When Dani lost her job, she jumped headfirst into the job search. She polished her resume, rewrote her LinkedIn profile, and started applying to dozens of jobs every week. A month in, she called me: “Kyla, should I buy LinkedIn Premium? Everyone keeps saying it’s a game-changer. But… I’m also down to budgeting toilet paper.”
Ah, the dilemma: spend $30/month for LinkedIn Premium and potentially fast-track your job search — or save every dime because, well, no paycheck is coming in. Let’s talk about what LinkedIn Premium really offers, who it helps, and whether it’s worth your precious dollars (and hope).
First, What Does LinkedIn Premium Actually Include?
For job seekers, LinkedIn Premium opens up a toolbox of features:
- Competitive Intelligence — See how you stack up against other applicants.
- Job Application Data — Know how many have applied and hiring trends.
- InMail Credits — Message people outside your network.
- LinkedIn Learning — Access thousands of professional development courses.
- Profile View Alerts — Know who’s been peeking at your profile.
That’s a lot of bells and whistles. But let’s dig into whether they’ll actually help you land a job faster.
When LinkedIn Premium Shines
1. You’re Applying to Highly Competitive Roles
If you’re gunning for jobs that get flooded with applicants (think tech, marketing, or remote roles), Premium can give you insider info that saves you time and protects your morale. The “competitive intelligence” feature shows how your profile compares to others — a game-changer when you’re tired of tossing resumes into the void.
Plus, knowing how many people have already applied can help you decide whether it’s worth applying. Job seekers like Dani have told me, “If a job had over 300 applicants and I didn’t have a strong connection, I skipped it. It freed up energy to apply where I had a real shot.”
2. You’re Taking a Networking-Heavy Approach
If you’re using a “hidden job market” strategy (which you should be!), InMail credits can help you break past the first barrier. Premium gives you 5 InMails a month to reach out to people outside your network. This is gold when you’re trying to build relationships inside your target companies.
Combine this with out-of-the-box messaging strategies like referencing an industry leader’s recent article or posing a thoughtful question about their product roadmap — and you just might open the door to a job that isn’t even posted yet.
3. You’re Upskilling
Not enough people talk about the fact that Premium includes full access to LinkedIn Learning, a platform with 16,000+ courses. This is perfect if you’re pivoting industries, brushing up on rusty skills, or just trying to stay sharp. Taking relevant courses and listing them on your resume or LinkedIn profile shows initiative — a key differentiator in today’s competitive market.
When It’s Not Worth It
1. You’re Financially Stretched
Let’s be real: if $30/month would significantly strain your finances, skip it. I’ve seen clients land amazing jobs using the free version of LinkedIn — they just had to be more intentional. You can still network, find jobs, and customize your profile (please, PLEASE fix your digital bed-head and update your LinkedIn URL!).
2. You’re Not Using It Strategically
LinkedIn Premium isn’t magic. If you’re not already working a strategy — targeting specific companies, customizing your resume for every role, and networking your face off — then Premium isn’t going to save you. It’s a booster, not a solution.
How to Get the Most Out of It (If You Do Try It)
LinkedIn offers a 1-month free trial, so here’s how to use that time wisely:
- Week 1: Polish your profile. Get to “All-Star” status.
- Week 2: Send InMails to at least 5 people at your top companies. Use thoughtful, value-adding messages.
- Week 3: Apply for roles strategically — look at applicant numbers and see where you’re ranked.
- Week 4: Take at least 2 industry-related courses and add them to your profile and resume.
And don’t forget to take notes on trends: Are you being viewed more? Are you ranking higher in search results? Are more people replying to your messages? Track it so you can decide if it’s worth keeping.
My Verdict: Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It?
It depends on your strategy.
✔️ YES, if:
- You’re pursuing competitive roles and want to laser-focus your applications.
- You’re investing time in networking and need to get in front of new contacts.
- You’re actively upskilling and will use LinkedIn Learning.
- You can afford $30/month without causing financial stress.
❌ NO, if:
- You’re applying aimlessly without a strategy.
- You’re not utilizing InMail, job insights, or LinkedIn Learning.
- You’re struggling financially and need to prioritize essentials.
Best of all? You don’t have to guess. Try the free month and see if it moves the needle for you. Just set a reminder to cancel if it’s not worth the cost.
Still Unsure What Strategy Will Work for You?
As a career coach who’s helped over 4,000 people land meaningful jobs, I know that no two job searches are the same. If you’re overwhelmed by the noise and need personalized guidance — from tailoring your resume to building a high-impact networking strategy — I’m here to help.
🔗 Visit www.kyladuffy.com to learn more or book a 1:1 session.
Let’s make your next job search your last one for a long time. 💼✨
