Want to turn your LinkedIn profile into a job-hunting powerhouse? If yes, make sure you don’t skip the step of posting your resume to LinkedIn. It’s important because, even before you’ve even shaken hands with any recruiters, or they know anything about you, your LinkedIn resume is already making a first impression. So, make sure it packs a punch.
Different ways of posting your resume to LinkedIn
Posting your resume to LinkedIn comes with a major perk: increased visibility. Instead of just hoping recruiters stumble across your profile, you’re proactively putting yourself out there—essentially saying, “Hey, I’m actively job hunting, and here’s what I bring to the table.” More importantly, LinkedIn gives you three distinct ways to add your resume: posting it directly, using the Easy Apply button, and leveraging LinkedIn’s Resume Builder. We’ll be diving into all three.
1] Posting your resume to LinkedIn directly
You Just go to your LinkedIn homepage and start a new post, just like you would for any update.
And you see those 3 little dots say, add to your post, click there and then select Add a document.
And then we just upload a resume. You can upload it from your computer or if it’s in cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive, you can grab it from there too. Don’t forget to give your document a clear title.
Hit Done, and then that all important Post button to put your resume out there for others to see.
The above method is a great way to make a broad announcement, especially if you’re open to opportunities across different industries or roles. But if you’re targeting something super specific, you might want to be a little bit more strategic. LinkedIn’s Easy Apply button is a case in point here. With it, finding a job you like seems more convenient.
2] Easy Apply service
Go through the job description that suits your requirement and hit the Easy apply button located there.
Depending on the listing, LinkedIn will either submit your application directly or redirect you to the company’s job portal. Just fill in the blanks, upload your resume, and you’re done.
Do note: A lot of companies these days use what are called applicant tracking systems, or ATS, to filter Res MES. And those systems are looking for specific keywords that match the job description. Submitting your resume through Easy Apply button might not include some of those keywords. And more often than not, your resume might get screened out before a human even sees it. You can overcome this problem by switching over to LinkedIn Resume Builder tool or try Inmail in LinkedIn. It is a paid feature that lets you send a message to anyone on LinkedIn.
3] LinkedIn Resume Builder tool
This approach makes sure your resume is ready for those robot overlords. It readily pulls all that juicy information from your LinkedIn profile and sticks out a decent looking resume in PDF or docx format.
Start by clicking on Me drop-down menu on LinkedIn Homepage.
Selecting ‘View Profile’ option and then, under the introduction section, hit the ‘Add profile section’ button.
Next, just below the ‘Upload a recent resume to fill out your profile with the help of AI’ description, hit the ‘Get Started’ to proceed.
Build your resume. The problem is it can feel a bit generic and robotic, and it might not highlight your unique skills and accomplishments in the best way. It’s like trying to squeeze into a suit that’s not quite tailored to you.
Whatever the case may be, each method we discussed above has its place depending on your goals and the situation. The key is choosing the method that aligns well with your job search strategy. For example, are you making a broad announcement? Are you targeting very specific roles? Do you need a quick and basic resume, or are you going for a more personalized approach?
Use case scenarios
Let’s look at it on a case-by-case basis: When does it make sense to post your resume publicly? If you’re early in your career and focused on expanding your network, it can be a great move—it signals that you’re proactive and eager to learn.
With the Easy Apply option, you have limited flexibility in customizing your resume—you’re mostly just uploading a standard document. It’s like handing out the same generic thank-you note to everyone after a party—it works, but it won’t make you stand out. That’s why optimizing your resume for ATS is essential before going on an Easy Apply spree.
Resume Builder ensures your resume is packed with the right keywords. Another great use case is when you haven’t updated your resume in a while and just need a solid starting point. The Builder pulls information from your profile, saving you the hassle of starting from scratch.
So, there you have it, folks. We’ve covered everything about how to add resume to LinkedIn. Now go out there and make LinkedIn work for you. Your resume is your story!
Also see: How to keep your LinkedIn visits private.
