4 min read
How to download your LinkedIn resume as a PDF (and turn it into a real resume)
Where the "Save to PDF" button is, what that file contains and how to turn it into a proper resume in a couple of minutes.
How to download your LinkedIn profile as a PDF
- 1Sign in to LinkedIn on a computer (the mobile app doesn't have this option) and open your profile by clicking your photo.
- 2Under your name and headline, click the "More" button (on some accounts it's called "Resources").
- 3Choose "Save to PDF". The file downloads straight away as "Profile.pdf".
What that PDF includes (and what it doesn't)
The PDF contains what's written on your profile: contact details and your profile URL, the About section, your experience with its descriptions, education, top skills, languages and certifications.
What it doesn't include: your photo, recommendations, posts or a polished design. It's a generic document, the same for everyone, and a complete profile often runs to three pages or more.
Why you shouldn't send it as is
- It isn't a resume layout: it's built to export a social profile, not for a recruiter to scan in 30 seconds.
- It's long: it repeats sections and doesn't put what matters for the job first.
- It isn't tailored: the same text for every job, often written in a social-media tone ("Passionate about…").
What makes it useful is that it already has all your details in order. It's the perfect starting point for a well-made resume without retyping everything.
How to turn it into a professional resume
- 1Open FastCV AI's "Import from LinkedIn" tool and upload the PDF you just downloaded.
- 2Check the details that were read: you can fix or complete any field.
- 3Pick a template and a color. The AI writes the resume following the conventions of the country you're applying in, without inventing anything that isn't on your profile.
- 4Download it as PDF or Word. If you like, tailor it to a specific job ad afterwards.
Another option: a full copy of your data
LinkedIn also lets you download an archive with all your data, from Settings & Privacy → Data privacy → Get a copy of your data. It contains spreadsheets (CSV) with experience, education, connections, messages… and can take anywhere from a few minutes to a day. You don't need it for a resume: the profile PDF is faster and easier to use.
Put this guide into practice
Build your resume for free: fill in your details and AI writes it following these best practices, without inventing anything.
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