LinkedIn has become an essential platform for professionals looking to advance their careers, network with industry peers, and find new job opportunities. While the free version of LinkedIn offers many valuable features, upgrading to LinkedIn Premium can provide additional tools and insights to help you stand out in a competitive job market. Let’s explore how LinkedIn Premium can boost your career in 2025 and whether it’s worth the investment.
LinkedIn Premium Tiers and Pricing
LinkedIn offers several Premium tiers tailored to different professional needs:
- LinkedIn Premium Career: $29.99/month or $239.88/year
- LinkedIn Premium Business: $59.99/month or $575.88/year
- Sales Navigator Professional: $99.99/month or $959.88/year
- Recruiter Lite: $170/month or $1,800/year
For most individual professionals, the Premium Career tier offers the best balance of features and affordability. Let’s focus on the benefits this tier provides.
Key Benefits of LinkedIn Premium Career
InMail Credits
One of the most valuable features of LinkedIn Premium is InMail credits. These allow you to message LinkedIn members outside your network directly.
Step 1: Navigate to the profile of the person you want to contact.
Step 2: Click the “Message” button, which will now be available even if you’re not connected.
Step 3: Compose your message, keeping it professional and concise.
Step 4: Send the InMail, which will be delivered to the recipient’s LinkedIn inbox.
With Premium Career, you receive 5 InMail credits per month. These can be crucial for reaching out to hiring managers, recruiters, or potential mentors who might not be in your immediate network.
Who’s Viewed Your Profile
Premium members gain access to a complete list of people who have viewed their profile in the last 90 days, compared to the limited view available with free accounts.
Step 1: Click on “Who’s viewed your profile” in your LinkedIn dashboard.
Step 2: Review the full list of viewers, including their names, job titles, and companies.
Step 3: Use this information to identify potential networking opportunities or gauge interest from recruiters.
This feature can provide valuable insights into who’s interested in your professional background and potentially lead to new connections or job opportunities.
Applicant Insights
When applying for jobs through LinkedIn, Premium Career members receive detailed applicant insights.
Step 1: Find a job listing that interests you on LinkedIn.
Step 2: Click on the job to view details.
Step 3: Scroll down to see the “How you compare to other applicants” section.
This feature shows how your skills and experience stack up against other applicants, giving you a better understanding of your competitiveness for the position.
LinkedIn Learning
Premium Career includes unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning, a vast library of professional development courses.
Step 1: Navigate to LinkedIn Learning from your LinkedIn homepage.
Step 2: Browse courses by topic or skill you want to develop.
Step 3: Enroll in a course and complete it at your own pace.
Step 4: Add new skills to your LinkedIn profile upon completion.
This feature allows you to continuously upskill and stay competitive in your field, which can be particularly valuable in rapidly evolving industries.
Advanced Search and Visibility Features
Premium Career Search Filters
LinkedIn Premium offers advanced search filters to help you find the right connections or job opportunities more efficiently.
Step 1: Click on the search bar at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.
Step 2: Enter your search terms and click “All filters.”
Step 3: Use Premium-only filters like “Years of experience” or “Company size” to refine your search.
These additional filters can help you target your networking efforts or job search more precisely.
Featured Applicant Status
When you apply for jobs on LinkedIn with a Premium Career account, your application may be featured at the top of the applicant list.
Step 1: Find a job you want to apply for on LinkedIn.
Step 2: Click “Easy Apply” if available.
Step 3: Complete your application as usual.
Your Premium status may give your application more visibility to hiring managers, potentially increasing your chances of getting an interview.
Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?
The value of LinkedIn Premium depends on your career goals and how actively you’re using the platform. Here are some scenarios where it might be worth the investment:
- You’re actively job searching and want to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.
- You’re looking to expand your professional network in a targeted way.
- You want to develop new skills through LinkedIn Learning courses.
- You’re in a field where staying connected with industry trends and professionals is crucial.
However, if you’re not actively job hunting or networking, the free version of LinkedIn may be sufficient for your needs.
To determine if Premium is right for you, consider taking advantage of the 1-month free trial often offered by LinkedIn. This allows you to test the features and assess their value for your specific situation.
Remember, LinkedIn Premium is a tool that can open doors, but it’s not a guarantee of career success. The most effective use of Premium comes from actively engaging with its features, maintaining a strong profile, and consistently networking and contributing to your professional community on the platform.
LinkedIn Premium Career can be a powerful tool for professionals looking to advance their careers in 2025. By providing enhanced networking capabilities, detailed insights, and learning opportunities, it offers a competitive edge in today’s job market. Whether it’s worth the monthly fee depends on your career goals and how effectively you utilize its features. Give the free trial a shot and see if it helps you take your professional game to the next level.