Standing out in today’s job market can feel overwhelming. You’ve optimized your resume, polished your profile, and applied to countless positions. But have you considered a LinkedIn Premium subscription? Many professionals wonder, “Is LinkedIn Premium worth it?”

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the features and benefits of Premium, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your job search, student goals, or networking aspirations.

Understanding LinkedIn Premium

LinkedIn has become an essential platform for professionals to connect, showcase their skills, and explore job opportunities. But what if you could unlock even more features to give your career search a boost? That’s where LinkedIn Premium comes in.

However, with different tiers and a price tag attached, it’s natural to wonder if Premium is truly worth the investment. This section breaks down the different plans available and explores the value they offer.

LinkedIn Premium Plans

LinkedIn Premium offers two main subscription tiers: Career and Business. Here’s a quick rundown of what each plan includes:

• Career: This plan is geared towards job seekers and those looking to make a career change. It offers features like:
  • InMails: Send direct messages to anyone on LinkedIn, even if you’re not connected.
  • Apply with Easy Apply: Simplify the application process with pre-filled information.
  • See Who Viewed Your Profile: Gain insights into who’s checking you out, potentially indicating recruiter interest.
  • Job Insights: Get detailed information about job postings, including salary ranges and applicant demographics.
  • Featured Applicant: Stand out from the crowd by appearing at the top of relevant job searches.
  • Learning Credits: Access a limited number of learning credits for LinkedIn Learning courses.
• Business: This plan caters to professionals focused on business development and sales. It includes all the features of the Career plan, plus additional benefits like:
  • Company Search: Access in-depth company information and insights.
  • Sales Navigator Filters: Advanced search filters to target ideal leads.
  • InMail Credits: More InMails per month to connect with more potential clients.

Important Note: Pricing for both plans can vary depending on your location and special offers. Always check LinkedIn’s website for the latest pricing information.

What Plan is Right for You?

The best plan for you depends on your specific needs. Here’s a quick guide:

• Choose Career if: You’re actively job seeking, making a career change, or want an edge in the application process.
• Choose Business if: You’re focused on business development, sales, or lead generation.

A free trial is often available for both plans. This allows you to test drive the features and see if LinkedIn Premium offers the value you’re looking for in your career journey.

Benefits of LinkedIn Premium for Job Seekers

Cracking the job market requires a strategic approach. You’ve crafted a stellar resume, built a compelling LinkedIn profile, and tirelessly hit “apply” on relevant positions.

But what if there was a way to get noticed faster and stand out from the crowd? LinkedIn Premium unlocks a treasure trove of features designed to supercharge your search and land you the dream job.

Let’s explore how Premium can transform your job hunt:

Boost Your Visibility & Applications

• Apply with Easy Apply: Say goodbye to tedious form-filling. Premium lets you leverage pre-populated information from your profile, saving you valuable time and streamlining your applications.
• Featured Applicant: Tired of feeling lost in a sea of resumes? Premium propels you to the top of relevant job searches, making you a prime candidate for hiring managers.

Targeted Networking & Communication

• InMail Power: Imagine directly reaching out to hiring managers and recruiters who could hold the key to your next career move. With InMails, you can craft personalized messages that showcase your skills and passion, bypassing the limitations of traditional networking.
• Who Viewed Your Profile: Gain valuable insights into who’s checking out your profile. This intel can indicate recruiter interest or potential connections within companies you’re targeting.

Gain a Competitive Edge

• Job Insights: Get the inside scoop on job postings! Premium unlocks detailed information like salary ranges and demographics of other applicants. This knowledge empowers you to tailor your application strategy and highlight your unique value proposition.
• Learning Credits: Invest in yourself with access to a limited number of learning credits for LinkedIn Learning courses. Upskill, refresh your knowledge, and showcase your dedication to continuous learning – all highly attractive qualities to potential employers.

Benefits of LinkedIn Premium for Students

After graduation, as excitement builds, so might questions about landing your first job. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool in your career journey, and LinkedIn Premium for students can offer an extra edge.

But is it worth the investment? Let’s explore the features that can benefit you:

Career Insights

• Who’s Hiring at Your Dream Companies? Premium unveils which companies within your target field are actively recruiting. This intel allows you to tailor your applications and potentially connect with alumni working there.
• Salary Benchmarking: Feeling unsure about salary expectations? Premium provides insights into salary ranges for various positions, helping you negotiate with confidence during your first offer.

