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How to Put LinkedIn on a Resume (with Examples)
11 min read · Updated on November 07, 2024
Here's how to best represent LinkedIn on your resume so you receive the right type of attention
It's common knowledge that LinkedIn is the top professional social media site used. Unlike other older social media sites that have declined in popularity over the years, LinkedIn has maintained its popularity and has been actively used since its launch in 2003. With more than 1 billion users worldwide and 67 million companies on the site, it's a go-to resource to network, recruit, find and apply for jobs, promote your expertise, and more.
So, if you're not on LinkedIn, create an account as soon as possible. For those of you who are on LinkedIn, you might be wondering if you should include LinkedIn on your resume. Great question!
In this post, we'll cover:
Why you should include LinkedIn on a resume
How to update your LinkedIn profile so it's safe to share your URL
How to create a custom LinkedIn URL
Ways to personalize your LinkedIn URL
Where and how to put LinkedIn on your resume
When not to include LinkedIn on your resume
How to include LinkedIn Learning on your resume
Should you put LinkedIn on a resume?
It's true that your resume is the first impression employers have of you when you apply for a job. With that said, count on LinkedIn being impression number two, given that more than 78% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and research candidates. Some research even indicates 40% of employers won't consider you if you don't have a LinkedIn profile. In other words, as soon as your resume grabs the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager, it's likely that they're going to quickly do an online search to learn more about you, starting with LinkedIn.
So, if you've been wondering if recruiters and hiring managers really do check LinkedIn, now you know that they do. As a result, you should definitely include your LinkedIn URL on your resume. But, before you take that step, you must ensure that your profile is current and professional.
How to update your LinkedIn profile before sharing your URL
Even if you choose not to include your LinkedIn URL on your resume, based on the stats above, it's still probable that hiring teams will look for it anyway. So, first things first, you need to ensure your LinkedIn profile has all the necessary elements and is professionally written. The last thing you want is for a hiring manager to find your profile halfway complete - that scenario is likely to put your resume in the thanks-but-no-thanks pile.
While it's true that your LinkedIn profile and resume need to align with each other, the great thing about your LinkedIn profile is that it gives you the chance to share more about yourself than your resume can highlight - another reason to be sure to include LinkedIn on your resume. Your LinkedIn profile provides you with a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and all of your professional history - it's a way to highlight your personal and professional brand.
To ensure your profile is up to par and does what it's meant to do (land an interview and help you to get hired), you want to customize it as follows:
Include a professional photo and cover image
Craft a catchy headline
Add a standout summary in the “About” section
Add your work history in detail
Include all of your skills
Seek endorsements
Include your education , training, licenses, and certifications
Request recommendations
Add work samples, if possible
Complete all relevant sections
If you're struggling to come up with content for your LinkedIn profile, you can use LinkedIn's AI powered tool to help if you're a premium member. Or, you can use a free AI tool, like ChatGPT, to inspire you. Of course, you'll want to be sure to add your spin on the AI results to give it a human touch. For more detailed information on how to best complete your LinkedIn profile, refer to “ 12 Ways to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out .”
If you don't currently have a LinkedIn profile, use caution when rushing to create one. Yes, you want to have a profile up and running as soon as possible - especially if you're in the market for a new job - but don't create it in haste. Instead, when you're ready, give it some thoughtful consideration and take the time required to ensure it's a profile you're proud to share with employers.
Another essential step to take before adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume is personalizing it. Yes, you could use the LinkedIn-generated URL that includes your full name followed by a string of seemingly random numbers and text at the end, but doing so looks unprofessional. In the examples below, if you compare how a LinkedIn-generated URL looks with how a customized URL looks, which is better?
LinkedIn-generated URL : linkedin.com/in/carry-groove-521a7699744/
Customized URL: linkedin.com/in/carrygroove
Not only does the customized URL look more professional, it's also easier to recall. Plus, not customizing your URL can make you come across as being lazy or not caring enough about your job application.
