LinkedIn is like Disneyland for career opportunities, but only if you know how to use it right.
One of the most overlooked power moves? Uploading your resume and optimizing your profile so recruiters can’t look away.
Here’s how to do both, step by step.
How to Attach Your Resume to LinkedIn
To upload your resume to LinkedIn securely and ensure it’s ready for job applications, follow these steps:
Go to Your LinkedIn Profile
Click on your profile photo at the top right, then select Settings & Privacy from the dropdown menu.
Navigate to Job Application Settings
In the left-hand menu, click on Data Privacy, then scroll down and select Job application settings.
Upload Your Resume
You’ll see an option to upload your resume under “Manage your resumes.” Click Upload Resume and choose a file from your device.
The accepted formats are DOC, DOCX, or PDF and the maximum file size is 5 MB.
Choose Your Preferences
LinkedIn will ask whether you'd like to save the resume for future job applications and if you'd like to make it visible to recruiters.
How to Upload Your Resume from a Mobile Device
Uploading your resume via the LinkedIn mobile app is as quick and easy.
Just follow these steps:
Open the LinkedIn app on your phone.
Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
Then tap the settings icon (⚙️) in the top left.
Scroll down to the “Data privacy” section and tap “Job application settings”.
Select “Resumes”, then tap “Upload resume” and choose your file.
How to Show Your Resume on LinkedIn
Uploading your resume through LinkedIn’s job application settings is a great way to make it accessible to recruiters, or to apply quickly when you see a job that interests you.
But that’s just one piece of the puzzle.
You can boost your visibility by strategically adding your resume to your profile.
Just make sure your LinkedIn is also well-optimized and clearly showcases your skills and accomplishments.
Treating Your Profile Like a Resume
First and foremost, your LinkedIn profile should be fully optimized.
These are four key areas you should focus on before uploading your resume to LinkedIn:
1. Your Profile Photo
People connect more easily when they see a face, it adds a sense of trust and authenticity.
Make sure your profile picture is up-to-date, high quality, and reflects how you want to be perceived professionally.
Your Headline
Your LinkedIn headline is your elevator pitch, short, powerful, and designed to grab attention.
It’s one of the first sentence recruiters notice, so make it clear, specific, and value-driven.
If you're unsure where to start, you can always use a free headline generator to get ideas and refine your message.
3. Your Banner
Your banner is valuable real estate.
Use it to highlight your current goals; whether you’re open to work, a recent graduate, or a specialist in a certain field.
A well-designed banner can immediately catch attention and tell your story at a glance, often more effectively than a standalone resume.
3. Your Experience & Skills
Make sure every part of your profile is up to date, especially your work experience, certifications, education, and skills.
Since recruiters often check this section before sending a message or connection request.
Also, don’t forget to include the languages you speak and the technical tools you’re proficient in.
Think of this section as your chance to clearly demonstrate the value you bring — and to reinforce everything that’s in your resume.
4. Content & Activity (Bonus Tip)
Finally, take advantage of LinkedIn’s content feature.
Share posts that highlight your expertise, career journey, or industry insights.
This builds credibility, demonstrates your communication skills, and keeps your profile active, helping recruiters see you as someone engaged and valuable in your field.
How to Add your Resume in The Feature Section
Another effective way to showcase your resume on LinkedIn is by adding it to the Featured section of your profile.
This ensures that anyone who visits your profile, right after seeing your photo, headline, or banner, can access your resume within just a couple of clicks.
Here’s how to do it:
Go to your LinkedIn profile and click on your profile photo or name to open your personal page.
Click on “Add profile section.”
In the dropdown menu, go to “Recommended” and select “Add Featured.”
You’ll then be given several options, choose whether you want to add:
A link (for example, to your online portfolio or resume hosted on your website)
A media file (such as a PDF or document version of your resume)
A LinkedIn article you wrote or post you've already published on LinkedIn
If you have a personal website or portfolio, it’s best to add the link.
Otherwise, upload your resume directly as a document so recruiters can view or download it with ease.
This small update can make a big difference in giving recruiters instant access to what matters most.
Best Practices When Uploading Your Resume on LinkedIn
To get the most out of your resume on LinkedIn, it’s important to go beyond simply uploading a document.
