Dear Sam: I have seen some resumes that list a LinkedIn address at the top. Is this a common practice? Can’t everyone find me on LinkedIn by searching for me by name? I don’t want to add clutter to my resume if it isn’t necessary. Does it add value to list? – Anna
Dear Anna: It is a common and effective practice to include your LinkedIn URL on your resume. This can be a fantastic idea if there is a reason to send a hiring manager there. As I can see your last name through your email, I imagine there will be many other LinkedIn users with the same name. Including your URL makes it easier for a hiring manager to find the correct ‘you’ on LinkedIn. This reassures them that they’re looking at the right profile, enhancing your chances of making a positive impression.
Whether it adds value certainly depends on what you have on your profile. Think of LinkedIn as your virtual brand; it should be marketing your candidacy to your target audience through the content you develop and an appropriate selection of other LinkedIn elements that can reinforce your message. To add value through LinkedIn, make sure you have recommendations—when possible—for the positions you are presenting, follow companies and influencers that reinforce your brand, join groups reflective of your current career interests, be sure you are listing relevant skills for connections to endorse (pin the top three so LinkedIn prompts your connections for endorsements of your most relevant skills), and go through each of the LinkedIn sections to add anything that reinforces your professional candidacy. I say “professional candidacy” as LinkedIn is a professional networking tool. You should use this site to reflect you and your career, steering clear of personal posts and information that can be distracting.
It’s crucial to review your account settings to ensure your online presence aligns with your professional goals. Consider toggling ‘on’ or ‘off’ specific selections to control your visibility. Do you want your profile visible to everyone? Do you want visitors to your profile to see your email address? Do you want to share your connection list with others? Do you want people to see when you are active on LinkedIn and when you have read their messages? With so many options to choose from, it’s a good idea to review all of your communication and privacy settings before sharing your profile on your resume. This way, you can confidently invite important influencers and decision-makers to visit your profile, knowing that you’re in control of what they see.
Once you have ensured there is a reason you think a hiring manager would benefit from going to your LinkedIn profile, then, by all means, list your customized LinkedIn profile URL in the heading section of your resume. I say ‘custom’ as you will want to go into your account settings and customize your URL to something as simple as possible, using only your name if you can. I often suggest the use of linkedin.com/in/first name-middle initial-last name.com
I love seeing a robust LinkedIn profile that adds value by going beyond the basics. As an entry-level candidate, kudos to you for considering how you can add value to your candidacy.