Now that you're clear it's essential to customize your LinkedIn URL, here are the steps to do so:
Log into your LinkedIn profile
On the upper middle to right side of the LinkedIn navigation, click on the “Me” icon
From the menu that appears, click on “View Profile”
Select “Edit public profile & URL” from the top right corner, which will take you to your public profile settings
Click on the pencil icon below and to the right of “Edit your custom URL”
Customize the last part of the URL where you can enter information and click “Save”
Ways to customize and personalize your LinkedIn URL
LinkedIn allows you to customize your URL with 3 to 100 numbers or letters. When choosing what to use for the customized aspect, first remove any random string of text or numbers following your name. If your name alone isn't available, the next best option is to use a variation of your name that is still recognizable and professional. You can also include your job title or profession for URL customization.
Here are some examples of how to personalize your URL:
Add an available and easy to remember number at the end: linkedin.com/in/jamesjones25
Use your title or area of expertise: linkedin.com/in/jamesjoneshrgeneralist
Include your credentials: linkedin.com/in/jamesjonesCPA
Add a phrase that relates to your personal brand: linkedin.com/in/jamesjonesmortgageloanexpert
Add your middle initial: linkedin.com/in/jameszjones
Where to include a LinkedIn URL on your resume
You're likely not surprised to learn that your LinkedIn URL should go at the top of your resume with your contact information . It's typically the last piece of contact information you'll include, following your phone number and email address.
When sending your resume by email, it's also wise to include your hyperlinked LinkedIn URL in your email signature. This offers easy access to your LinkedIn profile before the recruiter or hiring manager even looks at your resume. It's a good idea to include your LinkedIn URL in the contact information section of your cover letter , too.
How to put your LinkedIn URL on your resume
When listing your LinkedIn URL:
You don't need to include the "https://" at the beginning. Only listing the rest of the URL is sufficient - for example, linkedin.com/in/karenjohnson22
You don't need to include a LinkedIn label for the URL - the employer will know what the URL is referencing since all LinkedIn URLs begin with "linkedin.com/in/"
Hyperlink the URL in electronic versions of your resume
On the rare occasion that you might mail a hard copy of your resume, be sure the URL is easily legible and remove the hyperlink
How to put LinkedIn on a resume: example
When you've added your LinkedIn URL to your resume, it could look like this:
[email protected] | 555.555.5555 | linkedin.com/in/marysmith11
When not to include a LinkedIn URL on your resume
It's clear that putting LinkedIn on your resume adds value in most instances. However, there are a few scenarios where you shouldn't include LinkedIn on your resume.
Don't include your LinkedIn URL if:
You haven't customized your LinkedIn URL. As mentioned earlier, not customizing your URL might make you appear lazy to recruiters and hiring managers. Since the LinkedIn-generated URL also tends to be long and odd-looking, it could be distracting to human readers vs. adding value the way you want it to.
Your profile is out-of-date and incomplete. Again, it's imperative that your LinkedIn profile is current and complete if you're in the job market and share your URL on your resume.
You don't feel good about your profile. Even if your LinkedIn profile is current, if you don't feel good about it or don't feel it represents you in the best light possible, don't include the URL on your resume. Instead, wait until you've made the updates and changes that make you want to share it. With that said, since employers tend to look you up even if you don't include your URL, try to make those changes with thoughtful consideration sooner rather than later - especially if you're currently applying for jobs. You also have the option of switching your profile to private until you're ready to make it public. You can always seek professional support to help you update your profile if you're struggling to do so yourself.
Your LinkedIn profile merely mirrors your resume. A benefit of including your LinkedIn URL on your resume is that it gives hiring teams insight into additional skills and experiences you have, as well as who you are as a person. If your LinkedIn profile and resume are virtually the same, then hiring teams might wonder why you included the URL at all.
How to add LinkedIn Learning to your resume
If you have a LinkedIn learning certificate, it can be a valuable addition to enhance your job marketing materials. Here are some ways to include LinkedIn Learning on your resume:
Include it in your Certifications section. The most obvious place to include a LinkedIn Learning certificate is in your list of certifications, if you include such a section on your resume.
Share it in your Education section . Suppose LinkedIn Learning is your only certification or additional training beyond your education. In that case, you can choose to list it with your education. For this scenario, some good naming conventions for the section are “Education & Certifications” or “Education & Credentials.”
