How to add LinkedIn URL to Resume
Finding a good resume these days? It’s like hunting for a needle in a haystack.
Most are just walls of black-and-white text begging for attention.
Recruiters don’t want that. They want proof you’re more than bullet points.
That’s where your LinkedIn URL earns its keep. One clean link can make a impact on your professional story, showcase projects, and highlight the recommendations that make you stand out.
The mistake? Most people either skip it completely or paste a messy, default link that screams “afterthought.”
And in today’s job market, that’s a missed opportunity you can’t afford.
But don’t worry we are here to cut through the noise, this guide shows you exactly how to add your LinkedIn URL to your resume the right way.
At a glance: the short answer
Adding your LinkedIn to your resume is simple, but there’s a right way to do it if you want it to actually get clicked.
The best place to put it on your resume
In your header contact line next to your email and phone number. That’s where recruiters look first.
How to format it for print vs digital submissions
- Print: Use a clean, shortened URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname).
- Digital: Make it clickable so recruiters don’t have to type it in manually.
Quick steps: customize, copy, paste, hyperlink, test
- Customize your LinkedIn URL so it’s clean.
- Copy it.
- Paste into your resume header.
- Hyperlink it in the digital version.
- Test it on desktop and mobile before sending.
Why Employers Are Obsessed With Your LinkedIn
Let's cut to the chase. Recruiters don't just love LinkedIn they live there.
A whopping 87% of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn during their hiring process. That's not just a preference; it's practically industry standard.
Why? Because your LinkedIn profile is your resume on steroids. It's dynamic, interactive, and offers so much more context than that static PDF you sent.
Think about it:
- Your resume says you "increased sales by 30%"
- Your LinkedIn shows the colleague who endorsed that claim
- Your resume lists "team leadership"
- Your LinkedIn displays recommendations from team members you've led
It's the difference between reading about a restaurant and actually tasting the food. Recruiters crave that full sensory experience.
And let's be honest they're also checking if you're lying.
That gap year you conveniently forgot to mention? The job title that suddenly got a promotion on paper? LinkedIn makes it harder to fudge the facts.
Prep Your LinkedIn Profile First
Before you put that LinkedIn URL onto your resume, let's make sure what they'll find is actually impressive.
Your LinkedIn profile is like your digital handshake. Is yours firm and confident, or limp and forgettable?
Start with your headline.
- This isn't just your job title it's your personal tagline. Instead of "Marketing Manager," try "Marketing Manager specializing in DTC growth strategies | Increased conversions by 40% in 12 months."
Your photo matters
A lot. No, you don't need a professional headshot (though it doesn't hurt). But you do need a clear, friendly, professional-looking image. That cropped wedding photo where you can still see your cousin's shoulder? Not gonna cut it.
Is your summary compelling? This is prime real estate! Use it to tell your career story in a way that's engaging and authentic. Don't just list skills explain how you've used them to drive results.
Adding LinkedIn to your resume is an invitation. Make sure the party they're showing up to is worth attending.
How to Customize Your LinkedIn URL
Let's get technical for a minute. That default LinkedIn URL with random numbers and letters? It's the professional equivalent of using "
" as your email address. Not a good look.
Here's how to fix it in literally 60 seconds:
On Desktop:
- Log into LinkedIn
- Click on your profile picture in the top right
- Select "View Profile"
- Look for the "Edit public profile & URL" button on the right
- On the right side again, click the pencil icon next to your URL
- Type your custom URL (ideally just your name)
- Click Save
On Mobile:
-
Tap your profile picture
-
View Profile
-
Tap the "Edit" button
-
Scroll down to "Contact info"
-
Tap your LinkedIn URL
-
Edit and save
How to add linkedin url to resume (step-by-step)
Where to place it by resume layout
Header contact line (recommended)
The cleanest, most recruiter-friendly spot. Example:
📧 johnsmith@email.com | 📱 555-123-4567 | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Sidebar contact block(Optional)
Works if you’re using a modern design template with a side column.
Formatting for print vs digital
Use full, clean URL for print
Write it out: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith.
Use a clickable hyperlink for digital copies
Hyperlink the text so one click opens your profile.
Make it clickable in popular tools
Microsoft Word
Highlight text → Right click → Hyperlink → Paste your URL.
Google Docs
Highlight text → Insert → Link → Paste URL.
Apple Pages
Highlight text → Format → Add Link.
Canva and other builders
Most resume builders allow you to paste and hyperlink directly.
Exporting to PDF without breaking links
Always test your PDF before sending. Sometimes links break on export.
ATS and recruiter-friendly formatting
Why PDF is usually safest (and exceptions)
PDF preserves formatting and links. Use Word only if the job posting explicitly asks for it.
Avoid icon-only links; keep visible text
ATS can’t “read” icons. Always write out the URL.
Test your link on desktop and mobile
Send it to yourself. Open it on your phone. Recruiters often check resumes on mobile.
Styling tips: separators, icons, and consistent casing
- Use separators like “|” for clarity.
- If you use an icon, keep it subtle.
- Keep casing consistent: all lowercase works best.