Build Valuable Connections

• Connect with Alumni: Find alumni from your university who work at your dream companies. Reach out and build relationships – their guidance and insights can be invaluable as you navigate the job market.
• Network with Industry Professionals: Connect with professionals in your field of interest. Ask questions, learn from their experiences, and potentially build lasting connections that could lead to future opportunities.

Benefits of LinkedIn Premium for Networking

Building a strong network is essential for career success. LinkedIn is a goldmine for professional connections, but what if you could unlock even more possibilities? This is where LinkedIn Premium acts as a potential game-changer for your networking strategy.

Let’s dive into how Premium features can elevate your connections:

The Power of InMails

Imagine directly contacting industry leaders, hiring managers, or potential collaborators who could propel your career forward. With InMails, a key perk of Premium, you bypass the limitations of traditional networking. Craft personalized messages showcasing your expertise and sparking meaningful conversations.

Advanced Search Filters

Gone are the days of generic searches. Premium unlocks advanced search filters, allowing you to target individuals based on specific criteria. Search by company size, industry, job title, or even alumni network – ensuring you connect with the most relevant professionals for your goals.

Gain Valuable Insights

• Who Viewed Your Profile: Premium reveals who’s checking out your profile, potentially indicating people interested in connecting. This intel allows you to follow up with personalized messages and build relationships.
• Company Insights: Premium grants access to in-depth company information. Learn about a company’s culture, recent news, and employee growth – valuable knowledge before reaching out to potential connections within the organization.

Pro Tip: Networking goes beyond sending messages. It’s about building genuine connections. Use InMails to initiate conversations, not just solicitations. Offer value, share insights, and engage in thoughtful discussions to build lasting relationships.

You may also want to read: Mastering LinkedIn Marketing: Tips for B2B Success

The Verdict: Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It for You?

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Job Seekers

• Yes, consider Premium if: You’re actively job hunting, targeting competitive positions, or want an edge in the application process. Features like InMails, Featured Applicant, and Job Insights can significantly boost your visibility and chances of landing your dream job.
• Maybe hold off if: You’re casting a wide net and applying to a broad range of positions. Utilize the free features like profile optimization and job searching to get started. Consider Premium later if your search becomes more targeted.

Students:

• Premium can be valuable if: You’re laser-focused on specific companies or industries and actively seeking connections with alumni or professionals. Features like seeing who’s hiring and salary insights can give you a competitive edge.
• Free resources might suffice if: You’re open to exploring various career paths and building a general network. University career centers and alumni networks often offer valuable resources and connections.

Networkers:

• Premium shines if: You’re targeting specific individuals or companies and want to make strategic connections. InMails and advanced search filters allow you to reach the right people and initiate meaningful conversations.
• The free route works well if: You’re happy to build connections organically through group participation and engaging content. You can still cultivate a strong network by offering value and building genuine relationships.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all boils down to your individual career goals, budget, and networking style. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the free trial period offered by LinkedIn Premium to test drive the features and see if they align with your needs.

Conclusion

LinkedIn Premium offers a toolbox of features to elevate your job search, student goals, or networking efforts. Carefully weigh the features against your needs and budget to determine if it’s the right fit.

Remember, a strong profile, valuable content, and genuine connections are key to career success – free or premium.

Ready to take your social media presence on LinkedIn to the next level? Explore SocialBu, a powerful tool that helps you schedule posts and gain valuable insights.

FAQs

Is it worth it to pay for LinkedIn Premium?

Whether LinkedIn Premium is worth it depends on your goals. Job seekers and networkers can benefit from features like InMails and advanced search filters. Students might find value in salary insights and seeing who’s hiring. Consider your needs and budget before subscribing.

Is it necessary to get LinkedIn Premium?

No, LinkedIn Premium is not necessary. You can build a strong profile, network, and find jobs with a free account. However, Premium offers additional features that can enhance your experience.

Does LinkedIn Premium get you more views?

While not guaranteed, some features like “Featured Applicant” can increase your visibility in relevant job searches. However, creating valuable content and engaging with others is key to getting noticed.

Does LinkedIn Premium promote your posts?

No, LinkedIn Premium doesn’t directly promote your posts. However, features like seeing who viewed your profile can help you target the right audience for your content.

What is the cheapest LinkedIn Premium account?

The cheapest LinkedIn Premium plan is typically the “Career” plan, which offers features geared towards job seekers. Pricing can vary depending on location and special offers, so check LinkedIn’s website for current rates.

What is the cheapest LinkedIn Premium plan?

The cheapest LinkedIn Premium plan is typically the “Career” plan.