Here are some best practices to ensure your profile and resume work together effectively to attract recruiters, clients, or collaborators.
1. Understand LinkedIn’s Privacy risks
Before uploading your resume to LinkedIn, it’s important to understand the platform’s limitations.
Your resume likely contains personal information such as your phone number, home address, or email. If your profile is public, that data could be easily accessed by anyone online.
So before adding your resume to the "Featured" section or making it publicly visible, ask yourself: Do I really want this information out there for everyone to see?
Pro Tip: Treat your resume as a supporting document, not the centerpiece.
2. File Size and Format Restrictions
LinkedIn accepts resumes in DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats, with a maximum file size of 5MB.
These are standard file types that most recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily open and read, so sticking to them is key.
But don’t just upload any file.
Make sure your resume is clearly named and avoid titles like “CV_final_v1.pdf”.
Instead, go with something simple and professional like Firstname_lastname_resume.pdf.
It looks more polished and makes it easier for recruiters to keep track of your document if they download it.
3. Keep Your Resume Updated
If your resume helped you land a new job or client, don’t forget to remove or update it.
An outdated resume can send the wrong signal.
If you're no longer job hunting, consider removing it from public view.
If you've changed roles, update your profile first, and then your resume.
A clean and up-to-date profile always gives a better impression than one cluttered with old files or outdated info.
4. Align Your Resume with Your Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should complement each other, not contradict.
Match job titles, dates, and responsibilities across both.
If your resume is more tailored (for example, targeting a specific industry), make sure your LinkedIn still presents a broad, accurate summary of your overall experience.
5. Customize for Your Audience
Tailoring your resume and profile to the role or industry you’re targeting can make a big difference.
Here’s how:
Adapt your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experience for the job or industry.
Use industry-specific keywords
Mirror the language used in job listings. Recruiters are more likely to engage when they see familiar terms and phrasing.
Show you understand the industry. Customization shows effort and signals that you’re serious about the role.
By speaking the language of the industry, you’re not just listing qualifications, you’re showing alignment with the needs of your future employer.
Best Practices When Uploading Your Resume on LinkedIn
To get the most out of your resume on LinkedIn, it’s important to go beyond simply uploading a document.
Here are some best practices to ensure your profile and resume work together effectively to attract recruiters, clients, or collaborators.
1. Understand LinkedIn’s Privacy risks
Before uploading your resume to LinkedIn, it’s important to understand the platform’s limitations.
Your resume likely contains personal information such as your phone number, home address, or email. If your profile is public, that data could be easily accessed by anyone online.
So before adding your resume to the "Featured" section or making it publicly visible, ask yourself: Do I really want this information out there for everyone to see?
Pro Tip: Treat your resume as a supporting document, not the centerpiece.
2. File Size and Format Restrictions
LinkedIn accepts resumes in DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats, with a maximum file size of 5MB.
These are standard file types that most recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily open and read, so sticking to them is key.
But don’t just upload any file.
Make sure your resume is clearly named and avoid titles like “CV_final_v1.pdf”.
Instead, go with something simple and professional like Firstname_lastname_resume.pdf.
It looks more polished and makes it easier for recruiters to keep track of your document if they download it.
3. Keep Your Resume Updated
If your resume helped you land a new job or client, don’t forget to remove or update it.
An outdated resume can send the wrong signal.
If you're no longer job hunting, consider removing it from public view.
If you've changed roles, update your profile first, and then your resume.
A clean and up-to-date profile always gives a better impression than one cluttered with old files or outdated info.
4. Align Your Resume with Your Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should complement each other, not contradict.
Match job titles, dates, and responsibilities across both.
If your resume is more tailored (for example, targeting a specific industry), make sure your LinkedIn still presents a broad, accurate summary of your overall experience.
5. Customize for Your Audience
Tailoring your resume and profile to the role or industry you’re targeting can make a big difference.
Here’s how:
Adapt your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experience for the job or industry.
Use industry-specific keywords
Mirror the language used in job listings. Recruiters are more likely to engage when they see familiar terms and phrasing.
Show you understand the industry. Customization shows effort and signals that you’re serious about the role.
By speaking the language of the industry, you’re not just listing qualifications, you’re showing alignment with the needs of your future employer.
