If You Think Your LinkedIn Profile is Just a Digital Version of Your CV, You’re in Trouble.

Let’s get one thing straight:

The days of LinkedIn as a glorified résumé repository are over.

Sure, your job history and achievements matter, but LinkedIn is no longer just about where you’ve been—it’s about where you’re going and, more importantly, who you are.

Think of it this way: in a world where everyone’s a “leader” and “innovator,” your LinkedIn profile needs to do more than tick off job titles.

It needs to be a story about your unique expertise, values, and the journey you’re inviting people to join. Here’s why that’s crucial—and how to start making the shift.

? Your LinkedIn Profile Should be a Living, Breathing Representation of Your Brand

You wouldn’t expect a business to rely solely on a list of products to engage customers, right?

Yet, many professionals think they can sell themselves on LinkedIn by listing positions like “Marketing Manager, Company X.”

Spoiler alert: no one cares!

Your profile should bring your expertise to life. It’s not about showing what you did; it’s about showing why it mattered and how you can bring that impact to others.

Think of your LinkedIn profile as a personal landing page.

It’s where people come to see who you are beyond the “roles” and “responsibilities.”

Use it to communicate the kind of value you bring and to showcase how your journey so far has shaped you into the expert you are today.

? Your Profile Needs to Speak to the Present and Future, Not Just the Past

A CV is about what you’ve done; a LinkedIn profile should be about what you’re doing and where you’re headed.

That’s the difference between a static history book and a compelling story.

When people land on your LinkedIn, they want to understand how you’re using your past to drive future successes—not just yours, but theirs too.

This means talking about your why, not just your what.

• Why did you transition from corporate life to personal branding strategy?
• Why do you focus on helping executives bring their offline success online?

Your audience wants to connect with a person, not a list of achievements, so give them insight into your journey.

? “But My CV Worked Fine!” Yes, and So Did Blockbuster.

Reality check: relying on a résumé-style LinkedIn profile is like Blockbuster ignoring Netflix.

Times have changed, and if you’re not shifting with them, you’ll get left behind.

LinkedIn is an interactive platform; people expect more than just job titles and bullet points.

They expect insights, storytelling, and a personality that stands out in a feed full of look-alike profiles.

Executives and business leaders who embrace this change find that they’re building meaningful relationships on LinkedIn, not just collecting connections.

If your profile isn’t generating conversations, leads, or opportunities, it’s a sign that something’s got to change.

?? Show Them the Person Behind the Profession

People do business with people, not with CVs.

LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to show the human side of your professional life. Don’t be afraid to share a story, an insight, or even a hard lesson you’ve learned along the way.

It’s these personal touches that make people feel they know you and can trust you.

This doesn’t mean spilling your life story; it means strategically sharing pieces of who you are that resonate with your audience.

For example, if you've struggled to bring your offline achievements into the online world and build your digital influence, talk about it! You’ll find that people are drawn to those who share relatable struggles and insights.

??Engagement is Key – A Passive Profile is a Dead Profile

If your LinkedIn profile is just sitting there, waiting for someone to stumble upon it, you’re missing the point.

LinkedIn is a platform that rewards engagement. If you’re not posting, commenting, or engaging with others, you’re essentially invisible.

Posting thought leadership content, commenting on others’ posts, and even engaging with people who view your profile can all make a difference.

Think of it as networking—except, in this case, your network extends across the globe and operates 24/7.

Make your profile an active extension of your personal brand by showing up and speaking up.

Make Your LinkedIn Profile Work for You

So, if you think of LinkedIn as just another CV, it’s time to shake things up.

Your profile should reflect your personal brand, showcase your journey, and invite people into a story that’s still unfolding.

It should be the place where your unique expertise shines, not just another place where your job titles sit gathering dust.

At the end of the day, LinkedIn isn’t just about where you’ve been—it’s about where you’re going and who you can bring along with you.

Don’t settle for being a digital relic. Step into the LinkedIn of today, and let your profile become a powerful tool for connection, influence, and growth.

Jodi Raviv is a former C-suite executive turned personal branding strategist, helping business leaders and consultants bridge the gap between offline success and online influence. With over 20 years of strategic marketing experience, she supports clients in establishing credible, impactful LinkedIn presences that drive growth and visibility.