Adding a resume to LinkedIn is easier than you might think! If you’re looking to boost your professional profile and get noticed by recruiters, uploading your resume to LinkedIn is a smart move.
In just a few clicks, you can have your carefully crafted resume visible to your network and potential employers.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to get your resume online and working for you, without any complicated tech skills required. Let’s get started with this quick and painless process.
How to attach a resume to LinkedIn
LinkedIn offers three different ways to add your resume to your profile. Each method serves a different purpose and has its own advantages.
In this guide, we’ll walk through all three options step by step. You can choose the method that works best for your specific needs and goals. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your resume visible on LinkedIn.
Related article: Skyrocket Your LinkedIn Following: Proven Strategies for Success
Method 1: Add Your Resume to the “Featured” Section (Fastest Method)
Adding your resume to the “Featured” section is the quickest way to highlight your experience on LinkedIn. This method is perfect for job seekers who want their resume immediately visible to anyone who visits their profile.
It’s completely manual but only takes about 30 seconds to complete. Your resume will be publicly viewable by anyone who can see your profile, making it great for active job hunting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log in to your LinkedIn account.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “View Profile.”
- Click on the “Add profile section”.
- Scroll down to the “Featured” section (under the “Recommended” tab)
- Click the “+” icon and choose “Add Media.”
- Upload your resume file (PDF, DOC, or DOCX).
- Add a title (e.g., “My Resume”) and optional description.
- Click “Save.”
💡 Tip: This method makes your resume highly visible to anyone who views your profile.
Method 2: Upload Your Resume When Applying for Jobs
Uploading your resume directly when applying for jobs keeps your document private and targeted. This method is ideal for people who want to customize their resume for each position without making it public.
It’s very straightforward and allows you to select different resumes for different applications. Only the hiring manager and recruiter for that specific job will see your resume, giving you more privacy and control.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to the “Jobs” tab on LinkedIn.
- Search for a job you’re interested in.
- Click on the job listing and select “Apply” or “Easy Apply.”
- Click the “Upload Resume” button.
- Choose your resume file from your device.
- Click “Submit Application.”
💡 Tip: LinkedIn saves your resume for future applications, making the process faster next time.
Method 3: Add Your Resume to LinkedIn Using a Website Link
Including your resume as a website link on your LinkedIn profile is a modern and flexible way to showcase your qualifications.
This method allows you to direct profile visitors, including recruiters, to an external site where they can view or download your resume. It’s a great option for job seekers with personal websites, portfolios, or those using cloud-based storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to your LinkedIn profile.
- Click the “Edit intro” pencil icon at the top right of your profile.
- Scroll to the bottom “Website” section.
- Add the URL link to your website.
- If you have a personal website or portfolio, add the specific page where your resume is located.
- If you’re using cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive), ensure the file is set to “Anyone with the link can view,” then paste the shareable link.
- Label the link with clear label such as “View My Resume”
- Click “Save” to apply the changes.
Different Ways to Add Your Resume as a Website Link:
- Google Drive or Dropbox: Upload your resume as a PDF or DOC file to Google Drive or Dropbox. Ensure the sharing settings allow anyone with the link to view or download it.
- Personal Website or Portfolio: If you have a professional portfolio or personal website, add your resume as a downloadable file or create a dedicated resume page.
- Online Resume Platforms: Use platforms like Zety, VisualCV, or Novoresume to create a custom resume link.
- Notion or GitHub: For tech or creative professionals, consider hosting your resume on Notion or GitHub and linking to it.
Bonus Tip: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for More Visibility
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile can significantly increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters and connections.
Start by using a professional photo, as profiles with photos get 21 times more views than those without. Make sure your current job title and industry are up-to-date, and regularly share relevant content to keep your profile active.
Don’t forget to engage with other people’s posts too – this helps expand your network and keeps you visible in others’ feeds.
Related article: How To Create a LinkedIn Ad Campaign
How to update your headline and skills on LinkedIn
Updating your headline and skills on LinkedIn is a quick process that makes a big difference in how you appear in searches.
For your headline, click the pencil icon near your profile picture, then write a headline that includes your job title and a brief description of what you do or the value you provide.
For skills, scroll down to the Skills section, click “Add a new skill,” and select relevant abilities from the suggestions or type your own. Pin your top three skills so they appear first, as these get the most attention from visitors.
How to add a professional summary on LinkedIn
Adding a professional summary on LinkedIn gives visitors a quick overview of who you are and what you do.
To create one, click the “Add profile section” button, select “About,” and write 3-5 sentences that highlight your experience, strengths, and career goals. Keep it conversational and written in the first person, as if you’re introducing yourself to someone new.
End with a clear statement about what you’re looking for, whether it’s new clients, collaborations, or job opportunities.
FAQ
Why should you add a resume to LinkedIn?
Adding your resume to LinkedIn makes your job search more effective by putting your qualifications directly in front of recruiters.
It saves you time when applying for positions through LinkedIn, as you can use your uploaded resume with just a click. Plus, it gives visitors to your profile a complete picture of your experience beyond what’s in your profile sections.
How do I edit a resume in LinkedIn?
Editing a resume on LinkedIn depends on how you’ve added it to your profile. If it’s in the Featured section, you’ll need to delete the old version and upload a new one.
For resumes in your Job Preferences, click on “Job seeking preferences,” then update the file under “Resume.”
Unfortunately, LinkedIn doesn’t offer built-in editing tools, so you’ll need to make changes on your computer first, then re-upload the updated version.
How do you show your resume on LinkedIn?
You can show your resume on LinkedIn by adding it to your Featured section where it appears prominently near the top of your profile.
Another option is including it in your About section as a downloadable file with a brief introduction.
You can also make it visible in the Job Preferences section for recruiters only, or have it ready to attach when applying for specific jobs.
If you add a resume to LinkedIn, will everyone be able to see it?
Not necessarily – the visibility of your resume depends on where you add it to LinkedIn. Resumes added to your Featured or About sections are visible to anyone who can view your profile based on your privacy settings.
However, resumes uploaded to Job Preferences are only visible to recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter, and resumes attached to job applications are only visible to that specific employer.
Why can’t I upload my resume on LinkedIn?
If you can’t upload your resume to LinkedIn, it’s usually because of file format or size limitations. LinkedIn only accepts resume files in .PDF, .DOCX, or .DOC formats and under 5MB in size.
Sometimes the upload button might be hard to find – look for the “Add profile section” button, then “Featured” to add your resume.
If you’re using the mobile app, certain upload features might be limited, so try using the desktop version instead.
If you’re still struggling, check out LinkedIn’s support page here.