Best Practices When Uploading Your Resume on LinkedIn
To get the most out of your resume on LinkedIn, it’s important to go beyond simply uploading a document.
Here are some best practices to ensure your profile and resume work together effectively to attract recruiters, clients, or collaborators.
1. Understand LinkedIn’s Privacy risks
Before uploading your resume to LinkedIn, it’s important to understand the platform’s limitations.
Your resume likely contains personal information such as your phone number, home address, or email. If your profile is public, that data could be easily accessed by anyone online.
So before adding your resume to the "Featured" section or making it publicly visible, ask yourself: Do I really want this information out there for everyone to see?
Pro Tip: Treat your resume as a supporting document, not the centerpiece.
2. File Size and Format Restrictions
LinkedIn accepts resumes in DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats, with a maximum file size of 5MB.
These are standard file types that most recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily open and read, so sticking to them is key.
But don’t just upload any file.
Make sure your resume is clearly named and avoid titles like “CV_final_v1.pdf”.
Instead, go with something simple and professional like Firstname_lastname_resume.pdf.
It looks more polished and makes it easier for recruiters to keep track of your document if they download it.
3. Keep Your Resume Updated
If your resume helped you land a new job or client, don’t forget to remove or update it.
An outdated resume can send the wrong signal.
If you're no longer job hunting, consider removing it from public view.
If you've changed roles, update your profile first, and then your resume.
A clean and up-to-date profile always gives a better impression than one cluttered with old files or outdated info.
4. Align Your Resume with Your Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should complement each other, not contradict.
Match job titles, dates, and responsibilities across both.
If your resume is more tailored (for example, targeting a specific industry), make sure your LinkedIn still presents a broad, accurate summary of your overall experience.
5. Customize for Your Audience
Tailoring your resume and profile to the role or industry you’re targeting can make a big difference.
Here’s how:
Adapt your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experience for the job or industry.
Use industry-specific keywords
Mirror the language used in job listings. Recruiters are more likely to engage when they see familiar terms and phrasing.
Show you understand the industry. Customization shows effort and signals that you’re serious about the role.
By speaking the language of the industry, you’re not just listing qualifications, you’re showing alignment with the needs of your future employer.
Best Practices When Uploading Your Resume on LinkedIn
To get the most out of your resume on LinkedIn, it’s important to go beyond simply uploading a document.
Here are some best practices to ensure your profile and resume work together effectively to attract recruiters, clients, or collaborators.
1. Understand LinkedIn’s Privacy risks
Before uploading your resume to LinkedIn, it’s important to understand the platform’s limitations.
Your resume likely contains personal information such as your phone number, home address, or email. If your profile is public, that data could be easily accessed by anyone online.
So before adding your resume to the "Featured" section or making it publicly visible, ask yourself: Do I really want this information out there for everyone to see?
Pro Tip: Treat your resume as a supporting document, not the centerpiece.
2. File Size and Format Restrictions
LinkedIn accepts resumes in DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats, with a maximum file size of 5MB.
These are standard file types that most recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily open and read, so sticking to them is key.
But don’t just upload any file.
Make sure your resume is clearly named and avoid titles like “CV_final_v1.pdf”.
Instead, go with something simple and professional like Firstname_lastname_resume.pdf.
It looks more polished and makes it easier for recruiters to keep track of your document if they download it.
3. Keep Your Resume Updated
If your resume helped you land a new job or client, don’t forget to remove or update it.
An outdated resume can send the wrong signal.
If you're no longer job hunting, consider removing it from public view.
If you've changed roles, update your profile first, and then your resume.
A clean and up-to-date profile always gives a better impression than one cluttered with old files or outdated info.
4. Align Your Resume with Your Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should complement each other, not contradict.
Match job titles, dates, and responsibilities across both.
If your resume is more tailored (for example, targeting a specific industry), make sure your LinkedIn still presents a broad, accurate summary of your overall experience.
5. Customize for Your Audience
Tailoring your resume and profile to the role or industry you’re targeting can make a big difference.
Here’s how:
Adapt your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experience for the job or industry.
Use industry-specific keywords
Mirror the language used in job listings. Recruiters are more likely to engage when they see familiar terms and phrasing.
Show you understand the industry. Customization shows effort and signals that you’re serious about the role.
