You've polished your resume. Tailored your bullet points. Triple-checked for typos.
But that LinkedIn URL at the top? It looks like this:
linkedin.com/in/john-smith-7a3b45c8d912e3
Congratulations—you just told the recruiter you don't sweat the details.
Higher interview rate
For resumes that include a LinkedIn profile link
Source: Jobvite Recruiter Nation, 2024
Here's the good news: Customizing your LinkedIn URL takes exactly 2 minutes. Adding it to your resume the right way takes 30 seconds more.
This tutorial walks you through both—with screenshots, best practices, and the exact formatting recruiters expect in 2026.
What You'll Learn
- How to customize your LinkedIn URL (desktop + mobile)
- The best URL format for your name and profession
- Exactly where and how to add it to your resume
- Common mistakes that make you look unprofessional
Why Your LinkedIn URL Matters (More Than You Think)
Let's get real: most job seekers completely ignore their LinkedIn URL.
That's a missed opportunity. Here's why:
Of recruiters
Check a candidate's LinkedIn profile during the hiring process
Source: Jobvite, 2024
When a recruiter sees your resume, they're not just reading it—they're Googling you, scanning your LinkedIn, and looking for consistency between your resume and online presence.
A messy default URL (linkedin.com/in/jane-doe-abc123xyz) signals:
- You don't pay attention to details
- You haven't fully set up your professional profile
- You might not understand modern job searching
A clean custom URL (linkedin.com/in/janedoe) signals:
- You're polished and professional
- You've invested in your personal brand
- You know how recruiters work
The Real Advantage
A customized URL is easier to share on business cards, email signatures, and verbal introductions. "Connect with me at linkedin.com/in/janedoe" is memorable. A string of random characters? Not so much.
How to Customize Your LinkedIn URL — Step by Step
This takes exactly 2 minutes. Here's how:
On Desktop
- 1
Log into LinkedIn
Go to linkedin.com and sign in to your account.
- 2
Click your profile picture
This is in the top navigation bar. Select "View Profile" from the dropdown.
- 3
Find 'Edit public profile & URL'
Look on the right-hand side of your profile page, under your profile photo and stats. Click this link.
- 4
Click the pencil icon next to your URL
In the right sidebar, you'll see "Edit your custom URL" with your current URL displayed. Click the pencil icon to edit.
- 5
Type your custom URL
Enter your preferred URL ending (just the part after /in/). LinkedIn will check if it's available.
- 6
Click Save
That's it! Your new URL is live immediately.
On Mobile
- 1
Open the LinkedIn app
Tap your profile picture in the top left.
- 2
Tap your profile photo again
This opens your full profile view.
- 3
Tap 'Contact info'
This is just below your headline. Look for the information icon.
- 4
Tap the pencil icon next to your LinkedIn URL
This opens the edit screen.
- 5
Enter your custom URL
Type your preferred ending and tap Save.
Important Limitations
- Your custom URL can only include letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-)
- It must be between 3-100 characters
- You can only change your URL 5 times within 180 days
- LinkedIn URLs are case-insensitive (JohnSmith = johnsmith)
Choosing the Best LinkedIn URL Format
Your URL should be professional, memorable, and easy to share. Here's how to pick the right one:
Option 1: Your Full Name (Best for Most People)
| Example | When to Use |
|---|---|
linkedin.com/in/john-smith | Your name is relatively unique |
linkedin.com/in/johnsmith | Same as above, without hyphen |
linkedin.com/in/jsmith | Shorter, still professional |
Option 2: Name + Differentiator (For Common Names)
If "johnsmith" is taken, try these patterns:
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Name + Middle Initial | linkedin.com/in/john-r-smith |
| Name + Credential | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith-cpa |
| Name + Industry | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith-marketing |
| Name + City | linkedin.com/in/johnsmith-nyc |
Best Practices
- Keep it simple — shorter is better for sharing
- Use hyphens — they improve readability (john-smith vs johnsmith)
- Be consistent — use the same handle across platforms if possible
- Avoid numbers — they look generic (johnsmith123 is not professional)
Avoid These
- Random numbers:
johnsmith12345 - Job titles that change:
johnsmith-manager - Company names:
johnsmith-at-google(what if you leave?) - Special characters: Not allowed anyway, but avoid keyboard symbols
How to Add Your LinkedIn URL to Your Resume
Now for the part that actually goes on your resume. Here's exactly how to format it:
The Correct Placement
Your LinkedIn URL goes in your header/contact section, typically:
- After your email address
- Before or after your phone number
- In the same row as other contact info
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ |
|---|---|
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-smith-abc123 | linkedin.com/in/john-smith |
| LinkedIn: Click Here to See My Profile | linkedin.com/in/john-smith |
| www.linkedin.com/in/john-smith (copy and paste this link) | linkedin.com/in/john-smith |
The Correct Format
For digital resumes (PDFs sent by email):
john.smith@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/john-smith | New York, NY
- Remove
https://www.— it wastes space and looks cluttered - Make it a hyperlink — recruiters should be able to click it
- Use
linkedin.com/in/yournameformat — clean and professional
For printed resumes:
Same format, but ensure the URL is readable without the hyperlink:
linkedin.com/in/john-smith
Pro Tip: Hyperlink It Right
When adding your LinkedIn URL to a digital resume:
- Type the visible text:
linkedin.com/in/yourname - Highlight it and add the hyperlink
- The hyperlink should be the full URL:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourname
This way it looks clean but is fully clickable.
