Yes, it is possible to send a PDF file as an attachment via a LinkedIn message. LinkedIn allows users to attach files up to 25MB in size to messages sent directly between connections.
Steps to send a PDF via LinkedIn message
Sending a PDF file via a LinkedIn message is easy to do by following these steps:
- Login to your LinkedIn account on desktop or mobile app.
- Navigate to the messaging section and select the connection you want to send the PDF file to. You can access messages by clicking the chat bubble icon in the top nav bar.
- In the message window, click on the paperclip icon to open the attachment options.
- Select ‘Upload attachment’ and choose the PDF file you want to attach from your computer or mobile device.
- LinkedIn will upload the PDF and attach it to your message.
- Type out a message to accompany the PDF attachment if desired.
- Hit send to deliver the message with attached PDF to your connection.
The PDF file will now be sent securely to the recipient as part of the LinkedIn conversation thread. They will be able to view, download and save the PDF you sent.
Tips for sending PDFs via LinkedIn message
- Double check you are sending the attachment to the correct recipient before hitting send.
- Let the recipient know you are sending them a PDF file in the message text.
- Only send PDF attachments that are directly relevant and useful to the recipient.
- Respect the 25MB file size limit when selecting a PDF to attach.
- For larger files up to 2GB, you can use LinkedIn Elevate to share.
- Reduce PDF file sizes if possible using compression tools before attaching.
- Send professionally branded PDF documents for best impression.
Benefits of sending PDFs via LinkedIn
Here are some benefits of using LinkedIn messaging to send PDF files:
- Direct communication: Sending PDF attachments via LinkedIn messages allows for direct, private sharing with professional connections.
- Secure transfer: Uploading and sending PDFs is secure – attachments are encrypted and only viewable by the recipient.
- Professional sharing: PDFs maintain formatting and branding, making them ideal for sharing polished professional documents.
- Recipient controls download: With a message attachment, the recipient decides if/when to download the PDF instead of just receiving a shared link.
- Initiate discussions: Include a message with the PDF to start productive conversations and business opportunities.
Types of PDFs to send via LinkedIn message
Here are some examples of useful PDF attachments to send directly to your professional connections:
- Presentations, whitepapers, reports
- Infographics, data sheets, visual documents
- Event invitations and programs
- Professional portfolios and proposals
- Company literature such as brochures
- Product/service guides and documentation
- Newsletters and announcements
- Digital business cards and resumes
Professionals who benefit from sending PDFs on LinkedIn
Many professionals can benefit from sending PDF files through LinkedIn messages, including:
- Recruiters: Sending job descriptions, candidate evaluation forms, and onboarding paperwork.
- Salespeople: Sending product spec sheets, pricing documents, contracts and proposals.
- Marketers: Sending marketing literature, event info, creative briefs and reports.
- Consultants: Sending project proposals, deliverables, invoices and statements of work.
- Executives: Sending reports, strategy plans, company documents and presentations.
- Entrepreneurs: Sending pitch decks, business plans, investor documents and partnership agreements.
- Account managers: Sending account statements, renewal forms, and product update announcements.
Alternatives for sending large PDFs on LinkedIn
If your PDF exceeds LinkedIn’s 25MB attachment size limit, here are a couple alternatives:
- LinkedIn Elevate: Elevate allows you to share PDFs and other files up to 2GB. Recipients can then easily download the file.
- Cloud storage: Upload your PDF file to Google Drive, Dropbox or similar, then paste the file link into a LinkedIn message.
- Email: For very large PDF files, attach and send through traditional email which often has higher size limits than LinkedIn messaging.
- Compression: Use online tools to compress your PDF file to reduce its size below 25MB for sending directly as a LinkedIn message attachment.
Troubleshooting LinkedIn PDF attachments
If you’re having trouble attaching and sending a PDF on LinkedIn, try these tips:
- Make sure you’re using the latest version of the LinkedIn app or desktop site.
- Double check the PDF file size is under 25MB.
- If file upload fails, compress the PDF or use an alternative sending method.
- Confirm you have an active internet connection when trying to attach a file.
- Only attach PDFs from your own computer or device storage.
- Try re-uploading from your file manager if the attachment doesn’t seem to go through.
- If issues persist, contact LinkedIn customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
Sending PDF files through LinkedIn messaging provides a quick, secure way to share professional documents directly with your connections. By following the steps to attach a PDF to a LinkedIn message, understanding the benefits and use cases, and troubleshooting any issues, you can easily exchange PDFs needed to get business done. Just be mindful of LinkedIn’s 25MB attachment limit.