You can upload a PDF or Word document directly to your LinkedIn profile in about two minutes
LinkedIn lets you attach a resume file to your profile so recruiters and hiring managers can download it without asking. The file sits in a dedicated section that appears on your profile page, separate from your work history and skills. You upload it once, and it stays there until you replace it or delete it.
The process works the same way on desktop and mobile, though the desktop version is slightly easier to navigate. LinkedIn accepts PDF and Word documents (.doc, .docx, .pdf), and the file size limit is 5 MB — most resumes are well under that.
Key Takeaways
- You upload your resume file directly through your profile settings, and it appears in a dedicated section that visitors can see and download.
- LinkedIn accepts PDF and Word files up to 5 MB, and you can replace or delete your resume at any time.
- Your resume appears on your profile page but does not automatically populate your work history or skills — you still need to fill those sections separately.
- Recruiters can see your resume if they view your profile, but they cannot search for you based on resume content alone.
How to upload a resume on desktop
Open LinkedIn in a web browser and go to your profile by clicking your profile photo in the top right corner, then select "View profile." On your profile page, look for the "About" section near the top. Scroll down slightly until you see a section labeled "Resume" or a button that says "Add resume" — if you have not uploaded one yet, this button will be visible.
Click the "Add resume" button or the upload icon. A window will open asking you to choose a file from your computer. Navigate to where you saved your resume, select it, and click "Open." LinkedIn will upload the file and display it on your profile within a few seconds. You will see a thumbnail preview of the first page.
If you want to replace your resume later, click the three dots or menu icon next to the resume section and select "Replace." If you want to remove it entirely, select "Delete" from the same menu.
How to upload a resume on mobile
Open the LinkedIn app and tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen to go to your profile. Scroll down to find the "Resume" section. If you have not added one yet, you will see an "Add resume" button or a plus icon.
Tap the button to open your phone's file browser. Navigate to your resume file — it is usually in your Downloads folder or Documents folder, depending on where you saved it. Select the file and confirm the upload. The resume will appear on your profile within a few seconds.
On mobile, you can also take a photo of a printed resume or use a document scanning app to create a PDF, then upload that file instead. This works if you do not have a digital copy readily available, though a typed resume usually looks cleaner.
What happens after you upload your resume
Once your resume is live, it appears in a dedicated section on your profile that anyone visiting your page can see. Recruiters and hiring managers can download your file directly by clicking a download button next to the resume preview. LinkedIn does not send you a notification when someone downloads your resume, so you will not know who has looked at it.
Your resume file is separate from the information you enter in your profile sections like "Experience" and "Skills." Uploading a resume does not automatically fill in those sections, and having a resume does not replace the need to complete your profile. Recruiters often read both — they may scan your resume for specific details while also checking your profile for endorsements, recommendations, and a complete work history.
LinkedIn does not use the text inside your resume file for search purposes. If you want recruiters to find you by searching for specific skills or job titles, you need to add those details to your profile sections directly. Your resume is a downloadable document, not searchable content.
File format and size requirements
LinkedIn accepts two file types: PDF and Word documents (.doc or .docx). PDF is usually the safer choice because it preserves your formatting exactly as you created it, regardless of what software the person viewing it uses. Word documents sometimes display differently depending on the version of Microsoft Office or compatible software the viewer has installed.
Your file must be under 5 MB. Most resumes are between 100 KB and 500 KB, so size is rarely a problem unless you have embedded images or videos. If your resume file is too large, try converting it to PDF or removing any embedded media, then try uploading again.
Updating or removing your resume
You can change your resume at any time by clicking the menu icon next to the resume section on your profile and selecting "Replace." This removes the old file and uploads the new one. The old version is no longer available to download, and anyone who previously downloaded it will not automatically receive the updated version.
If you want to remove your resume entirely — for example, if you are no longer job searching or want to keep your profile more private — click the menu icon and select "Delete." This removes the resume section from your profile, and no one will be able to download it. You can always add a new resume later if you change your mind.
Tips for resume visibility and recruiter outreach
Having a resume on your profile makes it easier for recruiters to contact you, but it is not the only factor they consider. Recruiters often search LinkedIn by job title, skills, location, and company history — all of which come from your profile sections, not your resume file. To maximize visibility, make sure your "Headline" (the line under your name) clearly states your current role or the role you are seeking, and fill in your "Experience" section with past jobs and accomplishments.
If you want recruiters to find you more easily, set your profile to "Open to work" by clicking the "Open to work" button on your profile. This signals to recruiters that you are interested in new opportunities and makes your profile appear higher in recruiter searches. You can specify the types of roles, locations, and work arrangements you are interested in, and recruiters will see these preferences.
Keep your resume and profile in sync. If your resume lists a skill or accomplishment that does not appear anywhere on your profile, recruiters may not find you when searching for that skill. Review both documents before sending them to make sure they tell the same story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can recruiters search for me based on what is in my resume file?
No. LinkedIn only searches the text you enter directly into your profile sections — your headline, experience, skills, and about section. The content inside your resume file is not searchable. To be found by recruiters, you need to add relevant skills and job titles to your profile itself.
What if I upload the wrong resume by mistake?
Click the menu icon next to your resume section and select "Replace." Upload the correct file, and the old one will be removed. Anyone who previously downloaded the wrong resume will not automatically receive the corrected version, so if you sent your profile to someone, you may want to let them know you have updated it.
Does LinkedIn charge a fee to upload a resume?
No. Uploading a resume to your LinkedIn profile is free for all users, whether you have a free account or a paid subscription. There are no hidden fees or limits on how many times you can replace your resume.
Can I upload multiple resumes at once?
LinkedIn only allows one resume file per profile at a time. If you want to show different versions of your resume to different audiences, you will need to replace the file each time. Some users create one resume that highlights their most versatile skills instead.
Will my resume be visible if my profile is private?
Your resume visibility depends on your profile privacy settings. If your profile is set to private, only people you have accepted as connections can see your resume. If your profile is public, anyone can view and download it. Check your privacy settings under "Visibility" in your profile settings to control who can see your resume.