by Is it better to apply with LinkedIn or resume? Many people looking for work have this question as they try to figure out how hiring is changing.
Both tools give you important information about your professional history, but each has its own pros and cons depending on the situation.
This article will look at the main differences between applying with a LinkedIn profile vs traditional resume. This will help you choose which method might give you the best chance of getting the job.
Should I use a traditional resume?
A resume is a formal document that outlines a your professional experience, skills, education, and achievements.
It is typically one to two pages long and is used for company websites, job boards, or email. Most hiring managers and recruiters expect it as part of the process.
According to a study by The Ladders, HRs spend an average of 6 to 7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding if a candidate is a good fit. This means a well-structured, concise, and tailored application is crucial for making a strong first impression.
Here are some examples of a well-written resume:
Emma Collins
Chicago, IL
emma.collins@email.com | (312) 555-7890 | LinkedIn: /in/emmacollinsProfessional Summary
A marketing professional with years of experience in digital strategy, brand management, and content creation who pays attention to the little things. Proven ability to use data-driven campaigns to get people interested, get more customers, and make the most of marketing money. Able to work well with people from different departments, manage projects, and analyze customer insights to come up with good marketing plans.
Experience
Digital Marketing Manager
Harbor & Co. | Chicago, IL | January 2021 – Present
- Plan and carry out marketing campaigns on multiple channels, such as social media, email, and paid ads. This will boost website traffic by 35% in one year.
- Lead a group of five marketers to improve the brand's messaging and positioning, which led to a 20% increase in social media engagement and audience retention.
- Handle a $500,000 annual advertising budget, strategically optimizing spending to raise conversion rates by 15% and lower cost-per-click by 10%.
- Lead a rebranding effort with designers and content creators that led to a 12% increase in sales every three months.
Marketing Coordinator
BrightEdge Solutions | Chicago, IL | June 2018 – December 2020
- Helped create and carry out content marketing plans that led to a 25% rise in qualified leads and better customer engagement.
- Did a lot of market research and competitor analysis to make targeted advertising campaigns better, which led to a 10% increase in ROI.
- Managed email marketing campaigns, using A/B testing and segmentation strategies that increased open rates by 18% and click-through rates.
- Made detailed monthly performance reports that looked at how well campaigns worked, how customers acted, and key performance indicators (KPIs). These reports also made strategic suggestions for how to make things better.
Marketing Assistant
Willow & Hart Consulting | Chicago, IL | August 2016 – May 2018
- Assisted small and medium-sized businesses plan and carry out marketing campaigns that made their brands 15% more visible on digital platforms.
- Helped run social media accounts by planning posts and talking to people in the community in a way that got more people involved.
- Did keyword research and SEO optimization, which improved the site's organic search rankings and brought in 12% more visitors in the first year.
- Put together client presentations and marketing reports that helped leadership teams make decisions based on data and make their marketing plans better overall.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing | May 2018
DePaul University | Chicago, IL
Skills
- Digital Marketing Strategy & Campaign Management
- SEO & SEM Optimization for Enhanced Online Visibility
- Social Media Advertising & Brand Growth
- Data Analytics, KPI Tracking & Performance Reporting
- Content Development & Audience Engagement
- Google Ads, Meta Ads & PPC Campaigns
- CRM & Email Marketing (HubSpot, Mailchimp)
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certified (2022)
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification (2021)
Additional Information
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Volunteer Marketing Consultant for Chicago Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Emily Carter
Chicago, IL | emily.carter@email.com | (312) 555-2847 | linkedin.com/in/emilycarterSummary
Entry-level professional with a lot of motivation, hands-on experience from internships and part-time jobs, strong organizational skills, and a track record of supporting team operations, accurately managing data, and communicating well across departments. Eager to help out in a structured, fast-paced workplace while continuing to learn new skills.
Skills
- Administrative coordination and office support.
- Data entry, reporting, and record management.
- Professional email and phone communication.
- Scheduling, calendar management, and task prioritization.
- Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace.
- Basic project tracking and documentation.
- Customer service and internal stakeholder support.
Experience
Operations Intern | Lakeshore Consulting Group | Chicago, IL
June 2025 – August 2025
- Supported daily operational workflows by preparing reports, updating internal databases, and organizing shared documentation used by multiple departments.
- Assisted senior coordinators with scheduling meetings, tracking action items, and ensuring follow-ups were completed on time and documented accurately.
- Communicated with vendors and internal staff via email and phone to confirm timelines, resolve minor issues, and relay updated information.
- Helped streamline filing and data-entry procedures, reducing document retrieval time and improving overall office efficiency.
Customer Service Associate (Part-Time) | Target | Evanston, IL
September 2023 – May 2025
- Provided front-line customer support by handling inquiries, resolving concerns, and maintaining a professional, calm demeanor during high-traffic periods.
- Processed transactions accurately while following company policies related to returns, exchanges, and payment handling.
