Should you include your LinkedIn URL on your resume?

Although opinions vary, it is not considered best practice to include your LinkedIn information on a professional resume. I was told by the consultant that putting your LinkedIn URL or other similar types of URLs on your resume make it seem like the resume is a little pointless. He said, “what’s the point of giving your resume if you’re just saying, ‘take a look at my LinkedIn profile for my complete profile; this resume is just a brief synopsis.'” The consultant stated sarcastically that if you’re going to put your LinkedIn profile, “…you might as well not have anything except a blank sheet with just your LinkedIn profile, which will save the resume reader some time.”

Of course, the resume is a brief synopsis and your LinkedIn profile will likely be much more in-depth, but you don’t want the person reading your resume to think that he or she has to go online and go to LinkedIn to really get to know you. They should be able to get a feel for you based on your resume and not have to do more research. Your resume should stand out. Your resume should be enough for them to make a decision about whether or not they want to get to know you better. That’s hard to do, but that’s the point of a resume.

The conversation surprised me because I though I was smart and savvy by including my LinkedIn information on my resume. I have since taken off my LinkedIn URL and I believe my resume, revised and crafted to express what I want it to, is better for it. I am, however, open to putting the LinkedIn URL back and making any other changes if I feel they are appropriate or if circumstances change.

Do you have your LinkedIn URL on your resume? If so, why do you think that’s a good idea?