“What is LinkedIn Career Premium, and is LinkedIn Premium worth it?” Have you ever asked yourself those questions?
Getting to it, I recommend job seekers use a Premium LinkedIn account. Yep, I said, “Premium.”
Here’s why:
#1 Best Reason to Pay for LinkedIn Premium — Featured Applicant
As a Premium Career subscriber, you can apply to jobs as a “Top Applicant.” Your application will appear above applications from non-Premium members in recruiters’ inboxes. That increases your chance of being viewed.
Plus, you can tell up to 3 companies per month that they are your top choice. Their recruiters know you can pick 3 companies, so the Top Choice feature lets you show high interest without jeopardizing your ability to fully negotiate your compensation.
LinkedIn claims its Premium Career members get hired 2X faster than non-Premium members.
That’s a significant advantage.
#2 Best Reason — Open LinkedIn Profile
You can elect to make your profile “Open.” That means any LinkedIn member can view your profile and InMail you at no cost. Thus, an open profile makes it easier for recruiters to find and contact you. More here.
To make your profile open:
- Go to your Summary.
- Click the edit pencil.
- Click the gold “In” symbol.
- Toggle the Open Profile button.
Also, consider displaying the Premium Profile Badge. It lets people who view your profile know you’re active on LinkedIn.
They’re more likely to invest time in reaching out to you if they think you will see their message.
#3 Best Reason — LinkedIn Interview Coaching
LinkedIn interview coaching was a new feature in 2019. Premium members who apply for jobs through LinkedIn have access to:
- Sample interview questions
- Recommended answers
- A video that captures them answering questions
- The ability to share video clips with others for coaching
#4 Best Reason — LinkedIn Learning
Premium members get access to all LinkedIn Learning. It’s a 16,000-course compendium of garbage AND good-to-great offerings.
I love it for quick overviews of unfamiliar topics.
#5 Best Reason — Who Viewed Your Profile
You get to see who viewed your profile with a Premium account — unless they used anonymous mode.
If it was the hiring manager for a job you want, do this.
#6 Best Reason — Auto Responder
LinkedIn lets Premium members set up auto-responses in Messaging.
Out of the office? They have you covered.
Want to acknowledge receipt of a message right away? They’re there for you.
Ya gotta love it!
LinkedIn Premium is Free for 30 Days — Unless You’re a Veteran (More Below)
So, is LinkedIn Premium worth it? Heck yeah!
Plus, LinkedIn lets members try Premium at no cost for 30 days. Click “See all plans” and then “Learn more” under “Career” on the next screen.
It’s zero-risk as long as you do the check-in described below.
Make a Check-In Appointment with Yourself
Put a note on your calendar to check in with yourself at the 25-day mark.
LinkedIn will email you a week before your free month expires. However, I’ve seen too many posts in the LinkedIn Help Forum about those emails going to spam.
Mark your calendar. Don’t rely on LinkedIn to remind you.
You will probably want to keep Premium. Just know that LinkedIn won’t cancel your account once you start a billable month.
If you want out, save yourself any out-of-pocket expense or hassle by canceling before your free month ends.
How to Cancel Your LinkedIn Premium Account
Click here to go to the LinkedIn page that lets you cancel your Premium account or switch to another plan.
LinkedIn Premium for Veterans
If you’re a U.S. military veteran, there’s a good chance you can use LinkedIn Premium at no charge for a year. One of my clients signed up last night!
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn
Please invite me to connect on LinkedIn here. The more I know about my readers, the better I can make my blog.
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Image: svetazy
Updated June 2023
© 2015 – 2023, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.
Donna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, authors all of AvidCareerist’s posts.
She is a Fast Company Contributor and has written for and been quoted by 100+ business and general media outlets, including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNBC, the New York Times, USA Today, Time, US News & World Report, CBS, the BBC, Lifehacker, Social Media Today, IT World, and Business News Daily.
Let her expertise inform your job search strategy and decision-making.
Contact Donna here to learn more about her resume and LinkedIn profile services and fee structure.
Comments 5
Hi, another reader of your blog here! I found the post really helpful because as an undergraduate student, I’ve just recently created a LinkedIn but never been able to actually see what the differences are. Seeing your pictures really helped me understand the differences!
Thank you Kevin.
Donna
Great info, Donna! I noticed this post was dated in 2015. Would love to see an update to this post. I know that LinkedIn made changes since then and there must be more than two ‘best’ reasons to pay for a LinkedIn premium account. On a related note, it would be useful to see reasons NOT to pay for a premium account, e.g., limited search functionality.
Hi Curtis, Updated 2017 and 2018. Thank you, Donna
Good stuff, Donna, especially when so much of what’s promoted today as great LinkedIn tips is nothing more than yesterday’s rehashed news.
Chris,
Thank you.
Donna