Build, Upload, and Update LinkedIn Resumes: A Complete Guide

Should I use LinkedIn to hunt for jobs?

LinkedIn is a vital tool in the job market, with millions of recruiters, employers, and candidates using it to build connections and fill roles daily. Creating work opportunities is one of the platform’s main functions.

A detailed LinkedIn profile is even similar to a traditional resume. They both introduce you and your work experience, education, and passions. However, there are distinct differences:

• Interactive: These profiles are engaging and interactive, encouraging recruiters to dive into your professional history and explore it for themselves.
• Dynamic: LinkedIn shifts and grows as you do, showing your progress and development in job positions and building new connections.
• Detailed: While resumes should only be one page, LinkedIn profiles can be deeply detailed, including all your skills, previous job roles, and educational merits.
• Provides context: Your LinkedIn profile naturally shows your professional connections, helping employers relate to you and gain context into your background. For example, they may realize you have crucial connections in common.

You can also upload resumes to LinkedIn, which allows you to apply for jobs directly through the platform using EasyApply. Some job posts have this feature enabled, letting you apply in just a few clicks.

Looking for more advice for your job hunt? Browse our library of resume articles and read up on a variety of tips and tricks.

How to add resumes to LinkedIn: 3 tactics

Now, let’s learn how to upload resumes to LinkedIn. There are several ways to do it, whether you’re actively job hunting or optimizing your profile. 

Upload resume to LinkedIn profile

Adding your resume to your profile makes job applications simple and lets recruiters easily review it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Build your resume. Be sure to use a professional resume template so it’s ATS-friendly, well-formatted, and easy to read.
2. Navigate to the “Jobs” tab.
3. Click the “Preferences” button. Choose “Resumes and application data,” and then click “Upload Resume.”
4. Choose your resume from your files. Click “Open.”

Your resume is ready to show recruiters or apply to open roles. Don’t forget to turn on “Share resume data with recruiters” if you want employers to be able to view your information.

Attach resume during job applications

Once you have an uploaded resume, you can easily attach it to LinkedIn job ads. Here’s how:

1. Find and open a job ad you’d like to apply for.
2. Click the “EasyApply” button. Note: If the button says “Apply,” the job ad will route you to an external site.
3. Complete the required fields. When you come to the header that reads “Resume (Optional),” click “Upload Resume.”
4. Choose your resume from your files.
5. Submit your application.

Add resume to the LinkedIn “Featured” section

Including your resume in your profile is eye-catching and allows peers and employers to explore your background in detail. Here’s how to add it:

1. Navigate to your LinkedIn profile.
2. Click “Add Profile Section” and then select “Featured” to add the section to your profile.
3. In the “Featured” section. Click the “+” icon and select “Add media.”
4. Upload your resume from your files.
5. Add a compelling title and description.
6. Click “Save.”

Create a resume from your LinkedIn profile

You know how to add resumes to LinkedIn, but did you know that you can download your LinkedIn profile as a resume? You can take advantage of a professionally optimized profile by using it directly in job applications as a PDF. 

Here’s a quick step-by-step:

1. Navigate to your LinkedIn profile.
2. Click the “More” button below your profile picture. Depending on the profile, this button may also say “Resources.”
3. Click “Save as PDF” on the dropdown menu.

This is a quick, easy way to build a resume. However, this process saves the PDF exactly as your profile appears, so it may have formatting issues, such as a lengthy resume summary or a lackluster work experience section. Double-check the file and make sure it’s to your liking.

How to optimize your LinkedIn profile

Your LinkedIn profile is an essential resource and the more time you spend on it, the better it appears to recruiters. Here are a few tips to optimize your profile and ensure visibility:

• Complete your profile: A fully completed LinkedIn profile gives employers a full overview of your professional background. Include a professional photo, headline, summary, and in-depth experience sections.
• Keep information current: It’s important to update resumes on LinkedIn, ensure they accurately reflect current information, and show employers your best skills. Be sure to update other details, too, like your summary and photo.
• Keyword optimization: Adding relevant keywords throughout your profile helps your profile show up in searches so employers can find you. 

Not sure how to add critical keywords? It’s very similar to keyword-optimizing your resume. Review our resume samples for examples of how to identify and incorporate keywords.

Adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume

Now, make sure everything is interconnected by adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume. This ensures that recruiters can review your LinkedIn profile even when you apply for jobs on company websites or job boards.

First, make sure you have a tidy, professional URL. Your profile will have a generated URL which is often an irrelevant string of numbers and letters. To change it, locate the “Public profile & URL” on the right column of your profile and click the edit icon.

Choose your new URL. Make sure it’s concise and professional – it’s common to simply pick your name. If this has already been taken, try adding your middle initial using a simple nickname or a couple of numbers. Here are some examples:

Add this URL in your resume header, right next to your name, job title, and phone number. It should be near all your other contact details for easy reference. Many recruiters prefer using LinkedIn, and if they’re interested in your resume, they’ll head to your contact information to learn how to reach out.

“LinkedIn is a vital tool in the job market, with millions of recruiters, employers, and candidates using it to build connections and fill roles daily. “

Join a thriving community and find your dream job

LinkedIn is an amazing place to showcase your experience, meet new people, and land your dream job. Optimize your profile and upload your resume to start pitching your qualifications and stand out from the crowd.

You can create a powerful online presence by writing a powerful profile, adding the URL to your resume, and uploading relevant resumes to the platform. Apply to jobs in seconds and show yourself as a strong applicant.

Don’t forget to build a well-formatted, ATS-friendly resume – we can help with that. Try CVwizard’s resume maker and craft a professional resume in minutes. They’re easy to edit, too, so you can keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and current.