In this article, we will explore whether LinkedIn Premium is worth the investment, by examining its features, benefits, and drawbacks. We will also assess its usefulness for job seekers, sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and recruiters.
We will discuss how to make an informed decision based on your unique goals, needs, and budget.
LinkedIn Premium is a paid subscription offered by the professional networking platform, LinkedIn. Premium enhances the platform’s standard features, providing financial professionals, job seekers, and recruiters with additional tools and resources.
These features allow users to access more data, gain more insights, and optimize their profiles for recruiters, and job search efforts. In this article, we will discuss if the LinkedIn Premium is worth it.
LinkedIn Premium offers numerous features that enable users to gain better visibility, unlock additional insights, and reach more professionals. Some of the most notable features include:
- InMail: This feature allows users to send messages directly to LinkedIn members, even if they are not connected. InMail vs. Message will increase the chances to find more potential clients, employers, or collaborators.
- Who’s Viewed Your Profile: With LinkedIn Premium, users have the ability to view a list of people who have viewed their profile past the last 90 days. This can give insights into who might be interested in their professional background, and provide potential networking opportunities. You also have access to the “Interesting Views” feature.
- Applicant Insights: Job seekers can access data on how they compare to other applicants for a specific job. It provides information on the number of applicants, the top skills among them, and the level of education.
- Premium Career Insights: This feature gives access to insights on LinkedIn Learning courses that may be relevant to one’s career and industry trends. These insights can help users stay up to date with what’s popular and improve their skill set.
- LinkedIn Learning access: LinkedIn Premium includes unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning. This part of the platform offers a vast library of courses on various subjects. Including business, management, creative fields, and technology.
LinkedIn offers four main Premium subscription plans catering to a variety of professional needs:
- Premium Career: This plan is specifically tailored for job seekers and provides many features. Some important ones are insights into job applicants, increased profile visibility, and a limited number of InMail messages. The cost for this plan is $29.99/month.
- Premium Business: This plan, priced at $59.99/month, is primarily aimed at business professionals and provides expanded access to LinkedIn Learning. However, you also get business insights and a larger number of InMail messages.
- Sales Navigator Core: Targeting sales representatives, this plan offers features such as advanced search tools, custom lead lists, and notifications for changes in leads’ profiles and roles. The price for this plan is $99.99/month.
- Recruiter Lite: Aimed at recruiters, this plan includes advanced search tools, the ability to save and track up to 30 profiles, and bulk InMail. The cost is around $140.00/month (depending on where you live at).
Each plan includes a one-month free trial allowing users to test out the features.
You don’t have to use the trial offer right away. Wait for the right moment when you actually need to use the benefits.
To access the one-month free trial of LinkedIn Premium, follow these steps:
Log in to your LinkedIn account.
Click on the “Try Premium for free” button, which can be found in the left sidebar on your LinkedIn homepage. However, you can also find it in the top right corner.
Choose the reason why you would like to get a premium or skip to see all plans right away.
When you select “See all plans”, you will be able to choose which suits you the best.
Let’s say we want “Sales Navigator Core”. Select “Learn more” under it and you will be able to get a trial for $0.
After selecting “Try now for $0”, you need to select how you would like to be billed. Enter your payment information, which will be charged automatically after the one-month trial period has ended. That is unless you cancel before the trial is over.
Testing the LinkedIn premium with the trial mode is a great, free way to see if it’s worth it.
The trial version is available only if you haven’t already tried a LinkedIn Premium subscription.
Expanded Networking Opportunities
One of the major benefits of LinkedIn Premium is the expanded networking opportunities it provides. With a Premium subscription, users can connect with a larger pool of professionals and potential connections outside their immediate network.
This can be especially helpful for those looking to expand their professional reach or change careers. It allows users to make new connections in their desired industry without needing an introduction.
The ability to engage with people outside of your immediate network allows for more opportunities to learn from, share with, and collaborate with experienced individuals in your field.
InMail Messaging
LinkedIn Premium users also have access to InMail messaging, which allows them to send direct messages to any LinkedIn user even if they are not a 1st-degree connection. InMail messages have a higher response rate compared to traditional LinkedIn messages, as they are less likely to be filtered out as spam or overlooked by the recipient.
This feature is particularly advantageous for job seekers and recruiters, as it allows for easier communication and networking with potential employers or candidates.
Advanced Search Filters for Job Seekers and Recruiters
With a LinkedIn Premium subscription, job seekers and recruiters have access to advanced search filters that help refine and optimize search results. This can be especially useful for niche industries or specific roles, as the filters allow users to narrow down their search parameters to find the most relevant job openings or candidates.
Filters include company size, location, seniority level, and even specific keywords or phrases that are relevant to the desired role or industry. The improved search functionality saves users time and effort by providing a more tailored experience, increasing the chance of finding the perfect match for your professional needs.
Access to LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Premium subscribers also receive access to LinkedIn Learning, an online educational platform offering courses, tutorials, and workshops on a variety of professional topics. The learning platform provides users with the opportunity to enhance their skills, learn new industry insights, and increase their value in the job market.
