How to Upload Your Resume on LinkedIn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey folks! How are you all doing? I hope you enjoyed the previous blog where we talked about LinkedIn summaries, profiles, and many more aspects. I thought that you learned all these things. Now, let's step into one more important aspect of LinkedIn profile optimization which is uploading your resume and why it's important. In this guide, i will walk through when, where, and how to upload your resume on LinkedIn—so it works for you, not against you.

Why adding your Resume to LinkedIn matters

Your resume on LinkedIn serves as your professional calling card in the digital world. When you upload your resume to LinkedIn, you're making it easier for recruiters to find you and understand your professional journey at a glance. This simple step can significantly enhance your job search success and professional visibility.

Here are a few reasons why uploading your resume to LinkedIn matters:

Step-by-step guide to upload your Resume on LinkedIn

Method 1: Adding a Resume to your profile

1. Click on your profile picture in the top navigation bar and select "View Profile".

2. Scroll to the "Featured" Section on your profile. If you don't see it, you might need to add it by clicking the "Add profile section" button.

3. If you see the 'Set up your profile in minutes with a resume' option at the top of your screen, simply click the 'Get started' button to upload your resume.

4. You will see the interface, click on “Next”.

5. Upload your resume. Make sure your resume is either one of the formats- PDF, DOC, DOCX.

4. If you don't see this option or prefer to build your profile manually, scroll down to the 'Manual setup' section and click on “Recommended> Add featured”.

5. Click on the "+" icon in the Featured section.

6. Select "Add media" from the options. Browse your computer to locate your resume file and select it.

4. Give your resume a title (like "Updated Resume 2025") and add a brief description if you wish. This helps recruiters understand what they're looking at.

5. Click "Save" to complete the process. Your resume will now be visible in the Featured section of your profile.

Method 2: Upload during a job application (Easy Apply)

Here, you can attach your resume only when applying for a specific job via LinkedIn's “Easy Apply” feature. It’s not visible on your profile, but it’s seen by the recruiter or employer receiving your application. 

Follow the steps below to upload your resume on LinkedIn:-

1. Click on the "Jobs" icon in the top navigation bar.

2. Search for jobs that interest you and click on a specific listing. If the job supports “LinkedIn's Easy Apply” feature, click on it.

4. You'll see “Easy Apply”. Click on it.

5. Fill out the information required.

6. Press “Next”. Upload your resume and submit your application.

Resume file formats and common upload issues

Before you hit “upload,” take a moment to prepare your file correctly. LinkedIn has a few basic requirements, and skipping them could lead to errors or a failed upload.

Here’s what to check:

Accepted formats: PDF, DOC, or DOC

Max file size: 5 MB

File name: Keep it clean and professional—something like FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf works best

Avoid special characters: Symbols like @, #, and & in the file name can cause issues during upload.

Managing saved resumes in LinkedIn job applications

If you've used LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature, LinkedIn stores your previously uploaded resumes to make future applications easier. You can manage or replace these files in your account settings.

1. Click on the Me icon (top right) and go to Settings & Privacy.

2. Select Data Privacy from the sidebar.

3. Click on Job Seeking Preferences > Job Application Settings.

4. Under Resumes, you’ll see a list of previously uploaded files.

5. Click Delete next to any resume you want to remove, or upload a new one to replace it.

Where does your Resume appear on LinkedIn?

When you upload a resume to LinkedIn, its visibility depends on where you place it—whether it's in your profile or part of a job application. Let me clarify how public and private uploads work and who can view or download your resume.

Public visibility: Resume in the Featured section

If you upload your resume to the Featured section of your LinkedIn profile, it will be publicly visible to anyone who can view your profile, including recruiters, potential employers, and colleagues, including people who are not connected to you.

People who have access to your profile (and can view the Featured section) can download your resume directly from there.

But there are some privacy concerns: If your resume contains sensitive information, like personal contact details or addresses, make sure to update your privacy settings or only upload a limited version.

Private visibility: Resume for job applications

When you upload your resume via LinkedIn’s Easy Apply feature, it’s only visible to the hiring team for the specific job you’re applying to. Only the recruiter or hiring manager who receives your application will have access to your resume.

They can download and review the resume. This upload method offers greater privacy, as your resume is not shown to anyone else on the platform and is removed once the application is submitted.

Final thoughts

Uploading your resume to LinkedIn is a crucial step in optimizing your professional online presence. It increases your professional visibility to potential employers and streamlines your job application process. By implementing best practices, you can leverage LinkedIn to advance your career goals.

So, If have uploaded your resume yet now's the perfect time to take this important step toward enhancing your professional visibility. If you find this blog helpful, don’t forget to check out the next guide for adding a profile summary on LinkedIn.

FAQ’s

Can I include my LinkedIn URL on my resume and vice versa?

Absolutely! Add your LinkedIn URL to your resume, and in the description of your uploaded resume on LinkedIn, mention that you welcome connections and messages regarding opportunities. 

How often should I update my resume on LinkedIn?

You should update your resume on LinkedIn every 3-6 months, or whenever you have significant career changes such as a new job, promotion, additional certifications, or newly acquired skills.

Can recruiters download my resume from LinkedIn without my knowledge?

Yes. If your resume is in the Featured section, anyone who can view your profile can download it without notification to you. If this concerns you, consider uploading a version without sensitive personal information.

Is it better to link to my resume or upload the file directly?

Uploading the file directly to LinkedIn is generally better than linking to an external hosting site. Direct uploads ensure the document is immediately accessible to viewers.

Can I upload a video resume to LinkedIn?

Yes, LinkedIn allows you to upload video content to your featured section. A brief (60-90 second) video resume can complement your traditional resume and showcase your communication skills and personality. However, it shouldn't replace your standard resume document.