Should You Include a LinkedIn Link on Your Resume?

There was a time when people thought LinkedIn would replace resumes—but the traditional resume isn’t going anywhere. What has changed is that more people are now including a hyperlink to their LinkedIn profile on their resume.

Is this a good idea? Yes… and no.

Here are a few things to consider before adding your LinkedIn profile to your resume:

Are you active?

Just having a LinkedIn account isn’t enough. If your profile is outdated or inactive, there’s no point in sharing the link. A lifeless profile can reflect poorly on you.

Is your profile up to date?

You might have job experience listed on LinkedIn that’s missing from your resume—or vice versa. Maybe you’ve still got an old objective statement that no longer aligns with your current career goals. Make sure your profile tells a clear, consistent story.

Who are you connected to?

Your network reflects you. Fair or not, people do judge based on who you’re connected with and what those people post or engage with. Be selective.

Do you have mutual connections?

If you and the hiring manager share connections, be prepared: they might reach out to those people to ask about your professional reputation. Make sure your network would speak positively about you if asked.

What have you liked?

It’s not always your comments or connections that raise eyebrows—it could be the content you engage with. Are you liking politically charged posts? Hearting toxic rants or unprofessional call-outs? Be cautious. Your digital footprint matters.

Do you link to other social media accounts?

Sometimes people list other platforms on their LinkedIn profiles, unintentionally guiding hiring managers to personal content that might not align with their professional image. Check your profile for any links that lead down that path.

The Bottom Line

If you’re going to include your LinkedIn link on your resume, keep your profile clean, current, and professional. Be mindful of who you’re connected to and what you engage with. If, after reading this, you’re second-guessing your profile, it might be best to leave the link off—for now.