Reference it in your resume summary. You might mention your LinkedIn Learning certificate in your resume summary , if it helps to fill in any skills gaps you have or if you lack relevant work experience for the position.
Add it to your skills or competencies list. If you don't need to emphasize your LinkedIn Learning training in your summary, or are forgoing a Certifications section on your resume, then you can opt to list it in your skills or competencies list.
LinkedIn on your resume is expected
In today's world, employers expect to see your LinkedIn URL on your resume. Be sure to include your personalized URL with your contact information and, simultaneously, ensure your LinkedIn profile is professionally written and up to date. Hiring managers will thank you!
And if you have any LinkedIn Learning training that's relevant to the job, be sure to include it where appropriate. Doing so can further enhance your resume and prove you're the perfect candidate for the job. Good luck!
Do you want to know whether your resume correctly represents your LinkedIn URL as well as other pertinent elements? Why not submit it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers ? They'll work with you and show you exactly what to include and how to include it to create the best resume possible!
Recommended reading:
How to List Certifications on a Resume (with Examples)
5 Easy Ways to Spring Clean Your Resume
How to Check if My Resume is ATS-Friendly for Free
Related Articles:
What are Social Skills and Why Are They Important in Your Job Search?
How to Upload Your Resume to LinkedIn - Step by Step Guide
Should You Use LinkedIn Easy Apply?
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How to Put LinkedIn on Your Resume
In This Guide:
Why you should add your linkedin profile to your resume, how to optimize your linkedin profile, how to add linkedin to your resume.
Common mistakes
To add your LinkedIn profile to your resume, first, make sure your LinkedIn URL is customized and professional. Then, place it in the header of your resume alongside your other contact information. Simply include the LinkedIn URL after your email address and remove the "https://www." part to save space.
“Social vetting is rapidly emerging as a key element in the hiring process,” says Matt McGilton from Kaizen Recruitment. We couldn’t agree more. Recruiters look beyond resumes, often heading straight to social media to get a fuller picture of who you are.
That’s why adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume is your best bet—it helps you control the narrative. Not sure how to do it? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this post, we’ll walk you through the quickest way to add your LinkedIn link to your resume, suggest alternative placements for it, and highlight some common mistakes to avoid.
Key takeaways
- Place your LinkedIn URL in the header of your resume to give recruiters quick access to your professional story.
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized with a professional photo, compelling headline, detailed summary, and relevant skills and endorsements.
- Avoid common mistakes like placing your LinkedIn link in the footer or using a QR code on your resume.
- Consider using a LinkedIn icon for a sleek, modern look
- Make sure all the information on your LinkedIn profile aligns with your resume, and avoid including any confidential or overly personal details.
Recruiters are increasingly using LinkedIn to gain a complete view of potential candidates— 70% were doing so in 2018 , and that number has only grown since!
By adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume, you give recruiters quick access to your full professional story, which can be a deciding factor in the hiring process. Even if you don’t always see who’s viewing your profile due to privacy settings or specialized recruitment tools, rest assured that HRs are still looking.
Leverage LinkedIn to highlight your best traits
According to a study published in the Journal of Research in Personality , your LinkedIn profile can reveal more about your personality than you might think. Hiring managers use indicators like profile pictures, listed skills, and the number of connections to gauge traits such as extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness.
To make a strong impression, ensure your LinkedIn profile is polished and complete.
So, yes, you should absolutely add your LinkedIn to your resume.
But before you do, make sure it’s optimized—after all, a half-baked profile could hurt your chances.
In the next section, we’ll dive into how to elevate your LinkedIn profile to leave a mark.
First things first, make sure your LinkedIn profile is aligned with your resume. Your employment history, skills, and achievements should match.
But here’s the catch—don’t just copy and paste. Your LinkedIn profile is an opportunity to share more about yourself, beyond what’s on your resume. Use this space to expand on your experiences and personalize them to give recruiters a fuller picture of who you are.
Step #1. Create a custom LinkedIn URL
A personalized URL not only looks more professional but also makes it easier for recruiters to find and remember you.
Here’s how to customize your LinkedIn URL from your desktop:
- Click on the Me icon > View Profile .
- Go to Public profile & URL at the top right.
