LinkedIn is the number-one online networking tool for professionals and job seekers. With that in mind, it might make sense to upload a resume to LinkedIn. But that’s not really how LinkedIn is meant to be used.
How to upload your resume to LinkedIn anyway
If you want your resume on your LinkedIn profile, there is a logical place for it in your top header underneath your name and [headline], and part of your [summary]. LinkedIn allows you to upload files to this section. It’s great for slide decks, portfolio links, and articles you’ve published, but you can also upload a resume file.
To upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile’s “About” section:
- Click on the pencil edit icon in the top right corner of the “About” (summary) section
- Scroll down to the “Media” section and click “Upload”
- Select your resume file
- Add a title and description and click “Apply”
- Click “Save” to return to your profile
LinkedIn allows you to upload common text files such as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .rtf, .odt, and .txt formats.
Why you shouldn’t upload your resume your LinkedIn profile
Your intention may be to make your resume available in as many places as possible, but it isn’t particularly helpful to upload your resume to LinkedIn. It’s redundant and could communicate to recruiters that you don’t really get the platform. After all, LinkedIn allows you to dive into your past experiences much more than you can with a standard resume.
Focus on building out your LinkedIn profile content rather than simply using it as a home for your resume
Additionally, LinkedIn already allows users to download a resume-style .pdf of your LinkedIn profile.
How to upload your resume to LinkedIn job applications
A more appropriate time to upload a resume to LinkedIn is within an Easy Apply job application. After clicking “Easy Apply,” you’ll see something like this:
Simply click “Upload,” find and attach your file, complete any additional application fields, then click “Submit application.”
LinkedIn will save your resume for future use, but you’ll get more interviews if you [tailor your resume to each new job]. Your resume shouldn’t be a word-for-word match of your LinkedIn profile, but make sure there is no contradictory information between the two before you submit.
Notice that it says “We include a copy of your full profile with your application.” This is a reminder that resumes are secondary on LinkedIn. You’ll first be judged on your profile. When someone reviews your LinkedIn application, the resume is buried as a simple text link in an inconspicuous menu.
You cannot rely on your resume when applying for a job through LinkedIn. Do not apply until your LinkedIn profile is complete and optimized for your position.
Jobscan’s LinkedIn Optimization tool provides everything you need to stand out against other applicants.
Can you import your resume into LinkedIn?
Older iterations of LinkedIn allowed you to import your resume to populate your profile. That feature is now gone, and for good reason. LinkedIn is much more than the online version of your resume.
LinkedIn used to let you import your resume content.
It’s a missed opportunity for your LinkedIn profile to be a carbon copy of your paper resume. LinkedIn is where recruiters and hiring managers go to get the bigger picture. It’s a place where you have more room to tell your career story and explain your roles in greater depth.
A great LinkedIn profile can also lead to additional job opportunities. Most recruiters search LinkedIn profiles as they try to fill open roles. Adding as many of your top skills to your LinkedIn profile will help you surface when a recruiter searches. Learn more about the [different ways recruiters search LinkedIn here].