Uploading a resume to your LinkedIn profile allows you to showcase your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments to connections and recruiters on the platform. However, you may encounter issues when trying to upload or update your resume on LinkedIn. Here are some common reasons why you can’t upload a resume on LinkedIn and tips to fix it.
Your resume file is too large
LinkedIn limits resume uploads to a maximum file size of 5 MB. If your resume file exceeds this limit, LinkedIn will prevent you from uploading it and display an error message. To fix this:
- Open your resume file and see if you can reduce its size by removing any unnecessary formatting, images, charts, etc.
- Use your word processor’s “Save As” function to save a copy of your resume in a smaller file format like .txt or .pdf.
- Split your resume into two parts and upload each half separately if needed.
Your resume format is not supported
LinkedIn only allows you to upload resumes in the following formats:
- PDF (.pdf)
- Plain Text (.txt)
- Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
If your resume is in another format like .pages or .odt, you will need to convert it to PDF or Word first before uploading. You can do this by:
- Opening the file in its native program (e.g. Pages) and using the export/save as function.
- Using a free online converter tool to convert the file to PDF.
- Installing a PDF printer on your computer and “printing” your resume to PDF.
There are connectivity issues
Uploading your resume requires a stable internet connection. Connection problems like a weak WiFi signal, VPN disconnections, or network errors can disrupt the file transfer and prevent your resume from uploading properly. Some things to try:
- Switch to a wired internet connection or move closer to your router for better WiFi strength.
- Disable your VPN if you are connected through one.
- Refresh the page and try uploading again until the connection issue is resolved.
Your resume contains unsupported content
LinkedIn restricts certain types of content from being included in your resume like:
- Hyperlinks and clickable URLs
- Interactive form fields and fillable PDFs
- Password-protected files
- Graphics, logos, and images
If your resume contains any of these, LinkedIn will block the upload and show an error. You’ll need to remove or replace the unsupported content before trying again.
There is a technical problem on LinkedIn’s end
In rare cases, a glitch on LinkedIn’s servers may prevent resumes from uploading correctly for some users. This is usually temporary and gets resolved within a few hours. Try the following:
- Clear your cookies/cache and restart your browser.
- Try uploading from a different browser or device.
- Check LinkedIn’s status page for any reported issues.
- Wait a while and try uploading your resume again later.
Your LinkedIn account is restricted
LinkedIn may impose temporary upload restrictions on your account if you violate their terms of service, such as:
- Uploading spam, illegal, or offensive content
- Scraping data or sending bulk invitations
- Violating LinkedIn’s user agreement
You will need to resolve the issue and have the restrictions removed from your account before you can upload your resume again. Check your email for details from LinkedIn on why your account was restricted.
You’ve reached the resume version limit
LinkedIn lets you store up to 4 past versions of your resume on their platform. If you already have 4 resume versions saved, you’ll need to delete an existing version first before you can upload a new version.
Your LinkedIn account is inactive or closed
You can only add or update your resume if your LinkedIn account is active. Those with closed, suspended or restricted accounts may find they are unable to upload their resume. Reactivate your account and ensure there are no restrictions in place before trying to upload your resume.
How to troubleshoot and fix other resume upload errors
Beyond the reasons covered above, you may encounter other generic errors when trying to upload your resume on LinkedIn. Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve them:
- Check the upload file requirements – File type, size limit, supported formats, etc. as outlined above.
- Simplify your resume formatting to remove any complex layouts, tables, columns, etc. Keep it simple.
- Turn off any VPN or proxy connections that may interfere with uploading.
- Use a wired connection and stable network if possible.
- Try an alternative browser or device if the error persists on your computer.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies and restart your browser.
- Double check your LinkedIn account status and restrictions.
- Copy/paste the text of your resume instead of uploading a file.
- Try converting your resume file to a different format like PDF.
- Contact LinkedIn customer support if you still can’t resolve the error.
Best practices for uploading your resume on LinkedIn
To avoid issues when uploading your resume, keep these best practices in mind:
- Keep your resume file under 5MB – Remove unnecessary formatting, images, etc. to reduce file size.
- Use recommended file formats – .pdf or .docx are best. Avoid odd formats.
- Simplify formatting – Avoid tables, text boxes, etc. Stick to a simple, clean layout.
- Remove hyperlinks – LinkedIn disables clickable links in uploaded resumes.
- Check account status – Ensure your account is active and restriction-free.
- Upload from a PC/Mac – Mobile uploads have a higher failure rate.
- Use a wired connection – For faster, more reliable file transfers.
Conclusion
Uploading your resume is a key step in creating a great LinkedIn profile. By following LinkedIn’s guidelines and troubleshooting any errors, you should be able to add or update your resume successfully. Check that your resume file is an allowed format and under 5MB in size, simplify any complex formatting, remove hyperlinks, and use a wired internet connection for best results. With some diligence and the right strategy, you can showcase your professional experience effectively on your LinkedIn profile.