Examples: the right way to show your LinkedIn URL
New grad or student header example
John Smith | johnsmith@email.com | 555-123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Experienced professional header example
Jane Doe | Senior Marketing Manager | jane.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Career changer header example
Alex Rivera | Former Teacher → Learning Designer | alex.r@email.com | linkedin.com/in/alexrivera
Developer header example (with GitHub)
Sam Patel | Full Stack Developer | sam.p@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sampatel | github.com/sampatel
Designer header example (with portfolio/Behance)
Lina Chen | UX/UI Designer | lina.c@email.com | linkedin.com/in/linachen | behance.net/linachen
International/academic CV example
Dr. Marcus Lee | CV | marcus.lee@email.com | linkedin.com/in/marcuslee | ResearchGate.net/marcuslee
Adding LinkedIn Learning certificates to your resume
This is another way to push recruiters to view your profile
Where to list: Certifications, Education, or Summary
Place certificates under Certifications or Education. Only mention them in your Summary if they’re super relevant.
How to reference and when to link the certificate
Include the exact course title and “LinkedIn Learning.” Optionally hyperlink the certificate in digital resumes.
Students vs experienced candidates: what matters most
- Students: Certificates show initiative and extra skills.
- Experienced pros: Only highlight certificates tied directly to the role.
Including multiple online profiles without clutter
Well this is only relevant to a specific profession so add:
- GitHub (developers)
- Portfolio (designers)
- Personal website
- Medium/Substack (writers)
Order, labels, and separators for readability
Keep it neat: linkedin.com/in/janedoe | github.com/janedoe | portfolio.janedoe.com
When to use a dedicated Links section
If you’ve got 3+ links, give them their own “Links” or “Projects” section.
Common Mistakes
We've all made mistakes. But these LinkedIn resume blunders? They're easily avoidable.
The QR Code Conundrum
I know what you're thinking:
"A QR code looks so tech-savvy!" But here's the reality most recruiters aren't going to pull out their phones to scan your resume. And if they're viewing your resume on their computer, that QR code is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
The Novel-Length URL
Nothing says "I don't know what I'm doing" quite like:
Trim that fat!
The Non-Clickable Link
You've added your LinkedIn URL, but it's not hyperlinked. Now the recruiter has to copy and paste. Will they bother? Maybe. Should you risk it? Absolutely not.
The Outdated Profile Link
This one's sneaky. You've updated your custom URL, but your resume still shows the old one. Double-check before sending!
The "Follow Me Everywhere" Overload
LinkedIn? Yes. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and your personal blog about exotic houseplants? Unless they're directly relevant to the job, save those for after you're hired.
I once reviewed a resume where someone had included their LinkedIn URL three separate times in the header, contact section, and again in their professional summary. Remember: you're adding a LinkedIn link, not performing an exorcism. Once is enough.
When and How to Update Your LinkedIn URL on Your Resume
Your LinkedIn URL isn't a "set it and forget it" situation. Like everything on your resume, it needs regular maintenance.
When to update:
- After changing your custom URL
- Every 6 months (general resume refresh)
- When applying to a new industry
- After major career changes
- When your LinkedIn profile has significant new content
The process is simple: open your resume document, find all instances of your LinkedIn URL, and update them. Then and this is crucial test the hyperlink by clicking it in the PDF version.
Leveraging Your LinkedIn Beyond the Resume
Adding your LinkedIn to your resume is just the beginning. Here's how to maximize that connection:
Update your profile before applying
Assume that clicking your LinkedIn URL will be the recruiter's next move after reading your resume. Make sure your profile is ready for that spotlight.
Cross-reference content
Your resume and LinkedIn should complement each other, not contradict. Your LinkedIn can elaborate on points your resume introduces.
Engage with the company
Before your interview, follow the company on LinkedIn and engage with their content. When the recruiter clicks through to your profile, they'll notice.
Post relevant content
If you're applying for a marketing role, share and comment on marketing-related content. Show you're actively engaged in your industry.
Check who's viewed your profile
After sending out resumes, keep an eye on your profile views. That spike might indicate recruiter interest!
Think of your resume as the trailer and your LinkedIn as the full movie. Make sure both are compelling enough to keep your audience engaged.
Tying It All Together
Let's recap what we've learned about putting LinkedIn on your resume:
- Why it matters: LinkedIn is your resume's more detailed, dynamic counterpart. Recruiters expect to find it.
- Profile prep: Before adding your URL, make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, professional, and aligned with your resume.
- URL customization: Take a minute to create a clean, professional custom URL.
- Strategic placement: Put your LinkedIn URL in your resume header alongside other contact information.
- Formatting: Keep it clean, hyperlinked, and consistent with your resume's style.
- Common mistakes: Avoid QR codes, lengthy URLs, and non-clickable links.
- Maintenance: Regularly update both your LinkedIn profile and the URL on your resume.
The job market is competitive enough without shooting yourself in the foot. Something as simple as a properly placed LinkedIn URL can be the difference between your resume landing in the "consider" pile versus the "who's next?" pile.
Next Steps: From Link to Hired
Now that you've mastered the art of adding LinkedIn to your resume, what's next?
- Update your LinkedIn URL today it takes less than a minute
- Add it to your resume header right now
- Test the link in your exported PDF
- Review your LinkedIn profile through a recruiter's eyes
- Start applying with your newly optimized resume
