Posted On17 Feb 2021
Updated On03 Dec 2024
Is your resume on LinkedIn yet? If not, you could be missing out on plenty of great job opportunities.
LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for recruiters and employers looking for prospective candidates. With 1 billion members worldwide, it’s the right place for job seekers to network, work on their professional brands, and hunt for new jobs. Consequently, it has become essential for job seekers to have a presence on the platform. But more than that, it’s important for your LinkedIn profile to contain a resume that impresses your potential employer.
Your presence on LinkedIn is all about making an impression. Having a polished resume linked to your profile will boost your chances of catching a recruiter’s eye. This isn’t done only when you’re actively searching for a new job. You should have your resume uploaded just to keep your options open.
LinkedIn offers multiple ways to upload your resume. You can add it directly to your profile so it will be visible in the Featured section. You can also attach it to job applications with the Easy Apply feature. Each method has a different purpose.
This means you need to know how to upload a resume to LinkedIn properly.
So, how exactly is this done? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Understand LinkedIn’s Features for Resumes
LinkedIn is often misunderstood as an online resume. It’s much more than that. It’s a professional platform designed to show your skills, experience, and achievements. To unlock its full potential, you should understand how LinkedIn handles resumes.
The LinkedIn profile is designed to showcase your professional identity. It does that through these sections:
Profile photo and headline – They create the first impression. You need a professional photo and an impactful headline to set the tone for your entire profile.
About section – This is basically your elevator pitch. It’s a summary of who you are, what you’ve done so far, and what you aspire for.
Work experience and education – These parts look like a traditional resume. They give details on your work history, achievements, and academic background.
Skills and endorsements – Here, you will show your expertise and let others vouch for your professionalism.
Featured section – This area lets you upload external documents. It’s the place for your resume, portfolios, and certificates.
There are two ways to use your resume on LinkedIn:
Upload it to your profile to show it in the Featured section. This method is perfect for candidates who are open to new opportunities and want potential employers to access their resumes. Anyone visiting their profile can view or download the resume. That’s great if you’re after networking and passive job searching.
Submit it for job applications. With this method, only the recruiter managing the job posting can see your resume. That works when you want to customize the resume for the specific role you’re applying for.
Now that we understand how resumes on LinkedIn work, it’s time to create yours!
Step 1: Create your resume
Develop your resume to be the best it can be. Make sure to follow a reader-friendly format, with your most important skills and experience featured prominently. Also, ensure that it is free from any errors relating to grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Of all the steps on how to upload your resume to LinkedIn, this is inarguably the most important one, so have your work checked by an expert to see if it passes muster. You can send it to us at Resumeble for a free, no-obligation evaluation.
Are you ready to start? These quick tips will help you create your resume for LinkedIn:
Creating a high-quality resume requires some preparation. Set aside some time without distractions and focus!
Tailor your resume to the type of role you’re seeking.
Focus on your key accomplishments and use numbers to add specifics. For example, instead of writing “Managed a team,” specify like this: “Lead a team of ten, completing seven projects before the deadlines over six months.”
Use a clear layout that’s easy to skim. Put yourself in the role of a hiring manager. They have to search for candidates on LinkedIn, and they want to review as many of them as possible within a short time. They won’t spend more than seconds on a resume. That’s why you want your key info, such as your contact details, professional summary, and recent work experience, at the top.
Use a clean font. Arial and Calibri are the most common choices. Make sure to use proper spacing between the sections so you’ll improve the overall readability of your resume.
Consider using keywords from job descriptions in your resume. LinkedIn’s algorithm tends to prioritize resumes with specific keywords. The right choice of words will increase your chances of getting noticed.
Don’t forget to save your resume as a PDF file before uploading it to LinkedIn. It’s not a mandatory step, but you can use that PDF to apply for other jobs outside LinkedIn. This is the best format for resumes since it looks polished across different devices.
Your LinkedIn resume is not ready until you proofread and edit. If you’re not sure about its quality, have it evaluated by a professional. A great resume presents you as an accomplished professional. That’s why it has to be great.
Step 2: Go to your LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn profile contains an option to upload your resume on the platform.
The Featured section is designed to bring your important achievements forward. It also presents documents that showcase your professional brand. That’s why it’s the perfect spot for uploading your resume.
Before you get to this step, it’s important to update your profile. Having an incomplete profile won’t inspire the hiring manager to see your uploaded resume.
When you’re ready to upload the file, make sure it’s the final, polished version of your resume. LinkedIn supports several file formats. However, using PDF is the ideal choice since it keeps your formatting and displays well across devices.
