LinkedIn Premium is a subscription option that offers extra features on top of a free account. But is this subscription really necessary while job hunting? This article covers what Premium offers and when it might be worth it. For current pricing and plan details, check LinkedIn's own site.
What Does Premium Generally Offer?
- Detailed "who viewed your profile" information. The free account shows limited visibility, while Premium offers more detail.
- InMail credits. The ability to message people you're not connected with directly.
- Learning content (LinkedIn Learning). Access to educational content is included in some Premium plans.
- Salary information and company insights. Some plans offer more detailed company and salary data.
- Application insights. Extra information like how many people applied to a posting.
Is Premium Worth It?
The Free Account Is Usually Enough If:
- You're already using your profile (see How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile) and networking strategy (see Networking on LinkedIn: How to Connect With the Right People) effectively.
- You're networking with people you can reach through a connection request, without needing InMail.
- You're actively and regularly using Easy Apply and direct applications.
Premium Might Be Worth It If:
- You want to reach key people you're not connected with and struggle to reach otherwise (recruiters, employees at target companies) via InMail.
- During an intense job search period, you think extra data like "application insights" would give you a strategic edge.
- You plan to actively make use of LinkedIn Learning content.
Before deciding on Premium, take the fundamental step: build a strong, current resume with CV Mimarı.
Build Your Resume FreeConsider the Free Trial
LinkedIn usually offers a free trial period for Premium. Using this trial during an active job search to see whether it's genuinely helpful is a sensible step before committing to a paid subscription.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Premium isn't necessary for everyone — what really matters is how actively you're using your profile and networking strategy. The fundamentals (a strong profile, regular networking, targeted applications) usually produce strong results even without Premium; Premium is an extra tool that builds on that foundation.