your suitability for a role you know nothing about. Untailored to this particular opportunity, your CV may not put your best foot forward. What’s more, if your uploaded CV is outdated or misrepresents you, it could potentially talk you out of the running. If you set it and forget it, you could regret it.
Wouldn’t you like a little more control? Inviting interested parties to call you for a brief telephone call can help you understand their interest and position yourself appropriately for the opportunity at hand. Once you’ve warmed up the connection, and set out your stall by phone, you can then follow up by sending a targeted CV.
Before uploading your CV to LinkedIn, consider the following:
- Are you happy for anyone who views your profile to be able to download your CV? Or would you like to be asked first?
- Is everything you share on your CV okay to share in the public domain? Either from your personal perspective (address, contact details, etc.) or an employer’s?
- Are you happy for an interested party to read a static version of your CV without knowing their specific interest in you? Or would you like the opportunity to understand the opportunity, assess if relevant, and tailor your CV to suit?
- Are you confident that your uploaded CV does and will continue to represent an up-to-date and accurate picture of your offering and goals? Are these set in stone? Or are you committed to refreshing your CV and re-uploading it as often as necessary?
As you can probably tell, I don’t think uploading your CV to LinkedIn as a downloadable file is a good idea. Saying that…
I do recommend that you present an up-to-date, All-Star LinkedIn profile that makes appropriate use of all available sections. Consider what your target reader needs to see to call or message you, then include that.
Lis McGuire
Latest posts by Lis McGuire (see all)
- Confused about your next steps? - December 18, 2020
- Struggling with listing achievements on your CV? Try this. - June 19, 2019
- Informational Interviews: A ‘How to’ Guide - October 26, 2016