Should You Share Your Executive Resume on Your LinkedIn Profile?

Many executives ask me: “Should I post a copy of my resume directly on my LinkedIn profile?”.

My recommendation is not to do this. Keep your resume off your LinkedIn profile. Reasons?

➡️ Not all resume content is 100% safe to share publicly.

Many of my executive-level clients don’t want certain content released on this public platform.

Resume content is typically very detailed and precise. Certain work facts or company details may be best shared more exclusively (direct resume distribution) versus with millions of potential online readers.

For example, if you are working for a private organization, the company may not want exact budgets, revenues, or sales numbers broadcasted publicly.

LinkedIn is a great place to showcase abilities and achievements but still withhold certain specifics. This doesn’t mean you can’t share high-level oversights or impacts. Simply modify information for ‘softer delivery’:

Instead of:

• Managed P&L of $50M

Try:

• Managed multimillion-dollar P&L

Instead of:

• Grew annual revenue from $10M to $14M in 3 years

Consider:

• Grew annual revenue 40% in 3 years

➡️ Readers could pass you up as a potential candidate if the single, stagnant resume doesn’t address unique needs – even if you are completely qualified.

Why risk sharing a resume that might miss the mark?

Resumes are most successful when they are customized for each unique opportunity. A static resume on your LinkedIn profile could do more harm than good. If a decision maker comes across it and finds content that doesn’t align with their unique business needs – or use similar industry speak, or touch on exact role requirements – they may not be able to see your value.

Writing a strong profile to attract the right readers and recruiters is step #1.  Step #2 is tailoring your resume for any opportunities that recruiters contact you about and giving it to them when asked.

➡️ Finally, if someone reads your resume and moves on without you knowing it – this is a missed opportunity to create a connection or conversation.

A resume posted on your profile may be read by dozens or hundreds of people over a period of time. Who exactly has read it may never be known. There is greater benefit to holding your executive resume close and releasing it only once a request occurs. This enables you an opportunity to tailor the file for each audience/opportunity and generate a potential relationship – even if things don’t initially pan out.

The LinkedIn and resume can, and should, go hand-in-hand…but create each uniquely. Build a strong LinkedIn profile that attracts the right viewers and then carefully control resume communications and distribution for greater job search success!