There are multiple tools that job seekers could use to showcase their skills when seeking new opportunities. While CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and the assistance of recruiters each play a vital role in the job search process, understanding their unique advantages and optimising their usage can significantly enhance your chances of success.
What’s the Difference Between Your CV & LinkedIn Profile?
Your LinkedIn is a public profile that showcases your full professional history, skills and achievements whereas your CV is a private document tailored for the job that you want.
While your LinkedIn profiles is great for establishing your personal brand and building connections, your CV will need to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
CV: A Crucial Job Search Tool
With your CV, you can ensure that only your relevant skills and work experience is shared with the employer.
You can also effectively communicate achievements that would be deemed inappropriate for LinkedIn. For example; clients you work with, initiatives you have introduced, and projects you have led.
As an IT professional, you will need to showcase relevant technical skills, proficiency with programming languages, and certifications.
A well-written CV will also effectively communicate your achievements, problem-solving abilities, and expertise in relevant technologies.
Utilising LinkedIn in your Job Search
LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for Tech professionals looking to expand their professional network and gain industry knowledge.
Recruiters use LinkedIn profiles to identify your skills and determine suitability before contacting you about job opportunities. Therefore, your LinkedIn should offer a window in to your professional background and encourage recruiters to explore your CV for more comprehensive information.
- Highlight significant projects, coding accomplishments, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrate familiarity with emerging technologies, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or cloud computing.
- Showcase contributions to open-source projects, GitHub repositories, or technical communities.
- Request endorsements from colleagues.
Remember to check that the information you provide in your CV and LinkedIn profile correlate to maximise your chances of success. Any discrepancies may raise red flags to recruiters and employers.
Optimising your CV and LinkedIn profile for ATS
Many companies and recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter through hundreds of applications and save time on the screening process.
If your CV is not formatted correctly or is missing important keywords, your application may be rejected. Likewise with LinkedIn profiles, if your profile does not align with the job description, it may be disregarded.
How to beat ATS:
- Tailor your CV and LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords for the desired roles (e.g. technical keywords, programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies)
- Structure your information using clear headings and bullet points.
- Avoid images, emojis, and special characters.
- Use correct spelling and grammar.
- Utilise professional language and avoid jargon.
Leveraging Recruiters for Job Search Success
Recruiters specialising in the tech industry, like Jonathan Rhys Recruitment, offer unique advantages for tech professionals seeking new opportunities.
We can help you navigate the complex tech job market with our our industry knowledge, established connections, and access to a wide range of job opportunities (find out more). We can significantly streamline your job search, helping you identify suitable positions, presenting your credentials to hiring managers, and providing guidance throughout the process.
Benefits of Using a Recruiter:
- Access to a vast network of tech companies and exclusive job opportunities.
- Guidance on optimising CVs and LinkedIn profiles to align with tech industry demands.
- Knowledge of specific technical skills in high demand and emerging trends.
- Interview preparation tailored to technical roles and evaluations.
- Assistance in negotiating competitive salary packages and benefits.
So, which is more important in your job search, CV or LinkedIn? We say both!
Technology is a competitive job market, therefore a successful job search requires a multi-faceted approach. By understanding the distinctions between CVs and LinkedIn profiles, optimising them for ATS, and leveraging the expertise of tech-focused recruiters, you can significantly enhance your job search efforts.
Need Help with your Job Search?
Partner with Jonathan Rhys Recruitment – Europe’s IT recruitment agency – get access to a wider range of tech jobs and support with your initial application through to interview, and salary negotiations.
Contact us today or submit your CV and find out how we can help you further your career.