Simplifying the Application Process Through LinkedIn

You've perfected your resume and crafted the perfect document to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. So you want it front and center when you're searching for jobs on LinkedIn, whether you're looking for a career change or a new job in your field that better suits your working mom status. While you can't upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile, you can attach it to job applications and messages on the site.

Uploading to Apply for a Job on LinkedIn

Companies often post job openings on LinkedIn. If an "Easy Apply" button appears on the job posting, you can apply directly through LinkedIn instead of going to the company's website. As part of the Easy Apply process, LinkedIn lets you upload your resume.

After adding all the required info on the application page, look for the "Resume (optional)" field. The dropdown menu in that field gives you an "Upload new resume" option. Choose that option, and select the saved copy of your resume on your computer. When you click the "Submit" button, your resume attaches to the application.

Your resume needs to be a Word or PDF file to attach it to the application. LinkedIn limits the file size to 5 MB. If you want to attach your resume to an application, access the LinkedIn website instead of the app.

Attaching a Resume to a LinkedIn Message

Sending a message to a potential employer? You can attach a file to LinkedIn messages. When you create a new message from your LinkedIn profile, you see two icons at the bottom. The button that looks like mountains is the Image icon that lets you attach an image. The paperclip image represents the Attach function so you can add a document.

To add your resume, click the Attach icon. Browse through the files on your computer to find your resume. Once you select it, the file automatically attaches to the message.

The total size for all files you attach to the message is 2 MB. The type of documents that you can attach include:

• CSV
  
• XLS
• XLSX
• DOC
• DOCX
• PPT
• PPTX
• PDF
• TXT
• HTML
• HTM

Adding Your LinkedIn Profile to Your Resume

Not all job opportunities feature postings on LinkedIn. When you send your resume in response to job listings from other sources, you may want to send the hiring manager to your LinkedIn profile. Adding your LinkedIn profile URL on your resume lets those employers easily find you when you send your resume directly.

The URL looks better on a resume when you customize it, which you can easily do from your LinkedIn profile page. On the upper right of your profile page, you should see "Edit public profile & URL." After clicking that link, an "Edit URL" section appears in the upper right corner. Click the Edit icon that looks like a pencil, which allows you to type in a new end section of your custom URL. Click the "Save" button to retain the change.

Now that your LinkedIn URL looks neat and professional, you can add it to your resume. Type it into the contact section just below your email address. It should be the last piece of information after your name, address, phone number and email address.

LinkedIn Best Practices

Looking and acting in a professional manner is a must when looking for jobs through LinkedIn. When sending a message to a prospective employer, be courteous, personal and sincere. Avoid spamming every company you come across with messages featuring your attached resume. Doing your research first and customizing the message to that company increases the odds of the hiring manager looking at your info.

When creating your custom LinkedIn URL, keep it simple, so it's easier to share. A short URL that relates to you is ideal. Make sure the URL looks professional because prospective employers may judge you on it.

Making the information on your LinkedIn Page different from the details on your resume helps employers learn more about you. Resumes tend to be a bit restrictive since you follow a general format. The limited space also cuts into how much you can share about yourself. Your LinkedIn profile helps you expand on the information. It's your chance to add things that don't necessarily work on a resume but that are still relevant to your job search.

Complementing your LinkedIn profile with your resume gives potential employers a well-rounded look at you. Attach the document strategically to give hiring managers an easily digestible overview of your history.