Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It for Jobseekers?
Is LinkedIn Premium worth it?
A lot of clients ask me this question when we start working together.
So I thought I'd write out my thoughts on this topic in case you are also wondering if you should give LinkedIn $40 per month while job searching.
Read on to find out.
The short answer is no, it's probably not worth it.
I personally don't use premium and have only ever had it when an employer paid for it.
When you’re in the thick of a job search, every tool and resource that promises to give you an edge feels worth considering.
And LinkedIn does a good job of making you feel like Premium will boost your job search. But nah.
I always tell clients to try the 30 day trial of Premium while job searching if they haven't done that yet.
This will give them a sense of what it includes and they can use it in the most active part of their job search.
But if you are considering purchasing the subscription I would hold off.
Below I break down what LinkedIn Premium offers, what you actually get, and why it doesn’t give you the boost you think it does.
What LinkedIn Premium Includes
More InMail Credits: Send direct messages to people you’re not connected with.
My take: Just send someone a message while sending a connection request.Who’s Viewed Your Profile: See a full list of everyone who’s checked you out.
My take: You don't need this distraction. Knowing who viewed your profile is mildly interesting but rarely actionable.LinkedIn Learning: Access to courses on everything from coding to communication skills.
My take: This might be the only reason to get Premium. But thb, there are plenty of free or cheaper learning platforms like YouTube that offer comparable content.Applicant Insights: See how you stack up against other candidates for a role.
My take: Also a distraction that derails you in your job search. Who wants to be compared to their competition?Open Profile: Allow anyone to message you for free.
My take: Recruiters already have tools to do this, so not sure this is helpful. Most serious opportunities come through warm introductions, not random messages from strangers.
What LinkedIn Premium Doesn’t Give You
Just to set the record straight (or queer?).
No guaranteed visibility: LinkedIn Premium doesn’t make your profile magically appear at the top of a recruiter’s search results. That’s determined by your profile’s keywords and activity, which you can optimize for free.
No better job matches: The jobs you see on LinkedIn Premium are the same ones available to free users. Premium doesn’t unlock a secret stash of hidden roles.
No meaningful connections: Building authentic relationships with industry professionals requires effort and genuine engagement—not a subscription.
What Actually Works in a Job Search
If you want to stand out on LinkedIn, focus on these free or low-cost strategies:
Optimize your profile: Use keywords that align with your target roles, write a compelling headline, and craft an engaging About section.
Engage with your network: Comment on posts, share thoughtful content, and connect with people in your industry. Authentic engagement builds relationships that algorithms can’t replicate.
Leverage warm introductions: Ask mutual connections for introductions to recruiters or hiring managers. A personal referral always beats a cold InMail.
TL;DR
Most of what LinkedIn Premium offers is either unnecessary or available for free.
While it has some useful features, none of them are essential for a successful job search.
The real key to landing a job is a strategic job search process, leveraging relationships, creating a standout profile, and a high volume pipeline.
Save your money and focus on what truly moves the needle.
Whenever you're ready, here are more ways I can help you in your job search:
Learn all the job search strategies I teach clients in this workbook.
Apply for 1:1 coaching to see if there's a fit for us to work together.
Get one-off coaching to sharpen your interview skills, book here.
