LinkedIn vs. VisualCV: Which do you choose?

May 4, 8:47 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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The simply answer: don’t! Both LinkedIn and VisualCV have much to offer in your job search, so take the time to maximize both to their full potential.

LinkedIn

Your profile: First and foremost, LinkedIn offers the ability to build a robust profile searchable by potential employers—and one that ranks highly in Web searches. To learn more about capitalizing on your profile, read my two-part LinkedIn series or LinkedIn’s step-by-step walkthrough of the various facets of a profile.

People search: Applying for a job and want to know if you’re connected to an insider at the organization? LinkedIn’s people search function is a great way to find out. Also, click here for advanced search tips.

Applications: The number of extra applications made available by LinkedIn has increased dramatically lately. From the ability to upload your portfolio samples through Box.net, Slideshare or Google Presentations to sharing your professional blog posts via Blog Link or WordPress, LinkedIn applications provide added depth to your profile.

Jobs: Although this service still seems a bit underutilized, I predict we’ll see an increase in its use versus traditional online job boards. LinkedIn jobs allows you to search by location, experience level, date posted, title, company, job function (i.e., writing/editing) and industry (i.e., entertainment).

Groups: If you’re not already involved in a LinkedIn group, get started now! There is a group (and sometimes many groups) for every industry and topic imaginable. Not only do groups allow you to partake in discussions with other members (and now read job postings), but they are also a good source of industry news. I also recommend searching for your university’s alumni association.

Answers: Answering questions on LinkedIn helps build your credibility (because your answers are rated by those who ask them), and asking questions can be a great way to make connections and find leads—on more than just job openings.

Company pages: This feature is relatively new, and thus not every company has a “page.” But, if the company for which you’re hoping to work does have a page it will be rich with information you might not find on the organization’s Web site, such as a list of current and previous employees who are on LinkedIn.

News: Looking for some industry news to prepare for an upcoming interview? LinkedIn news might be the place to start. The news module appears on your homepage and updates you with the latest news relevant to your company and industry.

VisualCV

Show vs. tell: You can highlight more than work experiences by showcasing your achievements with a portfolio of writing samples and class projects, images, letters of recommendation, transcripts, video, charts, graphs and more. In today’s market, you need to prove to employers that you will make a contribution to their organization, which VisualCV helps you do.

Reach out to companies: Share your VisualCV with other community members or those outside the community—this free service allows many options for promoting your VisualCV to potential employers. And, you can even track when it’s viewed.

Web searches: Just like LinkedIn, your VisualCV, if you choose to make it public, will rank high when your name is searched online by hiring managers.

Keep your options open: You can create an unlimited number of free VisualCVs for specific organizations or job opportunities.