Where to find and edit your resume on LinkedIn

LinkedIn lets you upload a resume file directly to your profile, and you can change it whenever you want. The resume lives in a dedicated section that employers and recruiters see when they visit your profile. You can upload a new file, delete the old one, or swap between multiple versions — LinkedIn keeps them all stored so you can switch back if needed.

To add or change your resume, go to your profile page and scroll down to the section labeled "Featured" or look for a dedicated resume section (the exact placement varies slightly depending on whether you're on desktop or mobile). Click the pencil icon or "Add" button next to the resume section. This opens a file upload window where you select a PDF, Word document, or image file from your computer. LinkedIn accepts files up to 5 MB in size.

Once you upload a new resume, it replaces the previous one immediately. Anyone viewing your profile from that moment forward sees the updated version. If you want to keep multiple resumes on file and switch between them, you'll need to delete the current one and upload a different file each time — LinkedIn doesn't have a built-in way to store and toggle between versions without re-uploading.

Key Takeaways

  • Your resume uploads to the Featured section of your profile, where recruiters and employers can see it when they visit.
  • You can upload a PDF, Word document, or image file up to 5 MB, and the new version replaces the old one immediately across your entire profile.
  • LinkedIn does not store multiple resume versions in a switchable list, so you must delete and re-upload if you want to change between different files.
  • Uploading a resume does not change your work history, skills, or other profile sections — it's a separate document that sits alongside your profile information.

Uploading a resume for the first time

If you don't have a resume section yet, the process is the same. Open your profile, find the Featured section (usually near the top, below your headline and photo), and look for an option to add content. Click the plus icon or "Add" button, then select "Resume" from the menu if prompted. A file browser opens — navigate to the resume file on your computer and click Open.

LinkedIn will display a preview of your uploaded file so you can confirm it looks correct before saving. Check that the text is readable, the formatting came through, and all the pages are there. Once you confirm, the resume appears on your profile immediately. You don't need to do anything else — it's live the moment you upload it.

Replacing an existing resume with a new version

When you're ready to swap out your resume, click the pencil icon on the resume section of your profile. This opens the same upload window. Select your new file and click Open. LinkedIn shows you a preview of the new document before you confirm. Once you click Save or Confirm, the new resume replaces the old one everywhere on your profile.

The old resume is deleted and no longer visible to anyone viewing your profile. If you think you might want to use that old version again later, save a copy of it on your computer before uploading the new one. LinkedIn doesn't keep a version history, so the only way to restore an old resume is to have the file saved locally.

Removing your resume from your profile

To delete your resume entirely, click the pencil icon on the resume section and look for a delete or remove option (usually a trash icon or "Remove" button). Confirm the deletion when prompted. Your resume disappears from your profile immediately, though the rest of your profile information stays intact.

Removing your resume doesn't affect your work history, skills, endorsements, or any other part of your profile. It only takes away the document file itself. You can add a new resume back at any time using the same upload process.

File format and technical requirements

LinkedIn accepts resumes in three formats: PDF, Word documents (.docx or .doc), and image files (.jpg, .png). A PDF usually works best because it preserves your formatting exactly as you created it, regardless of what fonts or styles the person viewing it has installed on their computer. Word documents sometimes display differently depending on the viewer's software version.

Your file must be smaller than 5 MB. Most resumes are well under this limit — a typical one-page resume is usually under 500 KB. If your file is too large, try converting it to PDF or removing images or graphics that aren't essential. LinkedIn also recommends keeping your resume to one or two pages for best readability on mobile devices, where many recruiters browse profiles.

What happens after you upload a resume

Once your resume is live on your profile, recruiters and hiring managers can see it when they visit your page. Some use it to get a quick overview of your background; others download it to share with their hiring team or add to their applicant tracking system. Your resume doesn't change how LinkedIn's search algorithm works or how often you appear in recruiter searches — that's based on your profile information, skills, and keywords.

Uploading a resume is separate from filling out your work history on LinkedIn itself. You should still complete your profile with job titles, company names, dates, and descriptions — many recruiters search LinkedIn's built-in fields rather than downloading resumes. The resume is an extra document that gives a more polished, formatted version of your background.

Keeping your resume and profile in sync

Your LinkedIn profile and your resume file are independent. If you change your job title, add a new skill, or update your work history on LinkedIn, that change doesn't automatically appear in your resume file. You need to update both separately. This means if you make changes to your profile, you should also create a new resume that matches and upload it to keep everything consistent.

Before uploading a new resume, scan your profile to make sure the information matches. If your resume says you worked somewhere from 2018 to 2022 but your profile says 2018 to 2023, recruiters will notice the discrepancy. Keeping them aligned takes a few extra minutes but makes you look more organized and careful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload multiple resumes and switch between them?

No. LinkedIn's resume section holds only one file at a time. If you want to use a different resume, you must delete the current one and upload the new file. If you think you might need an old resume again, save it on your computer before deleting it from LinkedIn.

Will changing my resume affect my job applications or messages from recruiters?

No. Changing your resume only affects what new visitors to your profile see going forward. It does not change past applications or messages. If a recruiter already downloaded your old resume, they have that version — updating your profile doesn't change what they have.

What if my resume file is too large to upload?

LinkedIn's limit is 5 MB. If your file exceeds that, try converting it to PDF format, which usually compresses the file size. You can also remove unnecessary images or graphics. If it's still too large, your resume is probably longer than two pages — consider trimming it down.

Does uploading a resume replace my work history section?

No. Your resume is a separate document that sits alongside your profile. Your work history, skills, education, and other sections remain unchanged. You should keep both your profile and your resume updated so recruiters see consistent information.

Can recruiters download my resume from LinkedIn?

Yes. When you upload a resume to your profile, recruiters and hiring managers can view and download it. Some LinkedIn Premium members also have additional tools to download resumes from profiles they visit. Treat your uploaded resume the same way you would any public document.