The job search mistake that keeps you invisible – and how to fix it. Spoiler, your LinkedIn and CV need to work together.

Most job seekers think they are doing everything right. They update their CV, apply for jobs, and wait. Then… nothing. No responses, no offers, just frustration. They wonder if they need more applications, more keywords, or more connections. But the real problem? They are treating LinkedIn and their CV as the same thing.

Both are important, but they work in completely different ways. If you mix them up, recruiters never even see you. If you get it right, the best opportunities come to you instead of the other way around. I have spent years analyzing why talented professionals get ignored while others get offers before they even apply. The difference is never just experience. It is how they position themselves. And it always comes back to these five myths.

Myth one – LinkedIn and a CV do the same job:

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in job searching. While they both contain professional details, they are built for completely different things. A CV is focused on a single role. It is structured, formal, and designed for one hiring manager reading it for one job.

LinkedIn is always on, working in the background to attract multiple opportunities. It is not just about job applications—it is about positioning yourself as an expert in your field. If you only update one, you are missing half the strategy. Recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but they still ask for a CV to confirm qualifications. If your LinkedIn is outdated or generic, you might never even reach the CV stage.

Myth two – LinkedIn replaces a CV:

Some professionals believe they do not need a CV because recruiters can check their LinkedIn. That belief kills opportunities before they start. LinkedIn gets you noticed. A CV proves you are worth hiring.

Recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates, but they use CVs to filter them. Even for executive roles, consulting projects, or board seats, hiring managers expect a structured CV. Without it, you are not taken seriously. The only thing worse than not having a CV is scrambling to put one together when an opportunity finally comes.

Myth three – LinkedIn is just an online CV:

If you copy-paste your CV onto LinkedIn, you will disappear. A CV lists jobs and achievements in a static format. LinkedIn is where you build credibility, trust, and visibility.

When used strategically, LinkedIn is the difference between getting overlooked and getting recruited. It highlights your expertise, puts you in front of decision-makers, and positions you for the right opportunities—before you even start looking.

Myth four – CVs are only needed when applying for jobs:

If you only update your CV when applying for jobs, you are already too late. A CV is not just for job hunting. It is used for board seats, consulting opportunities, speaking engagements, and collaborations.

Many top professionals never actively search—they are found. And they always have their CV ready because opportunities do not wait.

Myth five – one update works for both:

This is the fastest way to get ignored. A CV and LinkedIn should align, but they should never be identical. A CV is structured, concise, and formatted for recruiters scanning applications. LinkedIn is your ongoing presence—it needs to show who you are, what you bring, and why people should care. If both look the same, you blend in. If both are optimized for their purpose, you stand out.

The fix – why Instant Power is the fastest way to turn things around:

This is exactly what I teach in Instant Power. It is built for mid-to-senior professionals who are tired of waiting and want to attract the right opportunities instead of chasing them.

This is not just another generic job search strategy. I have spent years analyzing why some professionals stay stuck while others land offers before they even apply.

The difference? Positioning.

Instant Power gives you the exact blueprint to make LinkedIn and your CV work together, so you stop getting overlooked and start getting recruited. You could keep applying, waiting, and hoping. Or you could start using the same strategy that top executives and rising leaders use to get found first.

Instant Power. Learn more about how to position yourself for the right opportunities.