LinkedIn vs CV

Where Should You Focus Your Energy in 2025?

When you’re job hunting, it can feel like there’s an endless list of things to perfect: your CV, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, cover letter, the list goes on.

But if you have limited time, where should you focus? Your classic CV? Or your LinkedIn profile?

At Gambit Recruitment, we’ve seen hundreds of candidates grapple with this. The answer isn’t as simple as “just do both”, though ideally, you should. It depends on what you do, where you’re applying and how employers are searching for talent right now.

Long story short, while both your LinkedIn profile and CV are important and will likely both be reviewed by a recruiter at some stage during the application, your CV is your initial pitch, while your LinkedIn profile should bring your CV to life.

Why your CV still matters

Think of your CV as your formal, tailored pitch to a specific opportunity. It should highlight exactly why you are the right candidate for this job.

A good CV does more than list your job history, it should:

·      be tailored to each application, matching keywords, specific technologies/frameworks and language from the job ad,

·      provide a clear and concise narrative, and

·      show measurable results (think “increased deployment speed by 20%”, not just “responsible for deployments”).

According to the LinkedIn “Future of Recruiting 2025”, skill-based hiring is becoming increasingly important to employers. Meaning employers tend to hire based more on skills than job titles or degrees. This means it is crucial that your CV is highlighting the key skills required of the job you are applying for.

Most New Zealand employers still ask for a CV. It’s used in HR systems, for approvals, and as a reference point in interviews. Done well, your CV tells your story clearly, shows you understand what the role needs, and proves you’re the best fit.

But don’t forget your LinkedIn profile

Your CV might get you through an application process, but your LinkedIn profile can get you found before you even apply.

A strong LinkedIn profile:

·      connects with peers, recruiters and potential employers,

·      showcases your interests, side projects and professional updates, and

·      signals that you’re engaged in your field, something many employers now value highly

An optimised LinkedIn presence can be a magnet for inbound opportunities, sometimes before a role is even advertised.

Local insight: what we see in NZ tech recruitment

In New Zealand, especially in the software, data and infrastructure spaces, we’ve noticed Employers still ask for a CV, it’s almost always part of the process, but they check LinkedIn: for mutual connections, recent updates, endorsements and cultural signals

A tidy, active LinkedIn profile reassures hiring managers about your credibility and engagement in your field and can differentiate you from someone with an equally strong CV but no online presence.

If you’re in the process of applying for your next role, bear in mind that your LinkedIn profile will likely be viewed by a recruiter or HR manager at some point in the process. So make sure it is tidy, and matches your CV.

So, where should you spend your time?

While job hunting has moved from faxed CVs and cold calls to online platforms and AI-driven searches, your CV is still your main pitch to employers showcasing why you are right for that particular role. In 2025, your CV and LinkedIn profile work best together:

·       Your CV is your polished, targeted pitch for specific roles

·       Your LinkedIn profile keeps you visible, credible and open to passive opportunities.

If you’re actively applying, start by perfecting your CV. But remember, investing a little time into your LinkedIn keeps your professional network alive and could open doors you didn’t even know existed.

And remember: the two should complement each other, not contradict. Dates, job titles and responsibilities must match, inconsistencies can raise red flags.

If you’d like feedback on your CV and/or LinkedIn profile whether you’re a software engineer, data analyst or infrastructure specialist, we’re always happy to chat.

Thomas Hoksbergen | 09 355 8324 | thomas@gambitrecruitment.co.nz