You can find your cover letter on LinkedIn by going to your profile, clicking the “More” button on your introduction card, and selecting “Cover letter” from the dropdown menu. This is the only place LinkedIn stores cover letters you’ve uploaded, and it’s separate from your resume and other profile sections.
Why LinkedIn Has a Cover Letter Section
LinkedIn added a dedicated cover letter field to profiles so recruiters can see your letter without you having to attach it to every job application. When you apply for a job using LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” feature, the platform often lets you attach a cover letter, but that attachment is sent to the employer and is not saved to your profile. The cover letter section on your profile is a permanent, public-facing part of your profile that you control.
This distinction matters: the cover letter you see on your profile is only the one you’ve uploaded to that specific section. If you’ve uploaded a cover letter through Easy Apply or sent one via a recruiter message, it won’t appear there. Many users mistakenly think their uploaded application documents are stored on their profile, but LinkedIn keeps them separate.
Step-by-Step: How to Access Your Cover Letter
- Log in to your LinkedIn account on a desktop browser (the mobile app has a slightly different layout).
- Click “Me” at the top of your homepage, then select “View profile.”
- Scroll to the top of your profile, where your name and headline appear. You’ll see a row of buttons: “Open to,” “Add profile section,” “More,” and sometimes “Enhance profile.”
- Click the “More” button (it looks like three dots or a “More” label).
- In the dropdown menu, select “Cover letter.” This opens a pop-up window that shows your uploaded cover letter.
If you haven’t uploaded a cover letter yet, the pop-up will show an empty state with an “Upload” button. If you have uploaded one, you’ll see a preview and options to replace or delete it.
What to Do If You Don’t See the Cover Letter Option
If you don’t see “Cover letter” in the “More” dropdown, it’s likely because you haven’t added one yet. The option only appears once you’ve uploaded a cover letter. Alternatively, you might be viewing your profile in a browser where the feature is temporarily hidden—try refreshing the page or using a different browser. LinkedIn’s interface changes occasionally, and the cover letter option has been moved under “More” since 2020. On the mobile app, you can access it by tapping the “More” icon (three dots) on your profile, but the desktop version is more reliable.
How to Upload or Replace Your Cover Letter
To add a cover letter for the first time, click the “More” button and select “Cover letter.” In the pop-up, click “Upload” and choose a PDF, DOC, or DOCX file from your computer. LinkedIn accepts files up to 2 MB in size. After uploading, you’ll see a preview; click “Save” to confirm. To replace an existing cover letter, follow the same steps and click “Replace” in the preview window. You can also delete it entirely by clicking the trash icon.
Keep in mind that your cover letter on LinkedIn is public to anyone viewing your profile, just like your resume. Recruiters can see it, but so can your current employer if they search for you. If you’re job searching discreetly, you might want to adjust your profile visibility settings or remove the cover letter after you’ve accepted a position.
Cover Letter Template
Here’s a simple, generic template you can use to craft your cover letter before uploading it to LinkedIn. Fill in the blanks with your own information.
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Your Name | _________________________ |
| Your Email | _________________________ |
| Your Phone | _________________________ |
| Date | _________________________ |
| Recipient Name (if known) | _________________________ |
| Company Name | _________________________ |
| Job Title | _________________________ |
| Opening Paragraph | _________________________ |
| Body Paragraph (skills/experience) | _________________________ |
| Closing Paragraph | _________________________ |
| Signature | _________________________ |
Sample (fictional): “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Coordinator position at BrightWave Agency. With three years of experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of increasing social media engagement, I am confident I can contribute to your team. I look forward to discussing how my skills align with your needs. Sincerely, Jane Doe.”
Common Problems and Fixes
- Cover letter not showing up: Make sure you saved after uploading. Sometimes the file uploads but you forget to click “Save.”
- File too large: LinkedIn caps cover letter files at 2 MB. Compress or convert your file to a smaller size.
- Wrong format: LinkedIn accepts PDF, DOC, and DOCX. If your file is in another format, convert it first.
- Can’t see the option on mobile: The mobile app sometimes hides the “Cover letter” option. Use a desktop browser for full functionality.
- Cover letter appears blank: If your PDF is image-based, LinkedIn might not render it. Try uploading a text-based PDF.
How to Choose the Right Cover Letter to Upload
Your LinkedIn cover letter should be a general, all-purpose letter that highlights your overall strengths and career goals, not a tailored letter for a specific job. Since it’s visible to all profile visitors, you want it to be broad enough to appeal to multiple employers. Focus on your key achievements, skills, and what you’re looking for in your next role. Avoid mentioning specific company names or job titles that won’t apply to other opportunities. Keep it to one page, use a professional tone, and proofread carefully.
Privacy and Safety Considerations
Because your cover letter is public, avoid including sensitive personal information like your full address, date of birth, or social security number. Also, be cautious about sharing your phone number if you’re not comfortable with strangers calling. If you’re employed and don’t want your current employer to see your cover letter, you can limit your profile visibility by adjusting your “Public profile” settings or by temporarily removing the cover letter. Remember that LinkedIn’s privacy settings allow you to control who sees your profile, but once you’re visible to recruiters, your cover letter is part of that visibility.
Alternatives to the LinkedIn Cover Letter Section
If you don’t want to use LinkedIn’s built-in cover letter feature, you can still share your cover letter by including it in your “About” section, attaching it to your resume PDF, or sending it directly to recruiters via InMail. Some job seekers prefer to create a PDF that combines their resume and cover letter, then upload that as a single file. However, the dedicated cover letter section is the most straightforward way to make it visible without cluttering your profile. Also, when applying to jobs on external sites, you’ll still need to upload your cover letter as a separate file—LinkedIn’s profile section doesn’t automatically attach to external applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the cover letter I submitted with a job application on LinkedIn?
No. When you apply for a job using Easy Apply or a LinkedIn job posting, the cover letter you upload is sent to the employer and is not stored on your profile. You can only see the cover letter you’ve uploaded to your profile’s dedicated cover letter section. To review a submitted application, check your “Job Applications” page, but it won’t show the cover letter content.
Why is my cover letter not showing on my profile?
You might not have uploaded it to the correct section, or you may have uploaded it but didn’t click “Save.” Also, if you’re viewing your profile as someone else (preview mode), the cover letter might not appear. Double-check by going to your profile, clicking “More,” and selecting “Cover letter.” If it’s empty, upload it again.
Is my cover letter visible to everyone?
Yes, your cover letter is part of your public profile, meaning anyone who can view your profile can see it. This includes recruiters, current employers, and anyone searching for you. If you want to keep it private, you can remove it or adjust your profile visibility settings.
Can I upload a cover letter on the LinkedIn mobile app?
Yes, you can, but the option is sometimes harder to find. On the mobile app, go to your profile, tap the “More” icon (three dots), and look for “Cover letter.” If you don’t see it, use a desktop browser instead.
What file format should I use for my cover letter on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn accepts PDF, DOC, and DOCX files. PDF is the most reliable because it preserves formatting across devices. Avoid using image files like JPG or PNG, as they may not display correctly.
Can I have multiple cover letters on LinkedIn?
No, LinkedIn only allows one cover letter per profile. If you want to show different versions, you’ll need to replace the existing one or include additional letters in your “About” section or as part of your resume.