By In the ever-evolving hiring landscape in the UAE, there has been a shift in how employers assess candidates’ skills. Traditionally, the CV was the first choice. However, with the rise of digital platforms, LinkedIn has become a vital tool for hiring.
This shift raises a question: Which is the best option for LinkedIn vs CV?
When you apply for jobs in the UAE, your CV and LinkedIn play a vital role, for employers, your resume is a way to assess your skills. On the other hand, LinkedIn is more for branding and helps them know your credibility.
In today’s blog, we will explore how employers view them differently. So, stop scrolling and be ready to dive into our interesting guide.
CV: Still Relevant and Evolving
The CV remains a vital part of the job application. Think of it as a way to show the skills and experience of a candidate. However, its reliance on formal presentation and static nature has led to some limitations in the recruitment processes, such as:
- Many CVS are filtered out before they even reach the hiring managers. According to Khaleej Times, 90% of the CVS are rejected during the screening because of formatting issues or keywords.
- Many companies now rely on AI tools and applicant tracking systems to track relevant CVS. One which lacks proper keywords and is not optimised for the system is rejected. This shows how employers focus on the CV that matches the job description precisely.
- A CV often lacks the brand elements that show one’s adaptability, dynamic personality and values.
While there are some challenges with the CV, that does not mean it is completely dead in the Job industry. A CV combined with a top-notch Profile can do wonders. Hence, the reason why employers prefer both of them together.
LinkedIn – The Digital Persona
LinkedIn – what once was known as the professional networking site has evolved into a comprehensive platform for job hunting, hiring and personal branding. A recent survey suggests that around 80% of the businesses use this platform to hunt candidates.
The reason?
Its excellent algorithm provides real-time updates. Furthermore, it is a perfect platform to engage with clients, employees and other experts. Apart from this, here are some perks for the employers:
- Skill-Based: According to Arabian Business, over 45% of the recruiters focus on skills rather than a CV to fill the roles. For them, what better than a Profile to gauge one’s skills and achievements that go beyond their CV.
- Active Engagement: Those who actively participate in the discussions, share posts and connect with fellow members stand out the most to the hiring managers.
- Comprehensive Overview: Looking at the LinkedIn profiles gives managers the insights on the candidate’s skills, achievements, endorsements etc, making it easier for them to hire.
In today’s digital age, having a Profile is essential, especially if you are actively searching for new roles. However, you also need to make sure that your profile stands out. Hence, do not shy away from getting help from the LinkedIn profile maker if you are having trouble creating your profile. They have expertise and will assist you.
Comparative Analysis: CV Vs LinkedIn in the UAE
To understand the role and difference between the CV and LinkedIn profile, here is a complete comparative analysis:
This comparison shows how CV and LinkedIn profiles go hand in hand. While a CV is perfect to boast about skills, having a solid profile allows you to build credibility, engage with potential employers and boost visibility.
Disclaimer: While a solid profile offers engagement, the CV remains a vital document in the hiring process. Job seekers must ensure consistency between both of them.
Employers’ Preference – A Shift Towards Digital
Recent studies and surveys show that employers prefer a shift from a resume to LinkedIn. Here are the stats that prove how much having a digital portfolio can impact your job description:
- A survey revealed that 59% of job seekers use LinkedIn to find and apply for relevant jobs. (Source: Michael Page). Hence, it is one of the platforms used for both managers and seekers.
- Additionally, according to Robert Walters, 64% of hiring managers view a job seeker’s LinkedIn, to see their skills during the interview.
- Moreover, Khaleej Times reports that over 70% of employers prefer skills and talent over experience. Hence, instead of checking the CV, they prefer analysing one’s LinkedIn profile.
Hence, this shows how important your profile is. However, that does not mean that CV is irrelevant. If you want to make a good impression, combining both is essential.
Additionally, a strong application needs a solid CV which shows your experience and achievements. Also, you need to have a portfolio to show your journey.
How to Optimise Both Platforms?
After learning the importance of CV and LinkedIn profile, most people wonder: How to Optimise Both Platforms?
Well, it is easy. Here are some tips and tricks that might help you.
- Ensure that the information you mentioned on the resume matches your profile. It helps build credibility.
- Furthermore, tailor your CV using the correct keywords. Also, ensure that it matches the job description.
- Additionally, update your profile. Make sure to engage with different posts and share relevant articles.
- Use your profile to show your journey. If you are having trouble creating one, consider seeking aid from the LinkedIn profile writers. They have experts in their team who can assist you in creating solid profiles and resumes.
Wrap Up!
That’s a wrap! In a nutshell, both a CV and a LinkedIn profile are essential in today’s job world when hiring. CVS provides an overview of one’s qualifications, experiences and skills. On the other hand, your profile is perfect for branding.
Additionally, employers rely on profiles to gain deeper insights into one’s professional journey. Hence, for job seekers, it is essential to maintain an active presence. By using both tools companies can hire potential employees.