Your LinkedIn Profile Is Already a Resume — Here's How to Export It

LinkedIn has evolved dramatically since its early days, and in 2025, it's a comprehensive career hub where your profile essentially functions as a living resume.

But what happens when you need to quickly submit a resume for a job application? Or when you want to have an offline version of your professional history? That's where LinkedIn's resume export feature comes in handy.

This seemingly simple function is surprisingly underutilized by many professionals. Yet knowing how to quickly generate a resume from your LinkedIn profile can save you hours of work and ensure consistency across your professional branding.

In this guide, you'll discover the exact steps to download your LinkedIn resume in 2025, plus tips to ensure the downloaded version actually impresses recruiters.

Method 1: The Direct Download Approach

LinkedIn's built-in resume generator allows you to create a resume directly from your profile information. Here's how to access it in 2025:

Step 1: Navigate to Your Profile 

Login to LinkedIn and click on your profile picture in the top navigation bar to access your profile.

Step 2: Access the "More" Menu 

Look for the "More" button below your profile header section (below your name and headline).

Step 3: Select "Save to PDF" 

From the dropdown menu, select the "Save to PDF" option. This triggers LinkedIn to generate a resume-formatted PDF of your profile.

Step 4: Review and Save 

LinkedIn will process your request and then either automatically download the PDF or prompt you to save it, depending on your browser settings.

This method creates a basic resume with your profile information formatted in LinkedIn's standard resume template. It's quick and convenient, but offers limited customization options.

Method 2: Using the Resume Builder Feature

In 2025, LinkedIn's enhanced Resume Builder offers more customization than the direct download. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Access the Dashboard 

From the LinkedIn homepage, click on the "Jobs" icon in the top navigation menu.

Step 2: Open Career Tools 

Scroll down to find the "Career Tools" section and click on "Resume Builder."

Step 3: Select Your Base Profile 

Choose which aspects of your LinkedIn profile you want to include in your resume.

Step 4: Customize Your Resume 

Use the editing tools to adjust formatting, rearrange sections, and customize the appearance of your resume.

Step 5: Download Your Customized Resume 

Once satisfied with your resume, click "Download" and select your preferred format (PDF is recommended for most applications).

This method gives you more control over the final product, allowing you to tailor your resume for specific opportunities you've found through Linkedin job search or other job hunting sites.

Method 3: Using the LinkedIn Job Application Resume

When applying directly to Linkedin jobs, you can generate and save a resume specific to that application:

Step 1: Find a Job Listing 

Navigate to the Jobs section and select any job posting.

Step 2: Click "Easy Apply" 

Even if you don't plan to complete the application, this step is necessary to access the resume generation tool.

Step 3: In the Application Window, Click "Resume" 

LinkedIn will show your saved resumes or give you the option to create a new one.

Step 4: Select "Create from Profile" 

This generates a new resume based on your current profile information.

Step 5: Save Without Submitting 

You can save this resume for future use without completing the job application by closing the window after saving.

This method is particularly useful for creating targeted resumes for specific industries or roles, which can then be downloaded and saved for later use.

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile Before Downloading

The quality of your downloaded resume depends entirely on how well your LinkedIn profile is optimized. Before downloading, make sure your profile includes:

1. A Comprehensive Experience Section 

Include detailed descriptions of your roles, responsibilities, and achievements for each position. Use action verbs and quantifiable results where possible.

2. A Complete Skills Section 

LinkedIn will include your skills in the downloaded resume, so ensure this section accurately reflects your capabilities and includes keywords relevant to your target roles.

3. An Updated Education Section 

Verify that all your educational credentials are current and properly formatted.

4. A Compelling Headline and Summary 

These elements form the top section of your downloaded resume, making a critical first impression.

Limitations of LinkedIn's Resume Download Feature

While convenient, LinkedIn's resume export has some limitations to be aware of:

1. Limited Formatting Options 

The downloaded resume follows LinkedIn's predetermined format, which may not match your personal branding or industry standards.

2. Potential Information Overload 

If your LinkedIn profile is very detailed, the downloaded resume might be longer than ideal for job applications.

3. Lack of Customization for Specific Roles 

The standard download includes your entire profile, without the ability to emphasize certain experiences for specific applications.

4. Potential ATS Compatibility Issues 

Some elements of LinkedIn's formatting may not be optimized for all Applicant Tracking Systems.

For these reasons, many job seekers use the LinkedIn download as a starting point, then refine it using an AI Resume Builder or other tools before submitting applications.

Enhancing Your Downloaded LinkedIn Resume

To make your LinkedIn-generated resume more effective, consider these enhancement strategies:

1. Customize for Each Application 

After downloading, tailor the content to highlight experiences most relevant to your target role. Job application tracker tools can help you manage different versions.

2. Optimize for ATS Compatibility 

Ensure your resume uses standard section headings and incorporates keywords from the job description to improve how it performs in ATS screening.

3. Add Elements Not Included in the Download 

LinkedIn's export may not include certain elements that belong on a resume, such as a professional summary or targeted skills section.

4. Adjust the Formatting 

Improve the visual presentation by adjusting margins, font sizes, and spacing to create a more professional appearance.

Platforms like CareerSwift can help streamline this enhancement process. The AI-driven platform analyzes your LinkedIn-generated resume against specific job descriptions, suggesting optimizations that improve both ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.

Using Your LinkedIn Resume in Your Broader Job Search

Your LinkedIn-generated resume works best as part of an integrated job search strategy:

1. Maintain Consistency Across Platforms 

Ensure the information in your downloaded resume matches what you provide on job hunting sites and application forms.

2. Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Updated 

Since your downloaded resume pulls from your profile, regular LinkedIn updates ensure you always have access to a current resume.

3. Complement with Tailored Cover Letters 

Pair your LinkedIn resume with customized cover letters created using an AI Cover Letter Generator to create a complete, professional application package.

4. Track Which Version You Submit 

If you create multiple variations of your LinkedIn resume, use a job search app to track which version you submit to each opportunity.

LinkedIn Resume Download: A Time-Saving Tool, Not a Replacement

While LinkedIn's resume download feature offers convenience, it's best viewed as a time-saving starting point rather than a replacement for a carefully crafted resume.

The most effective approach combines the efficiency of LinkedIn's export feature with the customization capabilities of dedicated resume tools. This hybrid approach ensures your resume maintains professional consistency while also being tailored for specific opportunities.

Transform that LinkedIn PDF into a sharp, professional resume with CareerSwift’s Resume Builder — and make your first impression count.