Resume Header Examples with LinkedIn URLs
Here's how professionals in different fields format their contact sections:
Traditional Format (Works for Everyone)
JOHN SMITH john.smith@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/john-smith | San Francisco, CA
Modern/Tech Format
SARAH CHEN sarah@email.com · 555.123.4567 · linkedin.com/in/sarahchen · github.com/sarahchen
Executive Format
MARIA RODRIGUEZ, MBA Senior Marketing Executive maria.rodriguez@email.com | +1 (555) 123-4567 linkedin.com/in/maria-rodriguez-mba | New York, NY
Creative Professional Format
ALEX THOMPSON UX Designer alex@email.com linkedin.com/in/alexthompson alexthompson.design
Multiple Links?
If you have a portfolio, GitHub, or personal website, it's okay to include multiple links. Just keep them in the same format and prioritize: LinkedIn usually comes first for most industries, GitHub for developers, portfolio for creative roles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do This ✅
- Use your customized URL
- Remove https://www. prefix
- Hyperlink in digital resumes
- Place in header with other contact info
- Match your LinkedIn content to your resume
Avoid This ❌
- Use the default URL with random characters
- Write 'Check out my LinkedIn profile at...'
- Put it in a separate section at the bottom
- Forget to update your LinkedIn profile
- Use different job titles on resume vs LinkedIn
The #1 Mistake: Mismatched Information
Of candidates eliminated
When resume and LinkedIn information doesn't match
Source: CareerBuilder, 2024
Before adding your LinkedIn URL to your resume, make sure:
LinkedIn-Resume Consistency Check
- Job titles match exactly
- Employment dates are consistent
- Company names are written the same way
- Your headline aligns with your target role
- Your About section supports your resume summary
- No outdated or contradictory information
What About ATS Systems?
Good news: LinkedIn URLs are ATS-safe.
Modern Applicant Tracking Systems:
- Can parse LinkedIn URLs from your contact section
- Don't penalize profiles for including social links
- Sometimes even pull additional data from your LinkedIn profile
ATS Best Practice
Use the plain text format linkedin.com/in/yourname rather than branded icons or buttons. ATS systems read text better than images.
If you're concerned about ATS optimization, check out our Resume Optimization Guide for comprehensive tips.
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
LinkedIn URL Final Check
- Customized your LinkedIn URL to use your name
- Removed https://www. from the visible text
- Added hyperlink to the full URL (for digital resumes)
- Placed in header with email and phone
- Verified all resume info matches LinkedIn
- Tested the link works correctly
- Updated LinkedIn profile to be complete and current
The Bottom Line
Your LinkedIn URL is a tiny detail. But tiny details compound.
A customized URL says: "I'm thorough. I'm professional. I understand modern job searching."
It takes 2 minutes to customize. 30 seconds to add to your resume. Zero reasons not to do it.
Ready to build your resume?
Our resume builder automatically formats your LinkedIn URL correctly. Just paste it in, and we handle the rest.
Create My ResumeRelated Resources
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization — Complete 2026 Guide — Optimize the profile your URL links to
- What is CFBR on LinkedIn? — LinkedIn engagement strategies
- Resume Optimization Guide — Full ATS optimization tips
- Hyperlinks in PDF Resumes — Making your resume interactive
- Resume File Name Best Practices — Another small detail that matters
- LinkedIn Bio Generator — AI-powered About section writer
- Resume Builder — Create an ATS-optimized resume
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put my LinkedIn URL on my resume?
Yes—87% of recruiters check LinkedIn profiles during hiring. A customized LinkedIn URL on your resume makes you look professional and gives recruiters easy access to your full professional story. Resumes with LinkedIn URLs get up to 71% more interview callbacks.
What's the best LinkedIn URL format?
Use your name or a professional variation: linkedin.com/in/firstname-lastname. If your name is common, add a middle initial, credential, or specialty (e.g., linkedin.com/in/john-smith-cpa or linkedin.com/in/sarah-jones-marketing).
Where should I put my LinkedIn URL on my resume?
In your header/contact section, typically after your email address. Format it as: linkedin.com/in/yourname (remove the https://www. prefix). For digital resumes, make sure it's hyperlinked.
Can LinkedIn URLs hurt my resume with ATS systems?
No—ATS systems don't penalize LinkedIn URLs. Just use the standard format (linkedin.com/in/yourname) without special characters. Most modern ATS systems actually extract and parse LinkedIn URLs.
How often can I change my custom LinkedIn URL?
LinkedIn allows up to 5 URL changes within a 180-day period. Choose wisely and stick with it—changing frequently can break links on resumes and business cards you've already distributed.
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