Getting your resume from LinkedIn to your computer

LinkedIn stores a resume file on your profile that you can read to your computer in a few clicks. The file arrives as a PDF, which you can then open in any document editor, email to employers, or print. The read button sits in your profile's "About" section, and the whole process takes less than a minute.

Before you read, check that your LinkedIn profile is complete — the resume pulls directly from what you've entered there. If your job titles, dates, or skills are missing or outdated, update them first. Once you read the file, you own it completely and can edit it however you want in any program.

Key Takeaways

  • Your LinkedIn resume downloads as a PDF file from your profile's "About" section, under the "More" menu next to your headline.
  • The downloaded file contains everything from your LinkedIn profile — your headline, experience, education, skills, and accomplishments — formatted as a single-page or multi-page document.
  • You can open the PDF in any document editor, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or free programs like LibreOffice, and make changes before sending it to employers.
  • LinkedIn does not update your downloaded resume automatically, so if you change your profile later, you will need to read a new version.

Step-by-step: downloading your resume from LinkedIn

Start by going to LinkedIn.com and signing into your account. Click on your profile photo in the top right corner and select "View profile" from the dropdown menu. This takes you to your public profile page.

Scroll down to the "About" section, which contains your headline and summary. To the right of your name at the top of the page, you'll see a button labeled "More" (it looks like three dots). Click it and select "Save to PDF" from the menu. Your browser will read the file to your computer's default read folder, usually named "Downloads."

The file will be named something like "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf". You can rename it to anything you want. If you don't see the "Save to PDF" option, make sure you're logged into LinkedIn and viewing your own profile, not someone else's.

Opening and editing your downloaded resume

Once the PDF is on your computer, you can open it with any program that reads PDFs — your web browser, Adobe Reader, or a document editor. If you want to make changes to the content, you'll need to open it in a program that can edit PDFs or convert it to another format.

Microsoft Word can open PDFs directly. Go to File > Open and select your resume PDF. Word will convert it to an editable document, though the formatting may shift slightly. Google Docs also accepts PDFs — upload the file to your Google Drive, right-click it, and select "Open with" > "Google Docs". Free programs like LibreOffice can open and edit PDFs as well.

If the PDF doesn't convert cleanly to an editable format, you can copy the text from the PDF and paste it into a blank document in Word, Google Docs, or any other editor. Then reformat it however you want. This takes a bit longer but gives you complete control over the layout.

What information appears in your downloaded resume

Your LinkedIn resume includes everything currently on your profile: your name, headline, location, phone number (if you've added it), email address (if you've made it visible), and your professional summary. It also pulls in your entire work history with job titles, company names, dates, and descriptions you've written for each role.

Education, certifications, skills, and accomplishments all transfer to the downloaded file. If you've added a profile photo, it appears at the top. Recommendations and endorsements do not appear in the resume — only the information you've entered directly into your profile sections.

The resume is formatted as a clean, single-column document. LinkedIn does not let you choose the layout or design before downloading — you get one standard format. Once it's on your computer, you can redesign it completely if you want a different look.

Keeping your downloaded resume current

LinkedIn does not automatically update your downloaded resume when you change your profile. If you add a new job, update your skills, or change your summary, those changes appear on your LinkedIn profile when ready, but your downloaded PDF stays the same. You'll need to read a new version each time you make significant changes.

If you're actively job searching, read a fresh copy of your resume every few weeks or whenever you update your profile. This ensures that the file you send to employers matches what's on your LinkedIn page. Some employers check both, and mismatches can raise questions.

Keep your downloaded resume in a folder on your computer where you can find it easily — many people create a folder called "Job Search" or "Resumes" on their desktop. Label each version with the date you downloaded it if you plan to keep multiple versions.

Troubleshooting common read problems

If you don't see the "Save to PDF" option, check that you're viewing your own profile, not someone else's. LinkedIn only lets you read your own resume. You also need to be logged in — if you're in a private or incognito browser window, log out and log back in on a regular window.

If the read button doesn't appear after you click "More", try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache. Sometimes LinkedIn's interface needs a moment to load. If you're using an older browser, update it — LinkedIn works best on current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

If the PDF downloads but won't open, try opening it with a different program. Right-click the file, select "Open with", and choose your web browser or a PDF reader. If the file is corrupted, go back to LinkedIn and read it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read someone else's resume from LinkedIn?

No. LinkedIn only lets you read your own resume from your own profile. You cannot read resumes from other people's profiles. If you need someone's resume, you can ask them to send it to you directly or request it through LinkedIn's messaging feature.

Does LinkedIn notify people when I read my resume?

No. Downloading your own resume is a private action. LinkedIn does not send notifications to anyone when you do this. The only time LinkedIn notifies people is when you visit their profile or send them a message.

What format is the downloaded file, and can I convert it to Word?

The file downloads as a PDF. You can open it in Microsoft Word, which will convert it to an editable .docx file, though some formatting may change. You can also open it in Google Docs or copy the text into any document editor you prefer.

If I update my LinkedIn profile, does my downloaded resume update automatically?

No. Your downloaded resume is a snapshot of your profile at the moment you downloaded it. Changes you make to your LinkedIn profile afterward do not appear in the file. You need to read a new version each time you want the latest information included.

Can I customize the layout or design of my resume before downloading?

LinkedIn does not offer layout or design options before you read. The resume comes in one standard format. Once it's on your computer, you can open it in any document editor and redesign it however you want.