[Linkedin] Redundancy

LinkedIn vs. Personal Websites: Questioning the Redundancy

In the professional digital sphere, LinkedIn has established itself as a dominant platform. However, its widespread use prompts a critical question: Why do companies demand a LinkedIn profile when they already receive a candidate’s resume, which often includes a link to a more detailed personal website? This insistence seems redundant and warrants closer examination.

Overlapping Standardization

One of LinkedIn’s selling points for HR professionals is its standardized format. But this is precisely the function of a resume. A resume is crafted to present information in a structured manner, encapsulating experience, education, and skills. Given that this information is already provided in a resume, the emphasis on a LinkedIn profile appears unnecessary. On the other hand, personal websites offer a unique value, providing depth and context that neither LinkedIn nor resumes can capture.

The Questionable Value of Endorsements

LinkedIn’s feature of endorsements and recommendations is often touted as a form of ‘social proof’ of a candidate’s skills. However, the authenticity of these endorsements is frequently questionable. They can be exchanged between connections without genuine knowledge of the individual’s capabilities, rendering them less meaningful. In contrast, personal websites can showcase tangible evidence of skills and expertise, such as portfolios, detailed projects, and in-depth writings.

Networking or Just Numbers?

LinkedIn’s vast user base is often seen as its strength. Companies can view a candidate’s connections and gauge their professional network’s breadth. But does quantity translate to quality? A large network on LinkedIn doesn’t necessarily equate to meaningful professional relationships. Personal websites, while not offering a ‘connections’ count, can demonstrate a candidate’s genuine collaborations, partnerships, and professional engagements.

LinkedIn’s dominance in professional networking is clear, yet its efficacy in truly gauging a candidate’s worth is questionable. With resumes and personal websites providing richer insights, it’s puzzling why companies prioritize a platform that often regurgitates the same information. Personal websites, in contrast, offer a depth that LinkedIn frequently lacks.