In today’s highly competitive job market, LinkedIn has become an essential platform for job seekers in the UK. Whether you are actively looking for a new opportunity or simply expanding your professional network, LinkedIn provides valuable tools to enhance your career prospects. However, many users find themselves asking: Is LinkedIn Premium worth it, or is the free version sufficient? In this article, we will break down LinkedIn Premium vs Free, comparing features, benefits, and whether upgrading is the right move for you.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
LinkedIn Premium is a paid subscription that offers enhanced features to help job seekers, recruiters, and businesses maximise their networking and job search efforts. There are multiple tiers of LinkedIn Premium, including Premium Career, Premium Business, Sales Navigator, and Recruiter Lite. For job seekers in the UK, the most relevant plan is Premium Career, which is designed to provide better job insights and direct communication with hiring managers.
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LinkedIn Free: What Does It Offer?
The free version of LinkedIn offers a solid foundation for job seekers. Here’s what you get with a basic LinkedIn account:
- Profile Creation & Visibility: Create a professional profile, showcase skills, and list work experience.
- Network Building: Connect with colleagues, industry professionals, and recruiters.
- Job Search & Applications: Apply for jobs, save job postings, and receive job alerts.
- Limited InMail Access: You can only send messages to people you’re connected with.
- Basic Insights: See a limited number of people who viewed your profile.
For many job seekers in the UK, these features are enough. But if you want more advanced tools, LinkedIn Premium may be worth considering.
LinkedIn Premium vs Free: Key Differences
Now, let’s dive into the LinkedIn Premium vs Free comparison and examine what extra features Premium offers:
1. InMail Messaging
- Free Version: You can only message your 1st-degree connections.
- Premium: You receive 5 InMail credits per month, allowing you to message recruiters and hiring managers directly—even if you’re not connected.
Advantage: If you are actively job searching, InMail can help you bypass application systems and connect with decision-makers directly.
2. Profile Views Insights
- Free Version: You can only see limited information about who viewed your profile.
- Premium: You get detailed analytics on who viewed your profile in the last 90 days.
Advantage: Knowing who has viewed your profile allows you to identify potential recruiters and hiring managers and reach out to them strategically.
3. Job Insights & Salary Comparisons
- Free Version: Basic job postings and salary information.
- Premium: You gain access to detailed salary insights and how you compare to other applicants based on skills and experience.
Advantage: If you want to know whether you are competitive for a role or if the salary aligns with industry standards, this feature is incredibly useful.
4. LinkedIn Learning Access
- Free Version: Limited free courses occasionally.
- Premium: Full access to 17,000+ LinkedIn Learning courses on various professional skills.
Advantage: Upskilling is crucial in today’s job market. Having access to professional courses can help you gain certifications and improve your employability.
5. Applicant Insights & Featured Applications
- Free Version: You apply for jobs like any other candidate.
- Premium: You get Applicant Insights, showing how you compare to other applicants, and Featured Applicant Status, making your application stand out.
Advantage: If you’re applying for competitive jobs in the UK, standing out can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
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Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It for UK Job Seekers?
Whether LinkedIn Premium vs Free is right for you depends on your job search needs. Consider these factors:
When Free is Enough:
- You are passively looking for jobs and not in urgent need.
- You have an established network and can connect with recruiters organically.
- You are satisfied with basic job search features and limited messaging.
When You Should Upgrade to Premium:
- You are actively job hunting and want to connect with recruiters faster.
- You need insights on how you compare to other candidates.
- You want to invest in LinkedIn Learning to improve your skills.
- You apply for highly competitive roles and need extra visibility.
LinkedIn Premium Cost & Free Trial
In the UK, LinkedIn Premium Career costs around £29.99 per month. However, LinkedIn offers a one-month free trial, allowing you to test the features before committing.
Final Verdict: LinkedIn Premium vs Free
Ultimately, LinkedIn Premium vs Free is a decision that depends on your career goals. The free version is powerful for networking and job searching, but if you want additional tools to boost your job hunt, Premium can be a great investment.
If you’re unsure, take advantage of the LinkedIn Premium free trial and see if the extra features provide value for your job search. Whether you stick to free or go Premium, optimising your LinkedIn profile and actively engaging with your network is key to job success.
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