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To Pay or Not to Pay: Is LinkedIn Premium Worth the Investment?

If you’re a job seeker looking to maximize your online presence, you may be wondering whether LinkedIn premium is worth the cost. With a premium account, LinkedIn promises to increase your visibility to potential employers, connect you with hiring managers, and provide valuable insights to give you an edge over other candidates.

What’s the Difference Between Free and Premium?

According to Becky Carlson, a seasoned corporate recruiter and job search coach, the two main advantages of a premium account are the ability to send InMails to people outside your network and see who has viewed your profile. While these features may seem appealing, Carlson notes that they’re not necessarily game-changers.

Reaching Out to Recruiters and Hiring Managers

If you’re trying to contact a recruiter or hiring manager, the InMail feature can be useful. However, there are no guarantees that the person will accept your message. With a little research, you can often find their email address and reach out directly or send a LinkedIn invitation. Carlson prioritizes introduction invites over InMails, which can be a more effective way to establish connections.

The Limitations of Profile Views

While a premium account shows you who has viewed your profile, there’s a catch. Many users, including Carlson, have their profiles set to appear as “Anonymous LinkedIn Member” when viewing others’ profiles. This means that even with a premium account, you may not always know who’s been checking out your profile.

Maximizing Your LinkedIn Presence

So, is LinkedIn premium worth the investment? Carlson recommends saving your money and focusing on creating a strong LinkedIn profile instead. As a recruiter, she spends her days searching for top talent on the platform and emphasizes the importance of having a solid online presence.

The Verdict

Ultimately, whether or not LinkedIn premium is worth it for you depends on your individual needs and goals. If you’re looking to expand your network and gain valuable insights, a premium account may be worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out, a free account can still provide a wealth of opportunities for connection and growth.