Last updated on January 11, 2026
If you want to add your resume to LinkedIn, you can do it in three main ways: a) upload it while applying for jobs using Easy Apply, b) save one or more resumes in your Job application settings so they’re ready to use later, and c) add a resume to the Featured section on your profile so others can view or download it. Each option works differently and controls how visible your resume is, so it’s helpful to know which one to use before uploading anything.
Many people upload their resume in the wrong place and only realize it later. Before you click “upload,” let’s review how each option works so your resume appears exactly where you expect it to.
Table of Contents
Why You Might Want to Add Your Resume to LinkedIn
Adding your resume to LinkedIn can:
- Speed up job applications by pre-uploading files
- Allow recruiters to download your resume directly
- Help you reuse resumes without re-uploading each time
- Boost discoverability when you share it as a post
- Serve as a backup if your ATS resume fails to upload elsewhere
However, how you upload matters — some ways make the resume public, others keep it private.
How to Add Your Resume to LinkedIn (3 Simple Methods)
There are several legitimate ways to add your resume to LinkedIn, depending on how visible you want it to be. The steps below show exactly where to upload it so you can add your resume to LinkedIn correctly without exposing unnecessary personal details.
Method 1 — Upload Resume When Applying to a Job (Best Practice)
This is the most common and recommended method, especially for students and active job seekers.
Steps
- Go to the Jobs section on LinkedIn
- Search for a job you want
- Click Easy Apply (not all listings allow this)
- When prompted, click Upload Resume
- Choose the file and click Next
- Complete any additional screens and submit your application
Why this is great:
- It keeps the resume private (only visible to the employer).
- You can upload different resumes for different roles.
Most job listings allow you to upload your resume in this step, and LinkedIn will save it so you don’t have to re-upload later.
Tip: Tailor your resume for each job before uploading — even a small tweak can improve your chances of being noticed.
Method 2 — Save Resumes in “Job Application Settings”
LinkedIn lets you save multiple resumes to reuse when applying later, which saves time.
Steps
- Click your profile photo → Settings & Privacy
- Go to Data Privacy
- Find Job application settings
- Click Upload resume to add multiple files
- Name each resume clearly (e.g., “Marketing”, “Software Dev”)
You can now choose the saved version when applying. This is especially useful if you’re applying across different industries.
Method 3 — Add Your Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile (Featured Section)
This makes your resume visible to anyone who visits your profile.
Steps
- Go to your LinkedIn profile
- Scroll to the Featured section
- Click Add Featured
- Choose Media and upload your resume PDF
- Add a title and description
Important: If you put your resume here, remove personal contact details (email, phone) unless you want them to be public.
This is great for freelancers, consultants, or professionals open to opportunities — but not ideal if you want to control who sees your contact info.
Bonus Methods to Add Your Resume to LinkedIn
Post Your Resume in the LinkedIn Feed
This is an underused but powerful option.
How to do it
- Click Start a post from your LinkedIn homepage
- Click the document icon
- Upload your resume file
- Add a short note about who you are and what you’re looking for
This makes your resume appear in your network’s feed, increasing visibility beyond your profile.
Pros:
- Gets attention from your network
- Encourages engagement and reposts
Cons:
- Makes it public to everyone — guard sensitive info.
This method is especially useful if you’re actively job searching and want to announce your availability.
Link to Your Resume Instead of Uploading (Alternative)
A growing best practice is to:
- Upload your resume to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Set it to “View only”
- Paste the link in your LinkedIn Featured section or post text
This gives you more control (you can update the link without re-uploading on LinkedIn) and still drives downloads.
How Do I Add or Remove a Resume in LinkedIn?
- To add or remove a resume, go to Jobs → Preferences → Resumes & application data to upload or delete files.
- You can also manage saved resumes under Settings & Privacy → Data Privacy → Job application settings.
If it’s on your profile, remove it from the Featured section.
Resume Best Practices for LinkedIn Uploads
Before uploading:
- Save as PDF (most readable across systems)
- Remove personal data if public
- Keep file name clear (e.g., John-Doe-Resume-Marketing.pdf)
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume match your career goals
Also, remember your LinkedIn profile itself acts like a living resume — it should reflect the same experience and skills. If studies are ongoing, learning portals like zetech elearning.zetech.ac.ke help students keep up with coursework while building profiles and applying for opportunities.
Common Mistakes People Make
Here’s what to avoid:
- Uploading old resumes
- Making resume public with personal details
- Uploading image-heavy designs
- Assuming LinkedIn will automatically extract all info
A resume that’s hard to read or outdated can hurt your chances, even if recruiters see it.
When You Shouldn’t Upload Your Resume
- You’re casually browsing LinkedIn and not applying for roles
- You haven’t updated your resume in months
- Your contact details are overly personal
In these cases, it’s better to focus on enhancing your LinkedIn profile and only upload resumes when needed.
FAQs
How do I attach my resume to a LinkedIn message?
Click the message box → tap the paperclip icon → upload your PDF and send. Share it only when a recruiter asks, or there’s already a conversation.
Should I upload my resume to LinkedIn?
Yes, but the safest way is to upload it only when applying. Use the Featured section only if you’re okay with it being public.
Where is my CV on LinkedIn?
Your CV isn’t always visible on your profile.
It’s usually stored in two places:
- Jobs → Application settings (for Easy Apply resumes)
- Your profile’s Featured section (if you uploaded it manually)
Check both spots to find or update it.
Can I upload multiple resumes to LinkedIn?
Yes. LinkedIn allows saving multiple resumes for future job applications.
Will recruiters see my resume automatically if it’s saved?
Not unless you upload it to an application or feature it publicly.
Final Thoughts
Adding your resume to LinkedIn isn’t complicated — but doing it strategically makes all the difference.
- Use Easy Apply uploads when applying
- Save multiple versions for different industries
- Feature your resume publicly only if you want broad visibility
- Review and update regularly
Remember: your LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume — if not more, because recruiters often see the profile first.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
