LinkedIn

How to Add Your Resume to LinkedIn: Complete Guide (2026)

Matt
Matt
8 min read
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TL;DR - Quick Answer

14 min read

Tips you can use today. What works and what doesn't.

You can add your resume to LinkedIn, and it's one of the smartest moves for job seekers. Recruiters actively look for resumes on profiles. Here's exactly how to upload yours in under 2 minutes.

Skip to: Featured Section | Easy Apply | Mobile Upload | Optimization Tips

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Can You Add a Resume to LinkedIn?

Yes. LinkedIn offers multiple ways to add your resume:

MethodBest ForVisibility
Featured SectionProfile visitors, recruiters browsingPublic (your choice)
Easy Apply uploadsJob applicationsOnly hiring managers
About section linkExternal hostingAnyone viewing profile
Media in ExperienceContext-specific resumesPublic

The Featured section displays prominently on your profile. Recruiters check this first.

On Desktop

  1. Go to your LinkedIn profile
  2. Scroll to Featured section (or click "Add profile section" β†’ "Featured")
  3. Click the + icon in Featured
  4. Select "Add media"
  5. Upload your resume (PDF recommended)
  6. Add a title like "Resume - [Your Name] - [Role]"
  7. Add description summarizing your expertise
  8. Click Save

On Mobile

  1. Open LinkedIn app
  2. Tap your profile photo
  3. Scroll to Featured
  4. Tap "+" or "Add featured"
  5. Select "Add media"
  6. Choose your resume file
  7. Add title and description
  8. Tap Save
DoDon't
Use PDF formatUpload Word docs (formatting breaks)
Name file professionallyUse "resume_final_v3.pdf"
Update quarterlyLet it become outdated
Add descriptive titleLeave title blank
Quick Quiz
Easy

What file format is best for uploading a resume to LinkedIn's Featured section?

πŸ’‘ Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Method 2: Upload Resume for Easy Apply

LinkedIn stores resumes for quick job applications.

Setting Up Easy Apply Resume

  1. Search for any job with "Easy Apply" badge
  2. Click "Easy Apply"
  3. When prompted, upload resume
  4. Check "Save to profile" for future applications
  5. Complete application or cancel

Managing Saved Resumes

  1. Go to Settings & Privacy
  2. Click Data privacy
  3. Select Job seeking preferences
  4. Find Stored resumes or Application settings
  5. Upload, replace, or delete resumes
SettingLocation
Saved resumesSettings β†’ Data privacy β†’ Job seeking
Default resumeSettings β†’ Application settings
Resume visibilityOnly sent with applications
Quick Quiz
Easy

Who can see resumes you upload via LinkedIn's Easy Apply?

πŸ’‘ Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Method 3: Add Resume on Mobile

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

  1. Open LinkedIn app
  2. Tap "Me" at bottom
  3. Tap "View Profile"
  4. Scroll to Featured (add section if missing)
  5. Tap + to add media
  6. Select from Files or iCloud Drive
  7. Add title, save

Android

  1. Open LinkedIn app
  2. Tap profile photo
  3. Select "View Profile"
  4. Find Featured section
  5. Tap "Add media"
  6. Choose file from device
  7. Enter title and description
  8. Save

Resume File Requirements

RequirementSpecification
File sizeUp to 5 MB
FormatsPDF, DOC, DOCX, RTF, TXT
Recommended formatPDF
PagesNo limit (1-2 pages ideal)
File nameProfessional, no special characters

Naming Your Resume File

Good examples:

  • John-Smith-Marketing-Manager-Resume.pdf
  • Jane-Doe-Software-Engineer-2026.pdf
  • Resume-Sarah-Johnson-UX-Designer.pdf

Avoid:

  • resume.pdf
  • FINAL resume v4 (1).docx
  • resumΓ©_copy!!.pdf

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Resume

Make It ATS-Friendly

Applicant Tracking Systems scan LinkedIn resumes:

ElementOptimization
KeywordsMatch job description terms
FormatSimple, single-column preferred
FontsStandard fonts (Arial, Calibri)
HeadersClear section labels
Contact infoInclude LinkedIn URL

Resume vs. LinkedIn Profile

Your resume and profile should complement each other:

ResumeLinkedIn Profile
Tailored to specific roleBroader career summary
1-2 pagesUnlimited space
Formal formatMore personality allowed
Static documentRegularly updated
Specific achievementsGeneral experience + media
Quick Quiz
Medium

How should your LinkedIn profile and resume relate to each other?