- Click Edit your custom URL , and change the last part to your name or a variation of it.
If your name is common or you're having trouble finding a unique variation, consider adding your job title to your URL. For example: /in/susan-miller-investment-consultant.
Here’s how to do it from your mobile device:
- Open the LinkedIn app and tap on your profile picture in the top left corner.
- Tap on View your profile .
- Click the three dots (ellipsis) in the right corner and select Contact info .
- Hit the pencil icon next to your LinkedIn URL to edit it.
- In the text box, change the last part of your URL to your name or a variation of it.
- Press Save to update your customized URL.
Make sure the name on your URL matches the one on your resume and professional email . Avoid using nicknames or mysterious aliases, as they can come across as sloppy. Also, steer clear of special characters—they can reduce readability and lead to broken links.
Step #2. Choose a professional photo and background
Your profile picture is one of the first things people see. Use a high-quality image where you’re dressed professionally, facing the camera, and smiling. Avoid selfies or casual photos. For your background photo, choose something that reflects your personality or industry—think of it as a subtle way to tell your story visually.
If your country or industry allows for a photo on your resume , ensure that the image matches the one on your LinkedIn profile for consistency.
If you’re in the US, Canada, or the UK, it's best to avoid including a photo on your resume. In these regions, headshots can introduce biases, which is why many hiring managers prefer resumes without them. That said, they’ll still likely look at your LinkedIn profile to get a sense of who you are, so your LinkedIn photo should be clean and professional.
Step #3. Write an eye-catching headline
Just like your resume headline , your LinkedIn headline should go beyond simply stating your job title. It’s your chance to capture attention and spark curiosity, encouraging recruiters to learn more about you.
Use a brief, compelling phrase that not only highlights what you do but also showcases what makes you unique. For example, "Digital Marketing Expert with a Passion for Data-Driven Strategies" is far more engaging and informative than just "Digital Marketer.”
Step #4. Craft a compelling LinkedIn summary
This is your chance to share your story in a personal way. Unlike a resume summary , here you can write in the first person to make your narrative feel more authentic.
Focus on illustrating your key experiences, skills, and passions but don't forget to include relevant keywords to improve your visibility in search results. Additionally, make sure they blend naturally into your writing—this should feel like a conversation, not a list of buzzwords .
Step #5. Detail your experience thoughtfully
Go beyond just listing your past jobs . Describe your roles, but also focus on your achievements and the impact you had. Use bullet points for clarity and aim to include specific numbers or examples to demonstrate your success. This is where you can go into more detail than on your resume, providing a richer narrative about your career journey.
Step #6. Highlight your skills and gather endorsements
You can list up to 50 skills on your LinkedIn profile—even those that aren’t directly related to your current job. Unlike a targeted resume , which is tailored to one specific job description, your LinkedIn profile can showcase your entire range of abilities . This makes you more likely to show up in skill-based searches.
And don’t be shy about asking colleagues or connections to endorse your skills—those endorsements are like a vote of confidence in your abilities!
Skill-based hiring
As of 2024, 48% of LinkedIn recruiters explicitly use skills data to fill their roles.
Step # 7. Request recommendations
Recommendations are the gold stars of your profile. They’re detailed testimonials that speak to your professional abilities and character. Reach out to former colleagues, managers, or clients and politely ask them for a recommendation. Be sure to offer to write one for them in return!
Step #8. Include examples of your work
If you can, showcase examples of your work directly on your LinkedIn profile. They could be articles, projects, presentations, or any other relevant work. It’s the perfect opportunity to help recruiters and potential employers see your skills in action.
Step # 9. Keep your profile updated
Make it a habit to regularly update your LinkedIn profile. Add new skills, certifications and licenses , or achievements as you go. An updated profile shows you’re active and engaged, which is exactly what employers are looking for.
Now that you've polished your LinkedIn profile, let's dive into the best practices for including it in your resume.
Wondering where to put your LinkedIn on a resume? The answer is simple—right in the header . This section acts like the business card of your application, where you include all your contact details .
Place your LinkedIn link in the resume header because of the F-pattern reading style. Readers naturally start at the top and skim down, so having your LinkedIn front and center ensures it's seen. Plus, thanks to the primacy effect , the information at the top of the page is more likely to be remembered. Make it count!
