Upload a PDF or image file directly to your profile

LinkedIn lets you attach a resume file to your profile so recruiters and hiring managers can see it without asking. You upload the file once, and it stays on your profile until you remove it. The process takes about two minutes and works on both the website and the mobile app.

On the website, go to your profile page and scroll down to the "Featured" section near the top. Click the plus icon, then select "Resume" from the dropdown menu. Choose a PDF or image file from your computer — LinkedIn accepts .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, and .png files up to 5 MB. Once you select the file, it uploads when ready and appears on your profile.

On the mobile app, tap your profile photo at the bottom, then tap "Open profile." Scroll to the Featured section, tap the plus icon, and select "Resume." The rest of the process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You upload your resume file once, and it stays visible on your profile until you delete it.
  • LinkedIn accepts PDF, JPG, JPEG, and PNG files that are 5 MB or smaller.
  • The Featured section at the top of your profile is where your resume appears, alongside other documents or media you choose to showcase.
  • Recruiters can view your resume directly from your profile without you having to send it separately.

Where your resume appears on your profile

Your resume shows up in the Featured section, which sits near the top of your profile right below your headline and photo. Anyone who visits your profile — whether they are a recruiter, a hiring manager, or someone from your network — can see it there.

The Featured section is designed to showcase documents, articles, media, or other work samples you want people to notice first. A resume in this section signals that you are actively open to opportunities. You can add other items to Featured as well, like presentations, articles, or links to your portfolio, but the resume is usually the most useful thing to include.

What happens when you remove your resume

If you delete your resume from the Featured section, it disappears from your profile when ready. Recruiters and hiring managers who visit your profile after that point will not see it. This does not affect any resume files you may have already sent to specific people or job postings — those remain in those conversations or applications.

You can add and remove your resume as many times as you want. Some people remove it when they are not actively job hunting, then add it back when they start looking again. There is no penalty for changing it, and LinkedIn does not notify your network when you do.

Update your resume before uploading

Make sure your resume is final before you upload it to LinkedIn. If you notice a typo, a wrong date, or outdated information after uploading, delete the file and upload a corrected version. LinkedIn does not let you edit the file directly on your profile — you have to replace the whole thing.

Keep your resume file name straightforward so you can find it easily on your computer. Something like "Resume_2024.pdf" or "Your_Name_Resume.pdf" works better than a long or unclear name. This makes it faster to locate when you need to update it.

How your resume relates to your LinkedIn profile

Your LinkedIn profile and your resume serve different purposes. Your profile is a living document that you update regularly — it shows your work history, skills, recommendations, and activity. Your resume is a snapshot of your qualifications at one moment in time, usually tailored for a specific job or industry.

Many people keep their LinkedIn profile and resume slightly different. Your profile might include volunteer work, certifications, or a longer description of what you did in each role. Your resume might be shorter and focused on the skills most relevant to the jobs you are pursuing. Having both gives you flexibility — recruiters see your full profile, but you can send a targeted resume when you explore for a specific position.

File size and format tips

LinkedIn's 5 MB limit covers almost all resume files. A typical resume as a PDF is usually under 1 MB, so you will not run into size problems unless your file includes many images or graphics. If your file is too large, try saving it again as a PDF with lower image quality, or remove any unnecessary images.

PDF is the safest format because it preserves your formatting exactly as you created it, no matter what device someone uses to view it. Image files like JPG or PNG work too, but they may look blurry on some screens. Stick with PDF unless you have a specific reason to use an image format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can recruiters read my resume from LinkedIn?

Yes. Recruiters can view your resume directly on your profile and read it if they want to. They can also take a screenshot or save the image. Uploading your resume to LinkedIn means you are making it publicly available to anyone who visits your profile.

What if I want to show different resumes to different people?

LinkedIn only lets you display one resume in your Featured section at a time. If you need to show different versions to different people, upload the one that fits your current job search, then send tailored versions directly to specific recruiters or through job applications.

Does uploading a resume to LinkedIn replace my profile information?

No. Your resume is a separate document that sits in your Featured section. Your profile information — your work history, skills, education, and recommendations — stays exactly as it is. Recruiters see both your profile and your resume.

Can I upload a resume if my profile is not complete?

Yes. You can upload a resume to your Featured section at any time, even if you have not filled in all your profile sections. However, recruiters usually look at your full profile, so completing your work history and skills section gives them a more complete picture.

What should I do if my resume file will not upload?

Check that your file is in one of the accepted formats (PDF, JPG, JPEG, or PNG) and is smaller than 5 MB. Try uploading again, or try a different browser if you are on the website. If the problem continues, try the mobile app instead, or contact LinkedIn support through the Help Center.