On your personal information page, click on the “Add profile section” button. In the drop-down menu, click on “Featured,” then “Media.”
Step 3: Locate your resume on your computer
Clicking on “Media” will open a window showing your computer folders. Find where your resume is on your computer, and click on it.
Double-check that the file size doesn’t exceed LinkedIn’s upload limits. If the resume is too large, it won’t upload successfully.
Step 4: Save your resume
Once your resume finishes uploading, click the “Save” button. This step completes the uploading process onto LinkedIn. After this is done, check to see if your file is already available for viewing and downloading as a featured post on your profile.
Take a moment to see how your resume appears in the Featured section. Is it correctly formatted? Is the content displayed clearly? Ask yourself: does the resume match the professional tone of your entire LinkedIn profile? The file’s thumbnail is also important since it’s the first thing a visitor sees when they find your resume.
A few important tips on how to upload a resume to LinkedIn:
Although you can use any of the common text formats for your document, it’s best to save it as either a .pdf or .docx file for hassle-free uploading and compatibility with the LinkedIn platform.
The filename should contain your full name so that those who choose to download and view it can easily find it on their own devices. Here’s an example: “John_Doe_Resume.pdf.” The visitor should immediately figure out what they are about to download. Don’t use generic file names like “UpdatedResume.” That will make you look unprofessional.
Test your upload! View your profile as a visitor to make sure the resume is displayed well. Check if it’s accessible for downloading. If you notice any issues, you can delete the file and upload an improved version. You want a potential employer to see the most accurate version of your resume.
How to upload resume on LinkedIn: three alternative ways
If you want to get the most mileage from your resume, you’ll be glad to know there’s more than one way to post it on the popular professional network platform. Here are three other methods.
1. On Easy Apply
LinkedIn allows users to directly apply for jobs posted by employers on the site via Easy Apply. This feature simplifies the application process. It enables you to submit the application in a few clicks. Aside from sending your profile, you can also attach your resume. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Find the “Jobs” button in the navigation bar.
The “Jobs” tab is located at the top of your LinkedIn homepage. This section is dedicated to job searches. It provides a filtering tool to find opportunities based on location, experience level, industry, and more.
Step 2: Locate a job posting you’re interested in that comes with an Easy Apply option.
LinkedIn’s search function lets you find job postings that include the Easy Apply feature. It’s indicated by a blue button labeled “Easy Apply” instead of “Visit website.” With this feature, you can submit your application directly without leaving the platform.
Step 3: Complete the Easy Apply form and attach your resume with your application.
Click the Easy Apply button on the job posting you chose. Fill out the application form, which will usually require your contact details, experience, and other basic information. When prompted, attach your resume. You’ll easily notice the “Upload Resume” button. Be sure to choose your most up-to-date file, as LinkedIn allows you to reuse the last five documents you uploaded.
Though most companies don’t require applicants to submit a resume, it is recommended that you include one when you send out your LinkedIn profile. This is especially useful if you’re applying to multiple jobs or want to hit as many keywords as possible for a better chance of getting shortlisted for a job interview.
Extra tips: How to use Easy Apply
Let’s see how you can use the Easy Apply feature to its full potential.
Customize your resume to match the specifics of the job. It’s OK to use a previously uploaded file only if it aligns with the role’s keywords and qualifications.
Do attach a cover letter! If the job posting allows it, you can benefit from personalizing your application. With the cover letter, you can express your enthusiasm for the position and stand out from the remaining applicants.
Even if it’s just optional, include your resume. Many Easy Apply postings don’t require a resume but let you upload it. Take advantage of that opportunity since the resume gives more details about your skills and experience than your LinkedIn profile.
Make sure it’s error-free before submitting it! Review your application form from top to bottom, and check the attached resume for any mistakes. Check for inconsistencies, too!
LinkedIn gives you the option to track your applications. Use it to stay organized and follow up when necessary.
2. As a LinkedIn post
You can also share your resume as a LinkedIn post to let people in your network know that you are looking for a job. Who knows—maybe one of them can recommend for you an open job position that’s not available on the platform. By posting your resume directly on LinkedIn, you’ll be more visible. You’ll tap into the hidden job market, where connections share opportunities informally among connections.
As for how to upload a resume on LinkedIn as a post, here’s what you must do:
Step 1: Click on the “Start a post” text box to view additional sharing options. This will open a menu with additional sharing options.
Step 2: When the “Create a post” menu appears, click on “Share a document.” Thanks to this feature, you can upload your resume and share it as a part of your post.
Step 3: Your computer folder will then appear, after which you may then choose your file.
