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How to add a resume to your LinkedIn profile

Writer's picture: Alex KhamisAlex Khamis

Looking to boost your job search?

One of the simplest yet most overlooked moves is uploading your resume to LinkedIn.

Whether you're actively job hunting or just keeping an eye out, making your resume accessible can be a game changer.

Think about it—recruiters are constantly scanning profiles.

If your resume is easy to find, you’re already ahead of the pack.

But where do you upload it? Profile? Job applications? Settings? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down step by step.

First, let’s talk about why adding your resume is worth the effort.

PS: If you haven't created a LinkedIn profile yet, here are five reasons why you should.

3 ways to add resume to LinkedIn profile

Why Upload Your Resume on LinkedIn?

Uploading your resume isn’t just about having an extra copy floating around—it’s about positioning yourself for opportunities.

Recruiters don’t have time to dig. If your resume is front and center, you make their job easier. And when you make their job easier, you increase your chances of getting noticed.

Beyond visibility, it strengthens your professional brand. Your LinkedIn profile gives a snapshot, but a resume fills in the gaps—project details, achievements, tailored skills.

A well-placed resume lets hiring managers see the full picture without extra clicks.

And let’s not forget convenience.

But where exactly should you upload it? Today, I'll show you a few ways, each with its own benefits.

Let’s start with adding your resume directly to your profile.

Method 1: Upload Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is like a digital business card—so why not make it work harder for you?

Adding your resume to your profile gives recruiters instant access to your full experience without them needing to ask.

Here’s how:

1) Click your profile picture and select “View Profile.”

2) Scroll to the "Featured" section.

How to add a resume to your LinkedIn profile

3) Click “Add” → “Media” and upload your resume (PDF or DOC).

Upload a PDF or Doc file of your resume to LinkedIn

4) Hit save. That’s it!

This method is good if you want to showcase a general resume for networking.

But be mindful—anyone viewing your profile can see it. If you’re currently employed, you might not want your boss stumbling across it.

Need a more private option? LinkedIn also lets you upload a resume when applying for jobs directly. Let’s walk through how that works.

Method 2: Add Resume When Applying for Jobs on LinkedIn

If you’re actively job hunting, uploading your resume while applying is the way to go. It keeps things private—only the employer sees it—and ensures your application is tailored for each role.

Here’s how to do it:

1) Find a job listing and click “Easy Apply.”

Click Easy Apply on LinkedIn to upload your resume

2) When prompted, upload your resume (PDF or DOC).

Upload resume to LinkedIn

3) Double-check your details and hit submit.

This method saves time, especially if you’re applying to multiple roles. Plus, LinkedIn often auto-fills application fields using your resume, reducing manual entry.

However, resumes aren’t stored permanently in job applications. Want LinkedIn to keep your resume on file for future use?

That’s where the Job Preferences section comes in.

Let’s dive into that next.

Method 3: Upload Resume to LinkedIn’s Job Preferences Section

Want a resume ready to go for future applications? LinkedIn lets you store one in Job Preferences, so you don’t have to upload it every time.

Here’s how:

1) Click “Jobs” in the top menu.

2) Select “Application Settings.”

Click job preferences on LinkedIn to add resume

3) Upload your resume and save.

Click 'Resumes and Application Data' to add resume to LinkedIn

best resume format for LinkedIn

Now, whenever you apply for a job, LinkedIn will autofill details using your saved resume—saving you time and effort.

This option is great if you’re applying frequently, but keep it updated. Using an outdated resume can hurt your chances.

Also, unlike the Featured section, this resume isn’t visible to recruiters unless you apply.

So, should you upload your resume and forget about it? Not quite.

To really make an impact, there are a few best practices to follow. Let’s go over them next.

Comparison of best ways to add resume to LinkedIn

Best Practices for Uploading Your Resume on LinkedIn

Uploading your resume is just the first step—making sure it works in your favor is where the real strategy comes in.

First, format matters. Stick to PDF or DOC to ensure it looks clean across devices. A messy, unreadable file is an instant turnoff for recruiters.

Next, optimize for keywords. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes for relevant terms. Match your resume to industry language for better visibility.

Also, keep it updated. If you’ve gained new skills or experience, refresh your resume. An outdated one can make you look disengaged.

Finally, watch your privacy settings. If you’re currently employed, think twice before making your resume public.

With these best practices in mind, let’s wrap things up and bring it all together.

What a clean resume looks like...
A professional resume to add to LinkedIn
An example of what a professional looking resume, suitable for LinkedIn, looks like

If you struggle with resume formatting or content, you can create something like this easily with Resumatic, a pretty great resume builder.


People Also Asked…

How do I put my resume on LinkedIn?

You can upload your resume to LinkedIn in three ways: (1) Add it to the Featured section on your profile for public visibility, (2) Attach it when applying for jobs via Easy Apply, or (3) Save it under Job Preferences for future applications. Each option serves a different purpose, so choose the one that aligns with your job search goals.

How do I add or edit a resume in LinkedIn?

To add or update your resume, go to your profile’s Featured section, remove the old file, and upload a new one. If you’re using Job Preferences, navigate to Jobs > Application Settings, delete the outdated version, and replace it. When applying for jobs, you can always upload an updated resume directly within the Easy Apply process.

Where is my resume on the LinkedIn app?

If you’ve uploaded your resume via Job Preferences, you’ll find it under Jobs > Application Settings. If you attached it to a job application, LinkedIn doesn’t store it permanently. If it’s in the Featured section, view it directly on your profile.

Why can't I upload my resume on LinkedIn?

There could be several reasons: unsupported file format (stick to PDF or DOC), file size exceeding LinkedIn’s limits, or a temporary technical glitch. If uploading via Easy Apply, the job posting might not allow attachments. Try compressing your file or using a different browser if issues persist.

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To Wrap Up...

Adding your resume to LinkedIn isn’t just a box to check—it’s a smart move that can boost your visibility and streamline job applications. Whether you upload it to your profile, attach it to job applications, or store it in settings, each method serves a purpose.

The key? Be strategic. Keep your resume updated, optimized, and aligned with your career goals. A strong LinkedIn presence, combined with a well-placed resume, can put you ahead of the competition.

Now that you know how to add your resume, take a few minutes to upload yours. You never know who might be looking.

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