The Cost of Omitting Your LinkedIn from Your Resume

Here are some potential disadvantages of not including a LinkedIn profile link in your resume:

• Missed opportunities for connections. Hiring managers may want to view your full LinkedIn profile for more details on your background and connections. Not providing a link makes this more difficult.
• Lack of verification. A LinkedIn profile can provide validation of your resume details like job titles, companies, and education. Excluding it raises questions on accuracy.
• No sense of your personal brand. Without a LinkedIn link, recruiters don't get a feel for how you present yourself professionally online.
• Fewer touches for engagement. The link provides another way for recruiters to follow-up and connect with you if interested.
• Appearance of having something to hide. Some may wonder why you would not include your LinkedIn unless you are uncomfortable sharing it.
• Missed SEO value. Having LinkedIn in your resume helps boost your search visibility for recruiters.

Overall, declining to link your LinkedIn profile misses out on showcasing more about yourself in a professional digital space. Unless you have concerns about privacy, the benefits tend to outweigh any disadvantages for most job seekers.

Stand Out on LinkedIn: Tips for an Eye-Catching Profile Photo and Banner

Having a professional photo for your LinkedIn profile as a job seeker in Canada is highly recommended. Here are a few thoughts on its importance and suggestions for your photo and banner:

• Profile photos add a human touch that makes you more memorable and approachable to connections. Not having one can look suspiciously blank.
• Your photo background should be simple and neutral. The focus should be on you looking approachable, confident and professional.
• Business formal attire is best. Avoid selfies, group shots, or anything too casual.
• For your banner, include a background relevant to your industry. A tech professional could showcase coding, devices, or abstract technology visuals.
• Add your name, headline and logo if you have one. Make sure text stands out clearly against the background.
• Include calls-to-action inviting visitors to connect or contact you. This helps lead them to engage.
• Showcase awards, testimonials or stats that demonstrate your capabilities and achievements.
• Change up your banner seasonally or with major career updates to keep your profile looking fresh.

Having a strong photo and banner optimizes your LinkedIn presence. It reinforces your personal brand and expertise visually for new connections. Regularly update and refine these elements as you grow your career. Leverage them to maximize engagement and opportunities.