Here’s an example of a classic resume header with a clearly displayed link . Remember, you don’t need to include the “ http://www. ” part—just hyperlink the profile for a cleaner look.
Why hyperlinking matters
Hyperlinking your LinkedIn profile is a small detail, but it adds convenience, keeps your resume looking sharp, and ensures you're prepared for both digital and printed formats.
Here are the benefits:
- A digital resume allows recruiters to easily click through to your profile without needing to type the address manually. This shows them you’re considerate of their time.
- By hyperlinking, you avoid cluttering your resume with long URLs. To save space, you can even use an anchor text like "LinkedIn Profile” or add the LinkedIn icon .
- While hyperlinks don’t work on paper, a clean, simplified URL still matters. It looks more professional and makes it easy for someone to type it into their browser . This way, your resume stays effective whether it's printed or viewed digitally.
Always save your resume as a PDF to keep the formatting intact across all devices and make sure your links are clickable. This makes it super easy for recruiters to access your LinkedIn profile or portfolio with just one click, even if they're viewing a digital copy.
Including the LinkedIn icon
Some users prefer a visual touch by adding the LinkedIn logo instead of a plain link.
With Enhancv, you can easily create a "Find me online" section and select the LinkedIn icon or any other social media platform logo directly from the resume builder . This makes your resume look sleek and modern, and it's perfect for demonstrating your professional online presence.
We offer ready-made, customizable templates with all the necessary social media icons directly available in the app.
Make this your resume
Use Enhancv’s Resume Builder and make a resume that stands out.
Common mistakes when putting LinkedIn on your resume
Adding your LinkedIn profile to your resume is a great way to showcase your professional brand, but it's important to do it right. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when doing that.
Inserting a LinkedIn QR code into the resume
QR codes offer a quick way to share your LinkedIn profile, but they’re not ideal for resumes. They can clutter the layout and impact readability, so it's better to avoid them here. Instead, keep it clean with a simple hyperlink in the header.
Save your LinkedIn QR code for events like conferences, job fairs, or networking meetups to let attendees quickly access your profile on their phones.
To generate the code, simply open the LinkedIn app, tap on your profile picture, and select “QR code.”
Placing your LinkedIn profile in the resume footer
Placing your LinkedIn profile link in the resume footer isn't a great idea for a couple of reasons.
First, it's less likely to catch a recruiter's attention since they typically focus on the top of the document.
Second, headers and footers can sometimes interfere with ATS readability. Footers aren’t standard practice on US resumes , so it's best to put your LinkedIn link in the header for better visibility and impact.
Frequently asked questions
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let's move on to more detailed queries to help you enhance your job search strategy.
Can I turn my LinkedIn profile into a resume?
Absolutely! You can easily use Enhancv’s LinkedIn resume builder to convert your LinkedIn profile into a sleek, modern resume with just a click. Just be sure your LinkedIn profile is fully optimized (check out the steps above) to create a resume that catches every recruiter’s eye.
Should I upload my resume to my LinkedIn account?
Yes. It will make the job application process easier and recruiters will be able to find and review your qualifications quickly. Just ensure your resume aligns with your LinkedIn profile and doesn’t include any confidential information, such as your home address, personal phone number, social security number, or any sensitive details about your past employers.
Where do I add a LinkedIn learning certificate to my resume?
You can add a LinkedIn Learning certificate to your resume in the "Certifications" section, which is the most straightforward way to display your accomplishments. Just make sure to include the name of the certificate, the issuing organization, and the date you earned it.
Alternatively, you can underline your LinkedIn Learning certificate in sections like "Career Highlights" or your summary. This is especially useful if the certificate is highly relevant to the job you're applying for. Mentioning it in your career highlights can spotlight it as a key achievement while including it in your summary emphasizes your commitment to professional growth and staying current in your field.
Adding your LinkedIn profile to your resume is a great way to give recruiters easy access to your full professional story. Just remember to keep your profile fine-tuned and up-to-date, and place the link in the header of your resume for maximum visibility. With these simple tips, you’ll make a lasting impression and shine in the hiring process.
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