Upload your resume directly to your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn lets you attach a PDF or Word document of your resume to your profile so recruiters and hiring managers can download it without asking. You upload it once, and it stays there until you replace it. The file appears in a dedicated section on your profile that people see when they visit your page.

You can upload your resume on both the LinkedIn website and the mobile app. The process takes about two minutes. LinkedIn accepts PDF, Word (.doc or .docx), and a few other document formats, but PDF is the safest choice because it preserves your formatting on any device.

Key Takeaways

  • You upload a resume file once to your profile, and it stays visible to anyone who views your page unless you delete it.
  • LinkedIn accepts PDF and Word documents, but PDF prevents formatting problems across different computers.
  • On the website, you find the resume upload button in the "About" section of your profile; on mobile, it's in the same location but accessed through the app menu.
  • You can replace your resume at any time by uploading a new file, and the old one disappears automatically.
  • Recruiters can download your resume directly from your profile, so having one uploaded increases the chance they'll contact you.

Upload a resume on the LinkedIn website

Start by logging into LinkedIn on your computer and going to your profile. Click your profile photo in the top right corner, then select "View profile" from the dropdown menu. This takes you to your public profile page.

Scroll down to the "About" section — this is where your headline and summary live. On the right side of this section, you'll see a pencil icon. Click it to edit. At the bottom of the "About" editing box, you'll see a button that says "Add a resume" or a paperclip icon. Click that button, then select the resume file from your computer. LinkedIn uploads it immediately once you choose the file.

After the upload finishes, your resume appears as a downloadable link in the "About" section. Anyone viewing your profile can click it to download your file. If you need to replace it later, click the pencil icon again and upload a new file — the old one disappears automatically.

Upload a resume on the LinkedIn mobile app

Open the LinkedIn app on your phone and tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen. This opens your profile. Scroll to the "About" section and tap the pencil icon to edit it.

Scroll to the bottom of the editing screen. You'll see an option to add a resume — it may appear as "Add a resume" or a paperclip icon depending on your phone's operating system. Tap it, then choose a file from your phone's storage. LinkedIn uploads it right away.

The resume then appears in your "About" section just as it does on the website. Mobile users and desktop users both see the same download link when they visit your profile.

What happens after you upload your resume

Once your resume is live on your profile, recruiters and hiring managers can see it when they visit your page. Many use LinkedIn's search tools to find candidates, and they often download resumes directly from profiles rather than asking for them separately. Having a resume visible signals that you're actively looking and makes it easier for them to move forward.

Your resume doesn't automatically sync with your LinkedIn profile information — meaning if you update your work history on LinkedIn, your resume file doesn't change. You need to update the actual resume document on your computer, then upload the new version to replace the old one. This is actually useful because it lets you keep different versions of your resume for different types of jobs without your profile getting out of sync.

Fix common upload problems

If LinkedIn won't let you upload a file, check that it's in an accepted format. LinkedIn takes PDF, Word (.doc and .docx), and a few others, but not Google Docs links or Pages files. Download your resume as a PDF or Word file first, then try uploading again.

If the file uploads but looks wrong — text is cut off, formatting is broken, or pages are missing — the problem is usually that your resume uses fonts or formatting that don't translate well. Open your resume in Word or Google Docs, simplify the formatting (remove columns, complex tables, or unusual fonts), and save it again as a PDF. Then upload the new version.

If you can't find the upload button, make sure you're in edit mode. Click the pencil icon next to your "About" section. The button only appears when you're actively editing, not when you're just viewing your profile.

Replace or delete your resume

To replace your resume with a newer version, go back to the "About" section, click the pencil icon to edit, and upload a new file. The new file replaces the old one automatically — you don't need to delete the old one first.

To remove your resume entirely without uploading a new one, click the pencil icon next to "About," find your resume file in the editing box, and look for a delete or remove button (usually an X or trash icon). Click it, then save your changes. Your resume disappears from your profile immediately.

Why recruiters care about your resume on LinkedIn

Recruiters often search LinkedIn by job title, skills, or location and then visit profiles that match what they're looking for. When they land on your profile, they want to see your full work history and details that don't fit in the headline or summary. A resume file gives them everything in one place without having to ask you for it.

Having a resume attached also shows you're serious about your job search. Profiles without resumes sometimes look abandoned or incomplete, even if the rest of your information is current. A resume signals that you're actively looking and ready to move forward quickly if someone wants to talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload more than one resume to my LinkedIn profile?

No, LinkedIn only lets you have one resume file attached at a time. If you want to use different resumes for different types of jobs, you'll need to swap them out — upload the new one, which replaces the old one. Some people keep their most general resume on LinkedIn and send tailored versions directly to recruiters when they apply.

Do I need to add my resume if I already have a complete LinkedIn profile?

No, it's not required. But recruiters often prefer to download a resume file because it's easier to share with hiring managers or keep in their system. A complete profile plus a resume gives them everything they need without back-and-forth messages.

What file format should I use — PDF or Word?

PDF is safer because it looks the same on every computer and phone. Word files sometimes reformat depending on what fonts and programs the person viewing them has installed. If your resume has complex formatting or special fonts, PDF protects it better.

Will my resume be public, or only visible to people I connect with?

Your resume is visible to anyone who views your profile, whether they're connected to you or not. If your profile is public, your resume is public. If you make your profile private, only people you've connected with can see your resume.

Can I see who downloaded my resume from LinkedIn?

LinkedIn doesn't tell you who downloaded your resume file. You can see who viewed your profile if you have a paid account, but downloads are anonymous. This is by design — it keeps the process simple for recruiters.