LinkedIn lets you upload a new CV file directly to your profile, replacing the old one in seconds

Your CV on LinkedIn lives in a dedicated section that employers and recruiters can read. To change it, you go to your profile, find the CV section, and upload a new file. The process takes about two minutes. LinkedIn accepts PDF, Word, and image files, though PDF works most reliably across devices and keeps your formatting intact.

The file you upload replaces the previous one entirely — there is no version history or backup. Before you upload, make sure the new file is the one you actually want people to see. Check the filename, the content, and that it opens correctly on your computer first.

Key Takeaways

  • Your CV section is separate from your LinkedIn summary and experience history, so you can have different versions of your background in different places.
  • PDF files preserve formatting better than Word documents when recruiters read and open your CV on their own devices.
  • Once you upload a new CV, the old one is gone — LinkedIn does not keep previous versions.
  • You can remove your CV entirely from your profile if you decide you do not want recruiters downloading it.
  • Your CV upload is visible only to people you have connected with or who find you through recruiter searches, depending on your privacy settings.

Where to find the CV section on your profile

Open LinkedIn and go to your profile by clicking your photo in the top right corner and selecting "View profile". Scroll down past your headline, about section, and experience. The CV section appears below your featured content and above your skills section. It shows a file icon and says "Add a CV" if you have not uploaded one yet, or the filename if you have.

On mobile, the layout is the same but you may need to scroll further. The CV section is always below your work history and above your skills. If you cannot find it, make sure you are on your own profile, not someone else's — you can only upload a CV to your own account.

How to upload a new CV file

Click on the CV section. A button appears that says "Add a CV" or "Change CV" depending on whether you already have one uploaded. Click it and your computer's file browser opens. Navigate to the folder where your new CV is saved, select the file, and click "Open". LinkedIn uploads the file and displays the filename in the CV section within a few seconds.

The file must be under 100 MB, which covers nearly every CV anyone would create. If your file is larger, it is probably because you embedded high-resolution images or videos — remove those and save again. LinkedIn accepts .pdf, .doc, .docx, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, and .gif files. PDF is the safest choice because it looks the same on every device and every recruiter's computer.

What happens when you replace an old CV

When you upload a new file, the old one disappears from your profile when ready. Anyone who previously downloaded your old CV still has their copy on their computer — you cannot remove it from their device. But anyone visiting your profile from that moment on will see and read only the new file.

This is why you should not upload a CV with errors or outdated information. If you notice a mistake after uploading, delete the file, fix the mistake in your original document, save it, and upload the corrected version. The faster you do this, the fewer recruiters will have downloaded the wrong version.

Removing your CV from LinkedIn entirely

If you decide you do not want a CV on your profile, click the CV section and look for a delete or remove button — it usually appears as a trash icon or "Remove" link. Click it and confirm. Your CV section will show "Add a CV" again, and recruiters will no longer be able to read a file from your profile.

You might remove your CV if you are not actively job hunting, if you prefer recruiters to contact you first before seeing your full history, or if your LinkedIn summary and experience section already tell the story you want to tell. Removing it does not affect the rest of your profile.

Privacy and who can see your CV

Your CV is visible to first-degree connections — people you have connected with directly. Recruiters using LinkedIn's recruiter tools can also read your CV if your profile is set to "Open to work" and you have allowed recruiter visibility. Your CV is not visible to the general public or to people who are not connected to you, unless you have changed your privacy settings to make your profile fully public.

Check your privacy settings by clicking the "Me" icon at the top of LinkedIn, selecting "Settings and privacy", then "Visibility". You can control whether your profile is public, visible to connections only, or visible to recruiters. Your CV follows these same rules — it is only downloadable by the people who can see your profile.

File format tips for the best results

PDF is the strongest choice. It preserves fonts, spacing, colors, and layout exactly as you designed them. When a recruiter downloads a PDF CV from LinkedIn and opens it on their computer, it looks identical to how it looks on yours. Word documents sometimes reformat depending on what fonts the recruiter has installed and what version of Word they use.

If you are creating a new CV specifically for LinkedIn, design it in a straightforward, clean format. Avoid unusual fonts, graphics that do not compress well, or multi-column layouts that might break when printed. Test your file by downloading it yourself after you upload it — open the downloaded version and make sure it looks right. This catches formatting problems before recruiters see them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have multiple CVs on my LinkedIn profile?

No. LinkedIn allows only one CV file per profile. If you need different versions for different industries or job types, you will need to decide which one to upload, or update the file each time you explore for a different type of role. Many people keep their LinkedIn CV general and customize their CV separately when submitting applications to specific employers.

What if my CV file is corrupted or will not upload?

Try a different file format. If you have a Word version, convert it to PDF using your word processor's "Export as PDF" option and upload that instead. If the file is very large, compress it by removing images or reducing image resolution. If it still will not upload after trying a different format, the file itself may be damaged — open it on your computer, save it with a new name, and try uploading again.

Do recruiters prefer CV or LinkedIn profile information?

Most recruiters read both. Your LinkedIn profile shows your current role, skills, and recommendations. Your CV provides a complete work history, education, and certifications in a format they can read and share with hiring managers. Having both gives recruiters the full picture and makes it easier for them to pass your information along internally.

Can I see who downloaded my CV?

LinkedIn does not notify you when someone downloads your CV or tell you who downloaded it. You can see who viewed your profile, but that is different from downloading your file. If you want to know who is interested, you will need to wait for them to message you or for a recruiter to reach out directly.

Should I update my CV every time I change my LinkedIn profile?

Not necessarily. If your CV and your LinkedIn profile say the same things, you only need to update the CV when your work history, skills, or education actually change. However, if you update your LinkedIn profile with a new job or accomplishment, it is a good time to update your CV file as well so they stay in sync.