Crafting a Great LinkedIn Resume

Updated June 18, 20221.3k

LinkedIn is a platform you can use to connect with potential employers and develop yourself as a candidate. Here’s how to create a great resume for your LinkedIn profile?

LinkedIn Resume

One of the most popular websites for people looking to develop their professional skills and invest in professional networking is LinkedIn. Not only can you use LinkedIn to list all of your job history, skills, education, and general knowledge, but also it’s a good place to find job openings and submit resumes. If you’re hoping to create a resume for your LinkedIn profile, then you need to know how to do it correctly. Here’s how to create a LinkedIn resume that shines like any job application.

Is It Possible to Upload a Resume to LinkedIn?

Yes. If you already have your resume, then you can upload it to your LinkedIn account, and make it available to potential employers who go to your profile page. Go to your LinkedIn profile, then go to the Media section and select “Upload” to upload your resume. If you choose to do this, then it’s important that you use a general resume that’s not directed toward any specific job opening. Aim for a resume that presents your best strengths in a concise, accessible way.

The best way to create this resume is to use the resume builder from ResumeNerd. From listing all your certifications to adding your work history, ResumeNerd’s resume builder includes easy ways to make your professional resume look professional, including great resume templates and resume tips.

Additionally, remember that your LinkedIn profile should also function as a type of resume. When you’re creating your LinkedIn profile, add all of your work experience, upload a professional profile picture, and add any additional certifications and qualifications that you have. This will create a professional appearance that will entice hiring managers.

How to Use the “Easy Apply” Feature on LinkedIn

The “Easy Apply” feature makes it easy for you to apply for a job that a company has listed directly on LinkedIn. If you visit a company’s LinkedIn profile and it has an “Easy Apply” button, then it means there’s a job available that you can use this feature on. Click this button, then go through all the steps. You’ll be able to use the “Upload Resume” button to add your own resume file. Send in the resume with “Submit application.”

If you’re going to use this feature, then remember that your resume writing skills aren’t the only thing a hiring manager might look at. They’ll also look at your LinkedIn profile before they decide if you’re right for the new job. If you’re conducting your job search through LinkedIn, use LinkedIn to its full potential and make sure your profile looks great.

Downloading Your LinkedIn Profile as a Resume

You can download your LinkedIn profile as a PDF. Go to your profile, choose the “More” section underneath your name, and press “Save to PDF” in the drop-down menu. This will give you a PDF of each section of your LinkedIn profile. This includes any profile sections you’ve added, your contact information, your career past, and anything else you’ve included in your LinkedIn profile. You cannot select profile sections unless you have a subscription, which gives you access to the LinkedIn resume builder.

However, remember that this isn’t really a PDF resume. There’s no formatting or headings, so the resume layout is pretty lacking. It can be beneficial if you want to save all of your information on your computer, but career experts will never recommend that you submit a PDF of your LinkedIn profile to a company. Either submit an application through the LinkedIn site and include a resume you wrote, or write a resume using a resume builder.

FAQ: LinkedIn Resume

Does LinkedIn allow me to save multiple resumes for submission?

You can save up to four resumes to your account that you can use to apply for different job openings. However, remember that you should ideally be personalizing your resume for each job title you’re applying to. That means you should use the ResumeNerd resume builder to create a PDF or .docx of a resume for every job you apply to. This way, you can create personalized resumes that really appeal to the requirements of each job.

Should I have both a LinkedIn profile and a resume?

Yes. Neither one is a substitute for the other. A LinkedIn profile is great at showcasing everything you’ve ever done, ranging all the way back to the entry-level jobs you held and different types of education you have. A resume highlights your specific skills and work experience, showcasing exactly what should appeal to a hiring manager for a particular job.

Is it a good idea to submit applications on LinkedIn?

It can be a great idea to submit for a job through LinkedIn. However, it’s typically a good idea to keep tabs on where you’ve applied and when. If you’ve gone more than about a week or two without any response from the company you applied to, then consider checking their website to see whether there are other methods of applying for the job.

Link copied!

About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.