πŸ’‘ Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Should You Add a Resume to LinkedIn?

Add a resume if you're:

  • Actively job hunting
  • Open to new opportunities
  • Applying via Easy Apply regularly
  • Targeting recruiters

Skip the resume if you're:

  • Happy in current role (not looking)
  • Freelancer (portfolio better)
  • Executive (profile sufficient)
  • Concerned about employer seeing
Quick Quiz
Medium

Which professionals benefit MOST from adding a resume to LinkedIn?

πŸ’‘ Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Troubleshooting Resume Upload Issues

"File format not supported"

  • Convert to PDF using free tools
  • Ensure file extension matches format
  • Try re-saving the document

"File too large"

  • Compress PDF using online tools
  • Remove embedded images/graphics
  • Split into multiple documents

"Upload failed"

  • Check internet connection
  • Clear browser cache
  • Try different browser
  • Use mobile app instead

Resume not showing

  • Check Featured section visibility settings
  • Ensure profile is public enough
  • Wait a few minutes for processing

Privacy Considerations

Who Can See Your Resume?

Upload LocationWho Sees It
Featured sectionAnyone who views your profile (based on privacy settings)
Easy ApplyOnly companies you apply to
About section linkAnyone who clicks the link

Controlling Resume Visibility

  1. Go to Settings & Privacy
  2. Select Visibility
  3. Adjust "Profile viewing options"
  4. Control who sees Featured content

Resume Alternatives on LinkedIn

If uploading a full resume isn't right for you:

1. Complete Your Profile Fully

A thorough profile often replaces the need for a resume:

  • Detailed Experience section
  • Skills with endorsements
  • Recommendations from colleagues
  • Accomplishments and certifications

2. Use the About Section

Write a compelling summary that captures resume highlights:

  • Key achievements
  • Career goals
  • Unique value proposition
  • Contact preferences

3. Add Portfolio Pieces

For creative or project-based roles:

  • Work samples in Featured
  • Project descriptions in Experience
  • Certifications and courses
  • Publications and articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can employers see my LinkedIn resume?

If you add your resume to the Featured section, anyone who views your profile can see it (based on your privacy settings). Resumes uploaded for Easy Apply are only visible to companies you apply to.

Should my LinkedIn resume match my profile?

They should be consistent but don't need to be identical. Your resume can be more specific to a target role, while your profile remains broader. Ensure dates, titles, and company names match exactly.

How often should I update my LinkedIn resume?

Update your resume whenever you have new achievements, change roles, or at least quarterly if actively job hunting. Outdated resumes hurt your chances with recruiters.

Can I upload multiple resumes to LinkedIn?

Yes. You can add multiple resume versions to your Featured section (e.g., one for marketing, one for sales roles). For Easy Apply, you can store multiple resumes and choose which to use per application.

What if my resume has personal contact info?

Consider creating a "LinkedIn version" of your resume with your LinkedIn URL instead of phone/address. This keeps personal info private while still providing a way to contact you.

Does LinkedIn create a resume from my profile?

Yes, LinkedIn can generate a resume from your profile data. Go to your profile, click "More" β†’ "Save to PDF" or "Build a resume" to create one automatically.


Next Steps

After adding your resume:

  1. Optimize your headline for target roles
  2. Update your About section with keywords
  3. Turn on "Open to Work" if actively searching
  4. Set up job alerts for relevant positions
  5. Connect with recruiters in your industry

LinkedIn Profile Optimization:

LinkedIn Strategy:

Tools:

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