LinkedIn Learning is one of those benefits that make the premium worth it.
This benefit is particularly valuable for job seekers who want to gain new skills or certifications to make themselves more attractive to potential employers.
Additionally, LinkedIn Learning can be useful for established professionals looking to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices, or simply wishing to expand their knowledge base.
Seeing Who Viewed Your Profile
LinkedIn Premium users can see detailed information about who has viewed their profile, including the viewer’s name, job title, and company.
This feature can provide valuable insights into the types of professionals and companies that are interested in your profile, which can help you improve your profile’s overall effectiveness and reach.
Additionally, knowing who has viewed your profile can lead to new networking opportunities, as you can reach out to those individuals to make a connection or engage in conversation about shared interests or experiences.
Salary Insights and Job Application Optimization
Premium subscribers have access to salary insights that provide detailed information about the compensation for specific job roles and industries. By understanding the average salary for your desired position, you can better negotiate during the interview process and ensure you are paid fairly.
Additionally, LinkedIn Premium offers a job application optimization tool that provides personalized job recommendations, highlights your strengths and weaknesses when applying for a position, and gives you a better understanding of how competitive your application is in relation to other applicants.
This insight allows users to focus on improving their chances of landing a job and ultimately finding success in their job search.
While LinkedIn Premium offers a range of benefits, it may not be the right choice for everyone. There are some drawbacks to consider before making the leap to a premium subscription.
One of the most significant downsides of LinkedIn Premium is its cost. With four membership tiers—Career, Business, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter Lite—prices range from $29.99 to over $140.00 per month, or even higher for annual plans. These amounts may be prohibitive for some users, particularly those who are job-seeking and may not have a consistent income.
While the benefits of LinkedIn Premium may outweigh its costs for some professionals, for others, the expense may fail to provide the desired return on investment.
It is essential to weigh the potential advantages against the financial commitment required to determine whether LinkedIn Premium is a worthwhile choice.
Job Search Results May Still Be Limited
While LinkedIn Premium allows users to view an expanded list of jobs matching their profiles, the search results may still be limited. Even with premium access, it is essential to understand that a better job search algorithm does not guarantee perfect, up-to-date, or comprehensive listings.
Moreover, while LinkedIn Premium shows users whose profiles they rank alongside, it does not reveal precisely where they rank within the list. While the “How You Match” functionality is helpful, it may still be challenging to gauge how competitive a user is for any given position.
Additionally, the effectiveness of LinkedIn Premium’s job search features largely depends on the quality and accuracy of job postings and employers. A user may find a significant number of job openings, but many may not be relevant or have outdated or incorrect information.
Requires Active Engagement to Reap the Benefits
LinkedIn Premium requires active and consistent engagement to maximize its potential fully. To make the most of the features and benefits, users must actively network, follow up on leads, and continually refine their profiles, just like they would with the free version of LinkedIn.
However, with the additional tools and functionalities available through premium access, there is increased pressure for users to engage with the platform and generate meaningful connections.
Failing to take advantage of these opportunities may result in a user not receiving the full value of their subscription. This can make you feel like you wasted time and money.
Potential Overlap with Competing Tools
LinkedIn Premium may not be the best option for all users due to potential overlap with other tools. Some premium features, such as sales and lead generation, may already be covered by CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
If a user or their organization already uses a competing tool, investing in LinkedIn Premium may result in unnecessary duplication.
Likewise, subscribing to other job search tools or resources may make LinkedIn Premium less necessary. Many industries have specialized job boards, and utilizing these resources may be more beneficial for some users than LinkedIn Premium.
In conclusion, while LinkedIn Premium does offer additional features and benefits that can enhance professional networking and job search efforts, it may not be the best choice for all users. It is essential to weigh the costs and benefits of premium access carefully.
Also, make sure you actively engage with the platform to make the most of your investment.
Additionally, professionals should also consider whether the features offered by LinkedIn Premium may already be provided by other tools.
LinkedIn Premium offers a variety of features that are beneficial for job seekers. Firstly, it provides access to a feature called “InMail” which allows users to directly message people they are not connected with. This can be an excellent way to reach out to potential employers or influencers within your desired industry.
Another useful feature for job-seekers is the “Job Seeker” badge. This badge appears on your profile and signals to employers that you are actively seeking new opportunities. This can make your profile stand out among other candidates and encourage employers to reach out to you directly.
LinkedIn Premium also grants users access to a variety of learning resources through LinkedIn Learning. These courses cover various topics such as resume building, interview techniques, and personal branding. All these courses can be valuable assets in a job search.
Furthermore, LinkedIn Premium offers advanced search filters for job hunting. With these filters, you can narrow down job listings based on specific criteria such as location, industry, and job function. This not only saves you time but also ensures that you are applying for the most relevant opportunities.
Overall, investing in LinkedIn Premium may be a smart move for job seekers looking to enhance their online presence and gain access to valuable networking opportunities.
Sales professionals can benefit from LinkedIn Premium’s access to advanced search filters and InMail credits. Both of these features allow salespeople to more effectively find and reach out to potential customers.