For a more sociable tone, accompany your post with a friendly message such as, “Hello there! I’m (your name), an IT specialist with five years of work experience. Here’s my resume for those of you who may be interested. Thank you in advance!”
With this approach, you’ll encourage your network to engage with the post by linking, commenting, or sharing.
Extra tips: Sharing your resume as a LinkedIn post
If you decide to share your resume, these tips will help you do it the right way:
Don’t forget to put your name in the file name for easy reference.
Add hashtags like #OpenToWork, #JobSearch, or #Resume. That will increase your post’s visibility to people who use those terms to search through LinkedIn.
If you know someone in your network who could help, you can tag them in your post. Do this in the most polite way possible, and do it sparingly.
Include a professional image of yourself at work, a creative graphic, or a personal branding banner. That will make your post more attention-grabbing.
Are you wondering why you should bother with this strategy? Sharing your resume as a post allows your connections to share it further. You’ll expand your reach with that, but you’ll also show proactivity. Employers value openness in candidates. They also like encountering accessible resumes for candidates they are interested in.
How to follow up with connections that engage
What’s your main goal for sharing your resume as a post? You want people to engage with it. But what will you do when you get the reaction you want?
When someone comments on your post, it’s common courtesy to respond to it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a word of encouragement, a job lead, or advice. Respond to the comment promptly and politely. You write a simple thank-you to acknowledge their input. If relevant, you can ask follow-up questions or offer to connect.
Let’s say someone commented to tell you there’s a company looking for someone like you. You can reply like this: “Thank you so much! Could you share more details, or should I message you privately to learn more?”
If someone engages with your post, you can also send them a private message to build a stronger connection. But the message has to be on-point. For example: “Hi Richard! I appreciate your comment on the resume I posted. It’s always great to hear from someone in my network. If you have insights or advice regarding opportunities in marketing, I’d love to hear them.”
If someone provides you with a lead or referral, you should follow up. Mention how you heard about the opportunity. This is the way to do it: “Hi Maria, Richard Baldwin mentioned you might have an opening in your team for a social media manager role. I’d love to discuss how my experience aligns with the position. My resume is attached for reference. Thank you for your time!”
Stay engaged with your network. You can keep the conversation going by commenting on posts from those who interacted with yours. That’s a good way to show your interest and strengthen the relationship.
If your post leads to an opportunity, you can update your network with a new post. Let them know about your progress and thank them for their support. You don’t need a long-form post for that. A simple note is enough. Like this one: “I want to express my gratitude to everyone who reached out and supported my job search post. I’m thrilled to share that I received several leads, and I’m actively exploring opportunities. I appreciate your kindness and encouragement!”
3. As part of your LinkedIn profile
The different sections of your LinkedIn profile let you input many of the same information on your resume, including a professional summary, core competencies, work experience, education, awards certifications, etc. Think of this profile as an interactive version of your resume. It gives the same details, but it’s searchable and accessible to recruiters worldwide.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
It is important to make your profile as complete, detailed, readable, and interesting as you can make it.
Do pick a professional-looking photo for your profile. A completely filled-out LinkedIn profile makes a great complement to the document that you plan to upload. Some sections aren’t used that often. These include volunteer experience, languages, and projects. But fill them in, too! Each section contributes to the overall impression of your expertise.
Use the summary section to highlight your key achievements, career goals, and personal brand. LinkedIn works best with a conversational but professional tone. Academic CV writing would require a much more serious tone. But on LinkedIn, you can relax a bit.
Don’t forget to use industry-relevant keywords so recruiters can easily discover you.
For accuracy, check that the information matches both the profile and your resume before uploading. Different job titles, dates, or responsibilities could raise serious suspicions about your professionalism. The information has to be consistent; it’s the only way to make it credible.
Your profile must be readable. Break long blocks of text into bullet points, which will make it easier to read. Use action verbs and measurables to share facts.
Choose a professional photo since it’s responsible for the first impression a recruiter gets. You need a high-quality headshot that makes you look approachable and confident. Casual selfies are a big no-no. Overly edited images, too!
Show your work through media. A traditional resume doesn’t let you attach presentations, articles, portfolios, or videos. But your LinkedIn profile does. Use this feature to share examples of your work. Even if you’re not in the creative industry, you can find something to attach, such as a successful project report or a link to a blog post you wrote.
Have you worked on your resume yet?
Now that you know how to upload a resume to LinkedIn, does it have what it takes to attract and retain a recruiter’s attention, not to mention scans by automated applicant tracking systems (ATS)? If in doubt, work with one of our writers to develop your application document for you. Choose from one of our three types of resume writing services today to suit your needs.