- Assisted with inventory organization, restocking, and visual merchandising to maintain store standards and improve customer experience.
- Collaborated closely with team members and supervisors to meet daily operational goals and support new employee onboarding.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL
Graduation: May 2026Certifications
- Microsoft Office Specialist (Excel Associate) – 2026.
- Google Project Management Foundations – 2025.
Additional Information
- Experienced in balancing academic coursework with part-time employment while maintaining strong performance in both areas.
- Comfortable working in structured corporate environments as well as fast-paced customer-facing roles.
- Open to training, mentorship, and long-term professional development opportunities.
Advantages of resume
Customization for each role
You can make your resume fit a certain description so that only the most relevant skills and experiences are shown.
For example, if you're applying for a marketing job, you could talk about your work with social media and managing campaigns. If you're looking for a sales position, you might want to talk more about your accomplishments that made money.
Standard in the field
Most hiring managers want this document as part of the process, so it is a tool that everyone uses.
In industries like finance, law, and healthcare, CVs are a strict requirement and are often reviewed before even considering a candidate’s LinkedIn profile.
Concise and professional
A well-structured paper presents key information in a clear, easy-to-read way. This allowing recruiters to assess your suitability quickly.
ATS compatibility
Many large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. A properly formatted document with relevant keywords increases the chances of passing initial screenings.
Research by Jobscan suggests that over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to filter everything.
Resume disadvantages
Limited space for personality
A traditional resume can't show off your brand, recommendations, or interactive elements like a portfolio.
Needs to be updated often
Every time a candidate applies for a new job, they may need to change the content to meet the specific needs of that position.
Also, you have to rewrite your document by hand every time you get a new role or learn a new skill, but LinkedIn can do it in real time.
Static and one-dimensional
Resumes provide a snapshot of experience but do not reflect ongoing career developments.
Example: If you’ve worked on a big project or won an award, you may not have space to fully explain it, while LinkedIn allows for longer descriptions and media attachments.
No networking or endorsements
Papers don't show professional connections, endorsements, or testimonials from coworkers or bosses.
LinkedIn says that recruiters look at profiles with at least five skills that are endorsed 17 times more often.
Should I apply with LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where users create profiles showcasing their work experience, skills, and accomplishments.
LinkedIn advantages
Easy to update and share
The service allows people to edit their profiles anytime, making it easier to reflect changes without constantly revising a document.
Example: If you complete a new certification or gain a promotion, you can instantly update your LinkedIn, ensuring recruiters always see the most current version of your career.
Dynamic overview
The platform allows users to add multimedia, such as articles, videos, or presentations, making the profile more engaging.
Passive job searching
Even if you're not actively looking for a new position, recruiters can find your profile and reach out with opportunities that match your skills.
Disadvantages of LinkedIn
Not as detailed
While LinkedIn provides a broad overview of your professional history, it doesn’t always allow for structured, job-specific formatting into sections.
Not all employers prioritize LinkedIn
Some industries, such as government or manufacturing, rely more on traditional application methods and may not have LinkedIn for hiring.
A study found that only 40% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary tool.
Privacy Concerns
Unlike a resume that is shared privately, a LinkedIn page is public unless the settings are adjusted. This may expose career updates to unwanted viewers.
Example: Updating your profile while still employed could alert your current boss that you’re job hunting.
- Is applying through LinkedIn effective?
- According to LinkedIn, over 950 million professionals use the platform, and over 75% of recruiters rely on it to find and evaluate candidates. This makes it a valuable tool for those looking to increase their visibility in the market.
Should I apply with LinkedIn or resume?
| Factor | LinkedIn Profile | Resume |
|---|---|---|
| Detail Level | More general — highlights overall experience. | Tailored with specific keywords and details. |
| Formatting | Standardized layout — less design options. | Full control over design. |
| First Impression | Shows online presence and endorsements. | Highlights qualifications in a structured way. |
| Ease of Use | Quick submission with a few clicks. | Requires formatting and customization effort. |
| Industry | Preferred for networking-based hiring, especially in tech and marketing. | Required for most positions, especially in traditional spheres. |
| Visibility | Recruiters can find and contact you without applying. | Only seen by employers when you send the result. |
Is it better to apply with LinkedIn or resume?
- Choose LinkedIn when using platforms that allow "Easy Apply", for networking, or when trying to attract recruiter attention.
- Opt for a resume for formal applications, companies requiring ATS screening, or when customization is important.
If possible, utilize both (LinkedIn for networking and resume for qualifications) is ideal. Keep your profile updated for visibility while tailoring your traditional document for each position.
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Conclusion
In the end, it depends on the job and how the company hires people whether you should apply with LinkedIn or a resume.
A well-written document might be the best choice for some jobs and fields, while an online profile might be better for others because it is easy to use and see.
To improve your chances of getting your dream role, think about how you can change your approach based on the specific company and what the hiring manager wants.
