Your LinkedIn profile is more than a digital CV

Let’s be honest, LinkedIn can feel like a weird mix of a CV, social network, and a personal billboard. One minute you’re congratulating someone on a promotion, the next you’re wondering if your own profile still says “seeking new opportunities” from three years ago.

But here’s the thing, your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a digital CV, and it’s not just a personal brand tool either. It’s both! In fact, it’s the one place online where your experience, personality, and professional story all come together. And it’s usually the first thing people will see when they Google you.

Whether you’re looking for a new role, building a business, or trying to stand out in your industry, your profile is your homepage. And in today’s world, it can open doors long before a conversation ever starts.

Here’s how to make sure it’s working for you, not against you.

Think “First Impressions” not just “Work History”

Your CV shows what you’ve done and your personal brand shows what you stand for.

That means your LinkedIn headline and banner image catch people’s attention and make them want to find out more.

Use them to highlight…

• Your niche or specialism
• A bold, clear message
• Something that make you memorable

Your ‘About’ section? Think of it like your homepage welcome message. Ditch the cliches and go for clarity, credibility, and a little bit of personality.

Keywords still matter

Whether you’re job hunting, attracting clients, or just building visibility, your profile needs to be searchable.

A few smart tips:

• Use the job titles, and skills people actually search for.
• Mention tools, sectors, and results.
• If you want to rank for “Architectural Technologist” for example, this must appear in your headline, experience , and skills.

Content builds credibility

Your CV might be statics, but personal branding isn’t. Posting content regularly shows that you…

• Know your industry
• Have a point of view
• Are active, relevant, and trustworthy

Not sure what to post? Try…

• Industry news with your take
• Stories from your day to day
• Lessons learned from work or hiring
• Behind the scenes of your process

Don’t worry, you don’t need to become LinkedIn’s next influencer! It’s just about being findable and remembered.

So, don’t just update your job title on LinkedIn and log off. Think about how your profile tells your story and whether it’s helping you attract the right attention, opportunities, and conversations.

Because in a world where everyone’s Googling everyone, Your LinkedIn isn’t just a profile, it’s your personal brand’s front door!