Using LinkedIn effectively is no longer optional for the modern job seeker; it is a necessity. Did you know that over 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to vet or find candidates? Yet, many professionals are confused about where their CV actually lives on the platform.
Understanding how to upload your resume to LinkedIn involves distinguishing between two different contexts: displaying it on your profile for networking visibility, and storing it for specific job applications. Whether you want to showcase your professional journey publicly or streamline your "Easy Apply" process, getting this right is crucial. In this guide, we will walk you through the 4 most effective methods to upload your resume, ensuring you never miss an opportunity. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to upload your resume to LinkedIn and when to add your resume to LinkedIn for maximum visibility.
Can I Upload My CV to My LinkedIn Profile?
Yes, you can upload your CV to your LinkedIn profile, and it is highly recommended if you want to provide immediate context to profile visitors. When you feature a resume file on your page, it acts as a downloadable brochure of your career.
However, it is vital to distinguish between uploading it as "Featured" media (which is visual and prominent) and adding it via the generic "Add profile section." The former serves as a portfolio piece, while the latter is often used to simply populate data. Let’s look at whether this strategy fits your job search goals.
Pros and Cons of Hosting Your Resume Publicly
Before you upload your resume to LinkedIn for the world to see, consider these factors:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher Visibility: Recruiters can download your full history instantly without asking. | Privacy Risks: Your personal contact details (phone, address) are visible to everyone. |
| Algorithm Boost: Having a document strengthens your profile’s keyword density. | Current Employer Visibility: Your boss might see you are actively looking. |
| Convenience: Makes networking easier; connections can pass your resume along. | Static Information: Unlike your profile, the file doesn't update automatically. |
E-E-A-T Tip: Privacy First! Before you upload a resume publicly, remove your home address and personal phone number. Use an email address dedicated to job hunting to protect your data. This protects the personal information inside the document.
How do I upload documents to my LinkedIn profile?
To turn your profile into a recruitment magnet, you need to know how to upload documents to your LinkedIn profile correctly. Here are the two best methods.
Method 1 – Use the “Featured” Section
This is the best way to make your resume standout visually near the top of your profile.
- Go to your LinkedIn profile and scroll down to the Featured section.
- If you don't see it, satisfy the "Add profile section" button at the top, select Recommended, and then Add Featured.
- Click the + (plus) icon on the right of the Featured box.
- Select Add media and choose your resume file from your computer to upload.
Best File Types & Naming Conventions
Always upload your resume as a PDF rather than a DOCX file. PDFs freeze your formatting, ensuring the recruiter sees exactly what you designed. Furthermore, name your file professionally with keywords, such as JohnDoes_Marketing_Manager_Resume.pdf. For more on choosing the best resume formats, check our comprehensive guide.
Method 2 – Add Resume via “Add Profile Section”
You can also integrate your resume data to fill out your profile gaps.
- Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
- Select View Profile.
- Click Add profile section located under your headline.
- Select Recommended > Add featured (or upload media under specific Experience entries).
Visibility & Usage of Your Uploaded Resume
Once uploaded:
- Network: Anyone visiting your profile can view or download the document.
- Recruiters: They see this as "work samples" or additional documentation.
- Search: The information within the PDF document is not always indexed by LinkedIn’s internal search, unlike the text fields on your profile.
How do you re-upload your resume on LinkedIn?
Careers evolve, and so should your documents. Knowing how do you re-upload your resume on LinkedIn ensures recruiters aren't looking at outdated information.
Deleting Previous Versions
To avoid confusion, always remove old files before adding new ones.
- Navigate to the Featured section of your profile.
- Click the Pencil icon (Edit).
- Find the old uploaded resume, click Delete, and confirm.
Uploading the Updated File
Once the old one is gone, follow the upload steps from the previous section. Pro Tip: Maintain strict version control on your own computer. When you re-upload, ensure the file name implies it is current (e.g., Resume_2025.pdf). In your job application settings, LinkedIn stores the four most recently uploaded resumes, so keep your library clean.
How to upload a resume on LinkedIn step by step?
This context is different: you are not showing the resume to your network, but attaching it privately to a specific job application.
Option A – “Easy Apply” Instant Upload
The Easy Apply button makes applying specifically fast, but requires attention to detail.
- Find a job on LinkedIn with the blue Easy Apply logo.
- Click the button to start the application window.
- Under the Resume section, click Upload resume.
- Select your targeted file.
- Review the auto-filled fields (LinkedIn parses your uploaded resume to fill this information).
Option B – Saving Multiple Resumes in “Job Application Settings”
You can manage your resumes and application data deeply within the platform settings.
- Click the Me icon > Settings & Privacy.
- On the left, click Data privacy.
- Scroll to Job application settings.
- Here, you can view and manage the four most recently uploaded resumes.
Tailoring Your Resume for Each Job
"Never use a generic file for every application. Always upload a tailored resume matching the keywords in the job description to pass the Applicant Tracking System filters. Learn how to create a targeted resume for each role." — CVtoWork Expert Team
Why Should I Upload My Resume to LinkedIn?
You might ask, "If my profile is complete, why do I need to upload a resume?" The answer lies in how the recruitment ecosystem works.
Recruiter Search Filters & ATS Compatibility
When a hiring manager uses LinkedIn Recruiter, they often filter candidates by "Has uploaded resume." By having a file ready, you signal that you are prepared and actively interested. Furthermore, when you apply, the data from your uploaded resume is often parsed into the company's Applicant Tracking System (ATS), creating a searchable record of your resume skills.
Passive vs. Active Job Hunt Advantages
- Passive Search: A resume on LinkedIn (Featured section) allows headhunters to vet you without sending a connection request.
- Active Search: Having your resume file pre-loaded in application settings lets you apply to jobs in seconds via mobile.
- Credibility: It validates the claims made on your social profile with a formal document. It also helps a hiring manager quickly verify your information.
What Are the Different Ways to Upload Your Resume to LinkedIn?
To clarify the confusion, here is a snapshot comparing the different methods to add your resume to LinkedIn. Each path for moving your resume to LinkedIn serves a different purpose.
Comparison Snapshot
| Feature | Featured Section | Easy Apply | Settings Library |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Public (Everyone) | Private (Recruiter only) | Private (You only) |
| Best For | Passive networking & Branding | applying for a specific job | Managing versions |
| Use Case | Showcasing a visual CV | Job Application | Quick mobile applications |
| Replace Limit | Unlimited (Manual) | N/A (Per job) | Stores last 4 files |
How do I add my resume to a job application on LinkedIn?
When you find a standard job on LinkedIn (one that takes you to a company website via "Apply"), you strictly follow the company's portal. However, for Easy Apply jobs, the workflow keeps you on LinkedIn.
Always look for the "Resume" field during the modal pop-up. Even if LinkedIn says "Resume (Optional)," treat it as mandatory. This is your chance to verify you are attaching the correct resume file tailored for that specific role so the hiring manager immediately sees the right information.
Conclusion
Whether you want to passively attract a hiring manager or actively chase a new role, knowing how to upload your resume to LinkedIn is a fundamental skill. Use the "Featured" section for branding and the Job Application Settings for speed. Each method for moving your resume to LinkedIn has a clear purpose—choose the right one for your goal.
Is your current resume ready for the public eye? Make sure you're following our 10 essential resume tips and avoiding common resume mistakes to ensure your documents are as professional as your profile.