How to Use LinkedIn Premium for Job Search

Job hunting in today’s digital age is as much about visibility and strategy as it is about qualifications. LinkedIn, the go-to platform for professionals, offers a paid subscription called LinkedIn Premium, which provides tools to improve your job search experience.

But is it a must-have for job seekers, or can you get by with LinkedIn’s free version? Let’s explore LinkedIn Premium’s features and evaluate how they can (or might not) enhance your job search.

How Can LinkedIn Premium Help with Job Search?

LinkedIn Premium offers several features that go beyond the basic LinkedIn experience. These tools are particularly helpful if you are targeting competitive roles, need to expand your network, or want to fine-tune your job applications. Here are some specific ways it can help:

• Improving Visibility: Features like Featured Applicant place your application prominently in front of recruiters. If you’re applying for roles in industries with a high volume of applicants, this can give you a slight edge.
• Direct Outreach: InMail messaging lets you contact hiring managers or recruiters directly. This can be invaluable when you want to expand your network or proactively express interest in a position.
• Data-Driven Applications: Premium insights provide information about your competition, such as their seniority level or skills. This data can help you craft a more targeted and tailored application.
• Salary Research: Access to detailed salary data helps you align your expectations with the market and negotiate with confidence.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? Even though these benefits seem helpful, their actual value depends on your goals and the intensity of your job search.

Key Features of LinkedIn Premium for Job Seekers

1. InMail Messaging

One of LinkedIn Premium’s most talked-about features, InMail, allows you to message people outside your network. This is especially useful when you’re looking to connect with hiring managers or professionals in your target industry. However, success with InMail depends on crafting thoughtful, personalized messages. A generic pitch won’t get you far.

2. Insights on Applicants

This feature compares your profile to other applicants for a given role. You can identify gaps in your skills or experiences and tailor your application accordingly. While insightful, these metrics should be used as a guide, not a determinant of your self-worth or ability to succeed in a role.

3. Salary Insights

Premium provides salary data by role, industry, and location. This can be particularly useful when negotiating an offer or setting realistic expectations. However, free platforms like Glassdoor or Payscale also offer similar salary data, so consider whether this feature adds significant value to your toolkit.

4. “Who Viewed Your Profile”

Knowing who’s checking out your profile can provide networking opportunities. With Premium, you get a 90-day history of profile views. While this is interesting and occasionally useful, the real benefit lies in how you act on the information – reaching out to viewers with a personalized message can turn curiosity into opportunity.

5. Job Search Filters

Premium job filters, like “Top Applicant” roles, make it easier to focus on positions where you’re likely to stand out. However, even without this feature, carefully tailoring your applications and leveraging your existing network can yield great results.

6. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers various courses for those looking to upskill or transition into a new field. The recommendations based on your goals can be helpful, but this feature’s value depends on how committed you are to completing courses and applying new skills.

I prepared this article using information from the LinkedIn Premium Quick Tips course available on LinkedIn Learning.

Which LinkedIn Premium Plan Is Best for Job Search?

The Premium Career plan is designed specifically for job seekers. It offers features like InMail credits, salary insights, and Featured Applicant status. If your primary goal is to find a new role, this plan makes the most sense.

For those who also use LinkedIn for business development or extensive networking, Premium Business offers additional tools, though it is more expensive. Evaluate your priorities before committing to a plan.

Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?

Whether the premium version of LinkedIn is worth it doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some factors to consider:

• It’s worth it if you’re in a highly competitive job market: Premium can help you stand out and connect with the right people faster.
• It’s worth it if you’re pivoting careers: The insights, learning tools, and networking capabilities can help you bridge skill gaps and make meaningful connections.
• It may not be necessary for casual job seekers: If you’re not actively applying or networking, the free version of LinkedIn likely offers enough functionality.
• It’s worth trialing first: LinkedIn Premium offers a free trial. Use this to evaluate whether the features improve your job search before committing.

LinkedIn Premium can be a valuable tool for job seekers, but it’s not a magic bullet. Its features – like InMail, application insights, and salary data – can provide a competitive edge, but they’re most effective when paired with a proactive and strategic approach to job hunting.

It could be a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about landing your next role and willing to make the most of what Premium offers. On the other hand, if you’re starting to explore new opportunities, you might find LinkedIn’s free version sufficient.

Ultimately, LinkedIn Premium is as useful as the effort you put into leveraging its tools. Try the free trial, experiment with the features, and see how they fit into your job search strategy. After all, your career journey is as unique as you are.