Quick answer: To upload a resume, save it as a PDF or Word (.docx) file with a clear name (like Jane-Smith-Resume.pdf), then look for an "Upload resume" button in your profile or application. On Indeed, sign in, go to Profile > Resume > Upload a resume. On LinkedIn, go to Me > Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Job application settings > Upload resume, or attach it when you click Easy Apply. On company career sites (Workday, Greenhouse, iCIMS, Lever), upload it in the application, then review the auto-filled fields and fix any parsing errors before submitting.
Uploading a resume should take ten seconds. Somehow it often takes twenty minutes: the site rejects your file, the parser turns your job titles into gibberish, or you realize you just uploaded "resume_OLD_dontuse.docx" to your dream job.
This guide walks you through how to upload your resume to Indeed, LinkedIn, and other job sites, which file format to use, how to upload from your phone, and how to fix common problems.
Before You Upload: Get Your File Ready
- File type: PDF for most sites; Word (.docx) if the site asks or if its parser handles Word better. See resume PDF or Word
- File name: Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf. See how to name your resume file
- File size: keep it under 2 MB (most sites allow up to 5 MB)
- Layout: single column with standard headings so parsers read it correctly. See ATS-friendly resume templates
- Text-based, not scanned: if you can't select the text in your PDF, the site can't read it either
- Up to date: check your contact details and most recent job
How to Upload Your Resume to Indeed
- Sign in at indeed.com (or create a free account)
- Click your profile icon > Profile
- In the Resume section, click Upload a resume (or Replace to update an existing one)
- Choose your file from your computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox
- Review the preview and confirm
Tips:
- Indeed may offer to create an Indeed Resume from your file. It's useful for quick applications, but double-check how your information was converted
- Check your resume privacy settings. You can make your resume searchable so employers can find you, or keep it private
- When you click Apply now on a job, you can choose which uploaded resume to send
How to Upload Your Resume to LinkedIn
Option 1: Save resumes for job applications
- Click Me > Settings & Privacy
- Go to Data privacy > Job application settings (menu names can change slightly)
- Click Upload resume and choose your file
Saved resumes are available when you apply with Easy Apply.
Option 2: Upload during Easy Apply
- Click Easy Apply on a job posting
- Upload a new resume or choose a previously uploaded one
- Review and submit
Option 3: Add it to your profile's Featured section
- Go to your profile, click Add section > Recommended > Add featured (or the + in Featured)
- Choose Add media and upload your resume PDF
This makes your resume public to anyone who views your profile, so remove your phone number and home address first. For the full walkthrough, see how to add your resume to LinkedIn.
How to Upload Your Resume to Other Job Sites
ZipRecruiter: sign in, go to your profile, and upload or replace your resume. ZipRecruiter uses it to fill your profile and for one-click applications.
Glassdoor: sign in, go to your profile, and upload your resume under the Resume section, or attach it during an application.
Monster and CareerBuilder: sign in, go to your profile or "My Resumes," and upload your file. You can usually choose whether your resume is visible to employers.
Handshake (students): go to Documents (or your profile), click Upload, choose Resume, and submit. Your career center may review it before it becomes visible to employers.
USAJOBS (federal jobs): go to your profile's Documents section and upload a resume, or use the USAJOBS resume builder. Federal resumes need more detail. See different types of resumes.
How to Upload Your Resume to Company Career Sites (Workday, Greenhouse, iCIMS)
Most company career pages use an applicant tracking system:
- Click Apply on the job posting
- Create an account if required (Workday often asks for one per company)
- Upload your resume. The system will try to auto-fill your information
- Review every auto-filled field: job titles, dates, employers, and education. Fix anything that was misread
- Upload a cover letter if there's an option. See how to write a cover letter
- Answer any screening questions and submit
Tip: if the auto-fill is badly wrong, your resume layout may be confusing the parser. A simpler, single-column version usually fixes it. See what is a resume parser.
How to Upload Your Resume From Your Phone
- Save your resume to Files (iPhone), Google Drive, or Dropbox
- On the job site or app, tap Upload resume
- Choose Browse or Files, then select your PDF
- Confirm and review
If you don't have a resume on your phone yet, see how to make a resume on your phone.
Common Upload Problems (and How to Fix Them)
- "File type not supported": convert to PDF or .docx. Avoid Pages, .odt, or image files
- "File too large": compress images or remove graphics. Most resumes should be under 1 MB
- Upload button does nothing: try another browser, disable ad blockers, or clear your cache
- Auto-filled fields are wrong: your layout is likely confusing the parser. Use a single-column template, remove tables and text boxes, and try again
- Wrong resume uploaded: most sites let you replace or delete files in your profile. Rename files clearly to avoid this
- Special characters show up as symbols: save as PDF and avoid unusual fonts or symbols
Should You Make Your Resume Searchable?
On sites like Indeed and Monster, you can let employers find your resume.
Pros: recruiters may contact you about jobs you didn't know existed.
Cons: your current employer could see it, and you may get spam or irrelevant offers.
If you're job searching confidentially, keep your resume private or hide your current employer's name, and remove your home address and phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I upload my resume to Indeed?
Sign in, go to Profile, find the Resume section, click Upload a resume, choose your file, and confirm.
How do I upload my resume to LinkedIn?
Go to Me > Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Job application settings and upload it, or attach it when using Easy Apply. You can also add it to your profile's Featured section.
What format should I upload my resume in?
PDF for most sites, unless the employer or site asks for Word (.docx). Make sure it's a text-based file, not a scan.
Can I upload multiple resumes?
Yes. Indeed and LinkedIn let you store more than one, which is useful if you're applying to different types of roles.
Why does my resume look wrong after uploading?
The site's parser may have misread your layout. Use a single-column, ATS-friendly format and check the auto-filled fields before submitting.
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