Should you attach your resume to your LinkedIn profile?

I am asked this question frequently and I notice many jobseekers choose to attach their resumes directly to their LinkedIn profiles. I recommend NOT including your resume on your LinkedIn profile, for four reasons.

1. You want your LinkedIn profile to be the hook that gets hiring managers interested and prompts them to request a copy of your resume. When you don't attach your resume, you maintain control over who gets to see it. Many recruiters prefer seeing resumes attached to profiles. This way, they can review your resume and potentially reject you without ever contacting you. You want recruiters and hiring managers to contact you so you can engage with them, asking questions and demonstrating your great communication skills.
2. There are privacy concerns. Including your resume on your LinkedIn profile makes it easy for anyone to view, download, reproduce, and distribute your resume without your knowledge.
3. Publicly announcing that you are looking for a job, is like saying that you are not a top candidate and appears desperate. Potential employers are looking for top candidates. A sought-after candidate rarely needs a job (passive job seeker), but may be open to hearing about compelling opportunities.
4. You cannot tailor your resume to the job opportunity. Successfully positioning yourself for an opening means tailoring your resume. Posting your resume online means you forfeit the chance to send the company your targeted resume.