Premium users can use advanced search filters to identify prospects based on their location, job title, industry, and company size. This helps sales professionals target the right audience and saves them time from sifting through countless unqualified leads.
Additionally, salespeople can use InMail to strike up a conversation with potential clients. This is particularly useful since cold emails or calls can be less effective in today’s digital age. By initiating a conversation directly through LinkedIn, sales professionals can build rapport and establish trust.
Sales Navigator is another valuable tool designed specifically for salespeople. This feature allows users to track leads, access advanced search capabilities, and receive lead recommendations. Sales Navigator is available at an additional cost but can improve a salesperson’s prospects significantly. Also, you can get the sales navigator feature for free.
Entrepreneurs and business owners can leverage LinkedIn Premium to build their professional brand, network with potential partners or clients, and find valuable resources for growing their businesses.
InMail is particularly useful for this group as well, as it allows for direct communication with potential clients, partners, or investors. Reaching out through LinkedIn can give these conversations a professional context and make the outreach feel more genuine.
LinkedIn Learning also offers valuable content for entrepreneurs looking to improve their business skills. Courses on marketing, financial planning and analysis, and leadership development can all contribute to the growth of a company or personal knowledge base.
Finally, business owners can use LinkedIn Premium’s advanced search filters to research competitors and gain insights into their target markets. Which will then help them make more informed decisions about their business strategies.
LinkedIn Premium features are particularly worth it for recruiters and human resources professionals. The access to InMail enables them to reach out to potential candidates directly, greatly increasing the chances of a response.
With advanced search filters, recruiters can more effectively find qualified candidates based on specific criteria such as experience, certifications, and location. This ensures that time is spent considering candidates who are most likely to be a good fit for the position.
Additionally, LinkedIn Premium provides access to hiring insights, which show valuable data on the competitive landscape for specific job roles. This can assist recruiters in crafting more appealing job descriptions and understanding how to better target potential candidates.
Upgrading to LinkedIn Recruiter Lite, an additional package specifically designed for recruiters, also allows users to manage a higher number of InMail credits, receive more detailed information on candidates, and save and organize candidate information more effectively.
Before deciding whether LinkedIn Premium is worth the investment for you, it’s essential to evaluate your professional goals, needs, and budget.
Assess Your Goals and Needs
The first step in determining if LinkedIn Premium is worth it is to assess your goals and needs. Consider what you hope to achieve with your LinkedIn profile and networking efforts. Some goals and needs you might have to include:
- Job searching: If you’re actively looking for a job, LinkedIn Premium could be a valuable investment. It allows you to see who has viewed your profile and provides insights into other job applicants. Additionally, you can direct message recruiters who may not be in your network, which could increase your chances of landing a job.
- Networking: If you’re looking to expand your professional network, LinkedIn Premium provides features that could help you achieve this goal. You’ll have access to a larger network pool, allowing you to connect with more people in your industry. Additionally, you can see who has viewed your profile, providing an opportunity to connect with new contacts.
- Sales and lead generation: LinkedIn Premium’s advanced search tools can help you find potential clients and connect with decision-makers within targeted companies. InMail allows you to send personalized messages to prospective clients even if you don’t share a connection.
- Personal branding: If you’re an industry expert or thought leader, LinkedIn Premium can enhance your personal brand. You’ll receive a Premium badge on your profile, which may add credibility and attract more followers or connections.
LinkedIn Premium has four different plans that cater to different goals and needs as we previously mentioned. You should be realistic about which out of those 4 plans best suits your needs and if it fits within your budget.
Take Advantage of the Free Trial Period
If you are still hesitant about investing in LinkedIn Premium, take advantage of the free trial period. Most of the Premium plans offer a one-month free trial, which allows you to test out the features and see if they suit your needs.
During the trial period, make an effort to use all of the features available to you. This will give you a clearer understanding of the value LinkedIn Premium could bring to your professional life or business.
Yes, LinkedIn Premium is definitely worth it. With premium, you get access to a bunch of new useful features.
LinkedIn Premium offers features such as InMail messaging, advanced search filters, expanded profile views, online coaching, and learning courses, aiding in job searches, professional networking, and skill development.
LinkedIn Premium gives greater insight into job postings, including applicant competition, the ability to message hiring managers directly via InMail, and expedited access to potential job offers through Job Seeker Premium.
Yes, LinkedIn Premium provides expanded profile views, showing more users who viewed one’s profile. Allowing for potential new connections and increased contact with industry professionals.
LinkedIn Learning and coaching tools provide access to numerous courses and videos tailored to a user’s industry, promoting skill enhancement and professional development, which are valuable for career advancement.
LinkedIn offers four Premium plans, each designed to cater to specific user demographics. Premium Career for job seekers, Premium Business for professional networking, Sales Navigator for sales professionals, and Recruiter Lite for talent recruiters.
The cost of LinkedIn Premium may be justified for users who actively utilize its features like InMail, advanced search, and learning resources to optimize job searches, grow their network, and enhance their professional skills.
