Tempted to copy another resume or LinkedIn Profile?
It’s an understandable impulse. Most people aren’t trained to write about themselves and look for examples of other resumes (or LinkedIn profiles) for reassurance.
However, there are reasons to be cautious when “borrowing” content that was developed for someone else:
- You’re probably unaware of the brand message or strategy used on the resume.
- It’s likely that the format, writing style, and tone won’t match your personality.
- You might be found out, especially if you apply to the same jobs!
Here are 5 additional, compelling reasons to avoid copying a LinkedIn Profile or resume, no matter how much it seems to match your work:
1 – Identical career paths and strengths are rare.
While it might seem that you can just tweak a word or two, you can’t lay claim to another’s career trajectory, skills, or level of ambition.
For your LinkedIn Profile or resume to be effective, a strategy should be created based on YOUR desired goal and potential screen-out factors (items that could put off a recruiter, such as work history, age, skills, etc.). This strategy helps you arrange your presentation according to YOUR value proposition.
Remember that your combination of education, dedication, achievements, and goals are unique! Incorporate these factors into the materials you present to employers.
2 – Too many resumes use generic language.
And it won’t help to copy it.
Have you ever googled resume summaries and found this?
“Highly accomplished and results-driven professional with XX years of professional experience… “
Ouch.
Resist the temptation to copy a Summary that could apply to anyone.
You’re better off taking the time to assess your own strengths first. Then, write a resume and LinkedIn that distinguish YOU vs. the competition.
3 – Powerful language should be used sparingly.
If you love the sentences or phrases you see in another resume or LinkedIn Profile, use them with caution and avoid repetition. They may not apply to all of your accomplishments!
It’s best to call out details and successes once, while toning down the power words. There’s only so many times you can say you’ve “spearheaded,” “developed,” or “accomplished” a task.
Instead of repeating these fancy words, use a thesaurus or list of power verbs to jazz up your writing, as described in Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile Need Action Words!
Don’t take the easy way out; look for unique ways to describe each of your accomplishments.
4 – Formatting can easily be lost or impact your message.
Depending on how closely you copy a resume, your changes could throw an entire page into disarray, especially when trying to figure out how to adjust headings or change paragraph sizes.
(Yes, I’ve received many “copied” resumes that look like a jumble of wrongly indented paragraphs, fonts, colors, and headings.)
Most professionally designed resumes use specific fonts for their readability on different platforms. If you change it or shrink it below 11 points, it could be difficult to interpret, especially on a mobile device.
5 – Future updates to your resume can be difficult.
Your personal work style and energy will rarely (if ever) show up in someone else’s resume or LinkedIn Profile. So, you’re already operating at a severe brand disadvantage before even trying to have someone update these materials for you.
Many professional writers will insist on creating your message from scratch, especially if they can tell that you started with someone else’s strategy, brand message, tone, and presentation.
In summary, you can certainly TRY to adopt a professionally written resume or LinkedIn content as your own, but the pitfalls that can trip you up along the way can actually hurt your job search results.
You’re better off writing about your OWN career history, achievements, and value to employers — from beginning to end.
Recruiter-Endorsed, Premium Executive Resume & LinkedIn Writing Services
Become the TOP candidate by working one-on-one with a multiple award-winning executive resume writer and former recruiter skilled in positioning 3,600+ leaders for success at Amazon, Eli Lilly, GE, Disney, Google, EY, Kaiser, Oracle, Ericsson, UHC, Intel, Pfizer, and others.
Your new, personally branded Resume and LinkedIn Profile will gain attention from Fortune-ranked, niche, PE, multinational, startup, and boutique companies - even in a competitive job market.
See why my expert resume writing and LinkedIn skills open doors to C-Suite, EVP, Board, VP, and Director roles by viewing interview-winning resumes that show a clear competitive advantage.
- Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CPBA, TCCS, COPNS, CIC, CTTCC, NCOPE
