LinkedIn Premium offers a range of benefits that can help you advance your career, grow your network, and access exclusive insights. While LinkedIn Premium is a paid service, there are several ways to access it for free. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get LinkedIn Premium for free and maximize its features.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
LinkedIn Premium is a subscription service that provides users with enhanced features not available in the free version of LinkedIn. These features include:
- InMail Messages: Send messages to people outside your network.
- Who Viewed Your Profile: See a complete list of who has viewed your profile in the last 90 days.
- Learning Resources: Access to LinkedIn Learning courses.
- Job Insights: Detailed insights on job listings and applicants.
- Profile Visibility: Enhanced visibility in search results.
Ways to Get LinkedIn Premium for Free
1. Free Trial
LinkedIn offers a free trial of Premium for new users. Here’s how you can get started:
- Sign Up or Log In: If you’re new to LinkedIn, sign up for an account. If you already have an account, log in.
- Navigate to LinkedIn Premium: Look for the “Try Premium for Free” option on the LinkedIn homepage or under the “Me” menu.
- Select a Plan: Choose the plan that suits your needs (Career, Business, Sales, or Recruiter).
- Start Your Free Trial: Enter your payment details to start the free trial, which typically lasts one month. Make sure to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
2. LinkedIn Learning Offers
LinkedIn Learning occasionally offers free access to LinkedIn Premium. Here’s how to take advantage of this:
- Enroll in LinkedIn Learning: Some courses or institutions may offer free access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Activate LinkedIn Premium: LinkedIn Learning access often includes LinkedIn Premium, allowing you to benefit from both services.
3. Promotions and Events
LinkedIn periodically runs promotions that offer free Premium access. Keep an eye out for these opportunities:
- Email Invitations: LinkedIn may send promotional emails offering free access to Premium.
- Special Events: Participate in LinkedIn-hosted events or webinars that might include free Premium trials.
4. Educational Institutions
Many universities and colleges provide LinkedIn Premium to their students for free. To find out if your institution offers this benefit:
- Contact Career Services: Reach out to your school’s career services department.
- Sign Up: Follow the instructions provided by your institution to activate your free LinkedIn Premium account.
5. Employer Benefits
Some companies offer LinkedIn Premium as part of their employee benefits. Check with your employer to see if this is available:
- Ask Your HR Department: Inquire if LinkedIn Premium is part of your company’s benefits.
- Follow the Instructions: Your HR department will guide you through the process of activating your free Premium account.
6. Professional Organizations
Certain professional organizations and associations offer LinkedIn Premium as a membership benefit. Here’s how to find out:
- Check Membership Benefits: Look into the benefits provided by your professional organizations.
- Activate Your Account: Follow the instructions provided to access LinkedIn Premium.
Maximizing Your LinkedIn Premium Subscription
Once you have access to LinkedIn Premium, make sure to use it effectively:
- Optimize Your Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and complete to attract more views and connections.
- Utilize InMail: Use InMail to reach out to recruiters, potential employers, or industry leaders.
- Take Advantage of Learning: Access LinkedIn Learning courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Leverage Job Insights: Use advanced job insights to tailor your job applications and stand out from other applicants.
- Track Profile Views: Monitor who’s viewing your profile to understand your network’s interest and reach out to potential connections.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Premium can be a valuable tool for advancing your career, but you don’t always have to pay for it. By utilizing free trials, educational institution offers, employer benefits, and promotions, you can access LinkedIn Premium without incurring costs. Once you have Premium access, make the most of its features to enhance your professional networking and career opportunities.
