How to Upload Resume in LinkedIn, Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

Wondering how to upload resume in LinkedIn to boost your job search? This comprehensive guide walks you through every method—step-by-step—so you can confidently add your resume to your profile or send it directly to recruiters. Whether you’re job hunting or simply building a professional presence, uploading your resume the right way on LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities.

Introduction: Why Uploading Your Resume on LinkedIn Matters

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 1 billion users. Uploading your resume on LinkedIn is not just about job hunting—it’s about building visibility, networking with hiring managers, and making your qualifications easily accessible. Yet, many people still wonder how to upload resume in LinkedIn without compromising privacy or formatting.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Multiple ways to upload your resume on LinkedIn
• Best practices for resume visibility
• How to tailor your resume for LinkedIn’s platform
• Common mistakes to avoid

Let’s get you set up for success.

1. Where Can You Upload Your Resume on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn offers several ways to showcase your resume depending on your goal:

A. On Your LinkedIn Profile

This is perfect for passive job seekers or networking.

B. When Applying for Jobs via LinkedIn Easy Apply

Ideal for active job seekers applying directly through the platform.

C. In LinkedIn Posts or Featured Section

For freelancers or consultants showcasing past experience.

D. In Messages to Recruiters

A direct, private method for one-on-one outreach.

We’ll explore each of these options in detail below.

2. Upload Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile (Step-by-Step)

If you’re wondering how to upload resume in LinkedIn directly to your profile for others to view, here’s the best way:

Steps:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account.
2. Go to your Profile.
3. Scroll down to the Featured section (or add one if not already there).
4. Click the + icon.
5. Choose Media.
6. Upload your PDF or DOCX resume.
7. Add a title and description (optional but recommended).
8. Click Save.

💡 Tip: Make sure the resume doesn’t include sensitive information like your full address or personal phone number if it’s publicly visible.

3. Upload Resume When Using LinkedIn Easy Apply

LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature allows you to attach your resume to job applications right from the platform.

Steps:

1. Find a job listing with the Easy Apply button.
2. Click Easy Apply.
3. Fill in required fields.
4. Click Upload Resume when prompted.
5. Choose the correct document from your device.
6. Submit your application.

🚀 Pro Tip: LinkedIn saves recently used resumes. You can manage them under Settings > Job Application Settings.

4. Add Resume to LinkedIn Featured Section

The Featured section acts as your portfolio. If you’re a freelancer, coach, or showcasing career highlights, this is a great spot.

To Add Resume to Featured Section:

• Go to your profile > Featured > + icon.
• Select Media or Link.
• Upload your resume or link to an external resume page.
• Add title and context.

📸 Visual Tip: Add a cover image to the featured section to make it pop.

5. Send Resume Directly to Recruiters via Messages

If you’re in touch with a recruiter or hiring manager, you can attach your resume in a private LinkedIn message.

Steps:

1. Open the recruiter’s profile.
2. Click Message.
3. Click the paperclip icon (attach file).
4. Upload your resume.
5. Send a brief, polite message introducing yourself.

🎯 Best Practice: Customize your message and ensure the resume aligns with the job you’re discussing.

6. Should You Add Your Resume to LinkedIn at All?

While knowing how to upload resume in LinkedIn is useful, it’s important to consider:

Pros:

• Increases visibility to recruiters
• Makes your experience readily accessible
• Useful for freelance professionals

Cons:

• Risk of exposing private information
• May get outdated if not updated frequently

✅ Recommendation: Upload a tailored version for LinkedIn, not the same one you use everywhere else.

7. Best Practices for Uploading a Resume on LinkedIn

✅ Optimize File Format

• Use PDF for consistency in formatting.
• Avoid Word docs unless specifically requested.

✅ Keep It Updated

• Refresh resume every time you gain new experience or skills.

✅ Remove Personal Info

• Hide your full address, phone number, or personal email if it’s public.

✅ Use Keywords

• Mirror job descriptions to optimize for LinkedIn’s algorithm.

8. How to Remove or Replace an Uploaded Resume

Need to change your resume? Here’s how:

Profile Resume (Featured Section):

1. Go to your profile.
2. Scroll to the Featured section.
3. Click Edit (three dots).
4. Choose Delete or Replace.

Job Application Resume:

• Go to Settings > Data Privacy > Job Application Settings.
• Manage your uploaded resumes from there.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

10. How to Tailor Your Resume for LinkedIn Applications

Unlike traditional resumes, the one you upload to LinkedIn should be:

• Keyword-optimized for ATS systems
• Shorter (1–2 pages max)
• Focused on achievements, not just responsibilities
• Aligned with your LinkedIn profile content

🧠 Expert Tip: Use LinkedIn’s “Skills” section as a guide to tailor the language on your resume.

11. Bonus Tip: Use LinkedIn’s Resume Builder

LinkedIn offers a basic Resume Builder that can turn your profile into a resume.

How to Use:

1. Go to Me > More > Build a Resume.
2. Choose your profile to convert into a resume.
3. Download the generated file.
4. Edit if needed, then use it for applications.

12. How Recruiters See Your Resume on LinkedIn

When you apply to jobs via Easy Apply, your resume is sent directly to the recruiter’s dashboard.

If it’s uploaded to your Featured Section, it’s publicly viewable.

📊 Insight: According to LinkedIn, users who include a resume with their application are 2.5x more likely to hear back from recruiters.

13. Tools to Help Optimize Your LinkedIn Resume

• Jobscan – Compares your resume to job descriptions
• Canva – Design beautiful resumes
• Zety – Offers resume templates and tips
• Resume Worded – AI-based feedback on resumes

Use these tools to fine-tune your LinkedIn resume before uploading.

14. LinkedIn Resume FAQs

Q1: Can others download my resume from LinkedIn?

Only if you upload it in the Featured section. Application resumes are private.

Q2: How many resumes can I save?

LinkedIn allows saving up to 4 resumes under Job Application Settings.

Q3: What’s the ideal resume file size?

Keep it under 5 MB for smooth uploading.

Conclusion: Make Your Resume Work for You on LinkedIn

Learning how to upload resume in LinkedIn the right way can drastically improve your professional visibility and job prospects. Whether you’re actively applying or just keeping doors open, uploading a resume is a smart move. Just remember to tailor it, optimize for search, and keep it updated.

If you follow the steps and best practices in this guide, your resume won’t just live on LinkedIn—it’ll work for you on LinkedIn.