LinkedIn offers a paid service called LinkedIn Premium that provides additional features to help you network, apply for jobs, and grow your career. In this chapter, we’ll look at the different features of LinkedIn Premium and how to decide if it’s worth the investment for you.
5.1 What Is LinkedIn Premium?
LinkedIn Premium is a subscription service that offers extra tools and insights that are not available in the free version. There are different types of LinkedIn Premium depending on your goals—whether you’re looking for a job, growing your business, or networking.
Types of LinkedIn Premium:
- Premium Career: Designed for job seekers, this plan gives you access to features like seeing who’s viewed your profile, messaging recruiters directly, and getting insights on how you compare to other applicants.
- Premium Business: This plan is ideal for those looking to grow their network or business. It offers more InMail messages and deeper insights into companies and industries.
- Sales Navigator: This plan is for sales professionals who want to find leads and build relationships with potential clients.
- Recruiter Lite: Tailored for recruiters, this plan provides advanced tools to find and connect with top talent.
5.2 Key Features of LinkedIn Premium
Each LinkedIn Premium plan has unique features that can help you in different ways. Here are some of the most useful features:
Key Features:
- InMail Messages: InMail allows you to message people even if you’re not connected. This is useful for reaching out to recruiters, clients, or potential business partners.
- Who’s Viewed Your Profile: With Premium, you can see a full list of people who have viewed your profile, giving you a chance to follow up with them.
- Applicant Insights: If you’re applying for jobs, LinkedIn Premium shows you how you compare to other applicants in terms of skills and experience.
- Learning Courses: LinkedIn Premium gives you access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can take courses to improve your skills in various areas.
5.3 Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?
Whether or not LinkedIn Premium is worth the cost depends on your specific goals. For some users, the extra features can be a game-changer, while for others, the free version of LinkedIn may be enough.
When LinkedIn Premium Might Be Worth It:
- Job Seekers: If you’re actively looking for a job, Premium Career can help you get noticed by recruiters and give you an edge over other applicants.
- Sales Professionals: Sales Navigator is a valuable tool if your job involves finding leads and making sales connections.
- Network Builders: If you’re focused on growing your network quickly, the InMail feature and advanced search options can help you connect with the right people faster.
When the Free Version May Be Enough:
- Casual Users: If you’re not actively looking for a job or growing your business, the free version of LinkedIn may provide all the tools you need.
- Basic Networking: The free version of LinkedIn still allows you to connect with people, join groups, and engage with posts, which is enough for most users.
5.4 How to Make the Most of LinkedIn Premium
If you decide to invest in LinkedIn Premium, it’s important to know how to make the most of it so you get your money’s worth.
Tips for Maximizing LinkedIn Premium:
- Use InMail Wisely: Don’t send generic messages. Personalize your InMail messages to make meaningful connections.
- Analyze Applicant Insights: Use the insights to see where you might need to improve your skills or experience compared to other applicants.
- Take Advantage of Learning Courses: Whether you want to improve your soft skills or learn a new technical skill, LinkedIn Learning offers courses that can help you grow.