By speaking the language of the industry, you’re not just listing qualifications, you’re showing alignment with the needs of your future employer.
Best Practices When Uploading Your Resume on LinkedIn
To get the most out of your resume on LinkedIn, it’s important to go beyond simply uploading a document.
Here are some best practices to ensure your profile and resume work together effectively to attract recruiters, clients, or collaborators.
1. Understand LinkedIn’s Privacy risks
Before uploading your resume to LinkedIn, it’s important to understand the platform’s limitations.
Your resume likely contains personal information such as your phone number, home address, or email. If your profile is public, that data could be easily accessed by anyone online.
So before adding your resume to the "Featured" section or making it publicly visible, ask yourself: Do I really want this information out there for everyone to see?
Pro Tip: Treat your resume as a supporting document, not the centerpiece.
2. File Size and Format Restrictions
LinkedIn accepts resumes in DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats, with a maximum file size of 5MB.
These are standard file types that most recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) can easily open and read, so sticking to them is key.
But don’t just upload any file.
Make sure your resume is clearly named and avoid titles like “CV_final_v1.pdf”.
Instead, go with something simple and professional like Firstname_lastname_resume.pdf.
It looks more polished and makes it easier for recruiters to keep track of your document if they download it.
3. Keep Your Resume Updated
If your resume helped you land a new job or client, don’t forget to remove or update it.
An outdated resume can send the wrong signal.
If you're no longer job hunting, consider removing it from public view.
If you've changed roles, update your profile first, and then your resume.
A clean and up-to-date profile always gives a better impression than one cluttered with old files or outdated info.
4. Align Your Resume with Your Profile
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should complement each other, not contradict.
Match job titles, dates, and responsibilities across both.
If your resume is more tailored (for example, targeting a specific industry), make sure your LinkedIn still presents a broad, accurate summary of your overall experience.
5. Customize for Your Audience
Tailoring your resume and profile to the role or industry you’re targeting can make a big difference.
Here’s how:
Adapt your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experience for the job or industry.
Use industry-specific keywords
Mirror the language used in job listings. Recruiters are more likely to engage when they see familiar terms and phrasing.
Show you understand the industry. Customization shows effort and signals that you’re serious about the role.
By speaking the language of the industry, you’re not just listing qualifications, you’re showing alignment with the needs of your future employer.
FAQ
What file formats are supported for uploading a resume on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn supports DOC, DOCX, and PDF formats for resumes.
These are the most compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and easy for recruiters to open without formatting issues.
Can I link to my resume instead of uploading it on LinkedIn?
Yes! If you’d rather not upload your resume directly, you can add a link to it in the “Featured” section of your profile.
This is especially useful if you host your resume on a personal website or use platforms like Google Drive (just make sure the link is public).
How do I ensure my resume is visible to potential employers on LinkedIn?
Make sure your privacy settings are aligned with your job search goals. If you're applying for jobs through LinkedIn, you can upload your resume in the “Job Application Settings.”
If you’re adding it to your profile (via the Featured section), ensure your profile visibility is set to “public” or “all LinkedIn members.”
Are there any size limitations for uploading a resume on LinkedIn?
Yes. The maximum file size LinkedIn allows is 5MB. If your resume is larger than that, trim it down by removing unnecessary graphics or reducing image resolution.
How can I optimize my LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters?
Think of your profile as your digital first impression. Here’s what to focus on:
Use a clear, professional profile photo.
Write a compelling headline and summary that reflect your career goals.
Keep your experience section updated, and keyword-rich.
Add relevant skills, certifications, and languages.
Engage with content or post insights to show thought leadership in your field.
Bonus: Customize your banner to say you're “open to work” or highlight your niche expertise.
How can I delete my resume on LinkedIn?
To remove a resume:
Go to Settings & Privacy → Data Privacy → Job Application Settings.
Under “Manage your resumes,” you’ll see any files you’ve uploaded.
Simply hit “Delete” next to the one you want to remove.
If you added your resume in the “Featured” section of your profile, just go to your profile, click the pencil icon in that section, and remove the file or link.
Is there a way to edit my resume after uploading it on LinkedIn?
Not directly. Once uploaded, LinkedIn doesn’t let you edit the file itself, you’ll need to edit the original document on your computer, save the updated version, and upload it again to replace the old one.
