Add your resume in three steps

You can upload a resume file directly to your LinkedIn profile so recruiters and hiring managers see it without asking. LinkedIn accepts PDF, Word, and image files up to 5 MB. The resume appears in a dedicated section on your profile that you control — you can hide it from your network, show it to everyone, or remove it anytime.

The process takes about two minutes. You'll need your resume saved on your computer or phone, and you must be signed into LinkedIn on a web browser or the mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • Your resume uploads to a private section of your profile that only people you choose can see.
  • LinkedIn accepts PDF, Word documents (.doc, .docx), and image files, but not Google Docs or links to external sites.
  • You can upload a new resume anytime to replace the old one, and recruiters will see the most recent version.
  • Hiding your resume from your network doesn't affect your job search — recruiters searching LinkedIn's database can still find and view it.

Upload your resume on desktop

Step 1: Open your profile. Sign into LinkedIn and click your profile photo in the top right corner. Select "View profile" from the menu.

Step 2: Find the resume section. Scroll down your profile until you see a section labeled "Resume" or "Featured." If you don't see a resume section yet, look for a pencil icon or "Add section" button. Click it and choose "Resume" from the list of options.

Step 3: Upload your file. Click the upload button (usually a cloud icon or plus sign) in the resume section. A file browser will open. Navigate to your resume file on your computer, select it, and click "Open." LinkedIn will upload the file and display it on your profile.

If the upload fails, check that your file is under 5 MB and saved in one of these formats: PDF, .doc, .docx, or an image file (.jpg, .png). Rename the file if it contains special characters like asterisks or question marks.

Upload your resume on mobile

Step 1: Open the LinkedIn app. Tap your profile photo at the bottom of the screen to open your profile.

Step 2: Find the resume section. Scroll down until you see "Resume" or look for an "Add section" option. Tap it and select "Resume" from the menu.

Step 3: Choose your file. Tap the upload button. Your phone will open its file manager or photo library. Navigate to your resume file and select it. If your resume is stored in Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, open that app first, find the file, and look for a "Share" or "Open with" option to send it to LinkedIn.

Mobile uploads sometimes move slowly on older phones or weak connections. If the upload stalls, try again on a stronger Wi-Fi network or use the desktop version instead.

Control who sees your resume

By default, your resume is visible to anyone viewing your profile. You can change this by clicking the three dots next to your resume and selecting "Visibility settings." Choose from "Public" (everyone sees it), "Logged-in members only," or "Only you" (hidden from your network but still visible to recruiters searching LinkedIn's database).

Many job seekers hide their resume from their current network to avoid alerting their employer that they're looking. This doesn't hurt your chances — recruiters find resumes through LinkedIn's search function, not by browsing profiles. If you're concerned about privacy, hiding it is safe.

Replace or remove your resume

To upload a new version, click the three dots next to your current resume and select "Replace." Choose your new file and upload it the same way you did the first time. LinkedIn will replace the old version immediately, and anyone viewing your profile will see the new one.

To remove your resume entirely, click the three dots and select "Delete." This removes it from your profile but doesn't affect any resumes you've already sent to recruiters or job postings. You can upload a new one anytime.

Troubleshoot upload problems

File won't upload: Check the file size (must be under 5 MB) and format (PDF, Word, or image only). If your resume is a Google Doc, download it as a PDF first. LinkedIn doesn't accept links to external documents or files stored only in cloud services.

Resume appears blank or corrupted: Try uploading a PDF version instead of a Word document. Some formatting in Word files doesn't transfer properly. If you only have a Word file, open it in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, export it as a PDF, and upload that instead.

Can't find the resume section: On desktop, scroll all the way down your profile — the resume section appears near the bottom. On mobile, make sure you're viewing your own profile, not someone else's. If the section still doesn't appear, try logging out and back in.

What happens after you upload

Once your resume is live, recruiters using LinkedIn's search tools can find and view it. Your resume doesn't automatically go to job postings you view — you still send it manually when you apply. However, some companies that post jobs on LinkedIn can see your resume if you've made it visible to them.

LinkedIn doesn't use your uploaded resume to fill out job applications automatically. You'll still need to complete each application separately, though you can copy text from your resume and paste it into application forms if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload a resume that's longer than one page?

Yes. LinkedIn accepts multi-page resumes as long as the file is under 5 MB. Most recruiters prefer one-page resumes, but LinkedIn doesn't enforce a limit. If your resume is longer, consider whether you can trim it — a focused one-page resume often gets better results than a longer one.

What if I don't have my resume saved as a file?

You'll need to create one first. Use a word processor like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages to write your resume, then save it as a PDF or Word file to your computer. If you need a template, search "resume template" in your word processor — most have free options built in.

Does uploading a resume to LinkedIn replace my profile summary?

No. Your resume and your profile are separate. Your profile includes your headline, summary, work history, and skills. The resume is an additional document. Recruiters see both, so keep your profile updated even after you upload a resume.

Can recruiters download my resume from LinkedIn?

Yes, if you've made it visible to them. Recruiters can view and download your resume directly from your profile. This is why it's important to keep your uploaded resume current and professional — it's often the first document a recruiter sees.

What if I want to upload different resumes for different jobs?

LinkedIn only lets you upload one resume at a time. If you need different versions for different industries or roles, upload the one that matches your current job search, then replace it when you want to show a different version. You can also send customized resumes directly to recruiters or job postings without uploading them to your profile.