LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform that offers video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. With over 16,000 courses, LinkedIn Learning aims to help professionals gain new skills and advance their careers. But do employers actually care if you have completed LinkedIn Learning courses? Will it make a difference when applying for jobs? Here we examine whether LinkedIn Learning can boost your resume and employability.
Do employers value LinkedIn Learning courses?
LinkedIn Learning is owned by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform with over 690 million users worldwide. Given LinkedIn’s reputation and reach, LinkedIn Learning courses do carry some weight and credibility compared to other online learning platforms.
Completing courses on LinkedIn Learning demonstrates a job seeker’s motivation to learn. It shows you are actively trying to improve your skills and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in your industry. This commitment to continuous learning is attractive to employers.
In LinkedIn’s 2020 Workplace Learning Report, 94% of L&D professionals surveyed said online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning are critical or important for their organization. The report also found 87% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their careers and skills development. This data indicates that both employers and employees highly value learning and development opportunities like LinkedIn Learning.
So in short, yes many employers do care about LinkedIn Learning courses and view it positively on a candidate’s resume or LinkedIn profile. It can give you a competitive edge over other applicants. However, simply listing a course is often not enough. To maximize the value, you need to successfully apply your new skills and highlight relevant projects or accomplishments gained from the learning.
How to highlight LinkedIn Learning courses on your resume
Here are some tips for featuring LinkedIn Learning courses on your resume:
– List the course titles and completion dates under the Education or Professional Development section. For example:
LinkedIn Learning – Beginning Python (Completed March 2021)
LinkedIn Learning – Excel Essential Training (Completed January 2022)
– In your Skills section, mention specific skills mastered through LinkedIn Learning courses. For example:
– Python (Completed LinkedIn Learning Beginner and Intermediate Python courses)
– Data Analysis (Completed LinkedIn Learning Excel and Data Analysis courses)
– In your Experience section, demonstrate how you’ve applied the skills from LinkedIn Learning. For example:
– Used Python skills learned through LinkedIn Learning to automate data processing, improving efficiency by 15%.
– Share course completion certificates on LinkedIn to showcase your learning.
– List relevant course projects on your resume. For example:
– Completed sentiment analysis machine learning project using Python via LinkedIn Learning course.
The key is to make it obvious how the knowledge gained through LinkedIn Learning is valuable to employers and applicable to the roles you are targeting. Avoid simply listing course titles without any context.
How employers view LinkedIn Learning courses
Most employers see LinkedIn Learning courses as a positive indicator of a candidate’s motivation, curiosity and ability to learn. However, they are rarely a decisive factor in hiring someone. The courses support and complement your skills and experience, but don’t compensate for lack of hands-on experience.
According to recruiters and hiring managers, here’s how LinkedIn Learning is generally viewed:
– It’s a plus, but not a must-have. Courses can give a candidate an edge, but are rarely a prerequisite. Work experience and hard skills are still top priorities.
– More courses are better than fewer, but quality matters over quantity. Five relevant courses are better than 50 random ones. Be selective in choosing courses that align with the target role.
– Intermediate and advanced courses hold more weight than beginner-level ones. They demonstrate deeper skill development.
– Courses related to recent technologies and industry trends are most valuable. For example, Python machine learning courses show desired up-to-date skills.
– Hands-on application is key. Employers want to know how you’ve applied the learning in real projects or work. Listing courses alone is not that impressive.
– Customized recommendations from other employees or managers carry more weight. It shows targeted skill development.
So while LinkedIn Learning can certainly boost your resume, it should be just one part of your professional development strategy. Complement online learning with real-world experience, targeted technical skills, and educational credentials in your field.
Which LinkedIn Learning courses provide the most value?
The most valuable LinkedIn Learning courses are those aligned with in-demand skills for current industry and job market needs. Here are some of the top LinkedIn Learning courses and skills that can boost your resume:
– Coding – Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, HTML/CSS
– Data Science – Excel, SQL, data analysis, data visualization
– Cloud Computing – AWS, Azure, GCP
– Digital Marketing – SEO, social media marketing, Google Ads
– Graphic Design – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
– Project Management – PMP, Agile, Scrum
– Leadership and Communication – public speaking, coaching skills
– Cybersecurity – ethical hacking, network security, CISSP
Technical hard skills related to software development, data, and security are in high demand. Human skills like leadership and communication are also very valuable.
Research the most in-demand skills for jobs you want and complete tailored LinkedIn Learning paths. Demonstrating cutting-edge, relevant skills will maximize your resume and hiring potential.
Most popular courses
Here are some of the most popular LinkedIn Learning courses based on enrollment data:
– Excel 2019 Essential Training – teaching Excel formulas, charts, pivot tables
– Leadership: Becoming a Manager – manager training
– Python for Data Science Essential Training – using Python for data analysis
– Time Management Fundamentals – improving productivity
– Communicating with Confidence – public speaking and presentations
– JavaScript Essential Training – JavaScript programming
– Digital Marketing Certificate – digital marketing techniques
– Project Management Foundations – project management methodologies
– Character Art in Photoshop – Photoshop for digital art
– React.js Essential Training – building web apps with ReactJS
Highest rated courses
The following LinkedIn Learning courses earn consistently high ratings from enrolled learners for their educational value:
– Developing Your Emotional Intelligence – improving soft skills
– Adobe Illustrator CC Essential Training: The Basics – Illustrator basics
– Body Language for Leaders – body language and nonverbal communication
– Graphic Design Tips and Trinciples – design theory
– Leadership Communication for Maximum Impact – leadership communications
– Time Management Tips Weekly – improving productivity
– Resilience – building resilience at work
– Speed Reading Fundamentals – speed reading techniques
– Docker Essential Training – using Docker for containerization
– Kubernetes Essential Training – managing Kubernetes clusters
Should you pay for LinkedIn Learning premium?
LinkedIn Learning offers both free and paid memberships. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Free account
– Access to over 15,000 courses
– Watch first 3 video lessons of any course for free
– Add skills and courses to profile
Premium account
– Unlimited access to all 16,000+ courses
– Download course materials
– Practice tests and quizzes
– Exercise files
– Certificates of completion
– Custom recommendations
– Costs $29.99 USD monthly or $239.88 USD yearly
The premium features can provide more in-depth learning and development. But the free account still offers extensive training, especially for beginner-level courses.
If actively interviewing, the premium version is worth the investment to unlock full course access and certifications. You can cancel after a month. For casual learning, the free version is sufficient for most needs.
Some companies also cover employee LinkedIn Learning subscriptions or give corporate discounts. So check if premium access is available through your workplace.
Overall weigh the costs against your current career goals. The premium version maximizes LinkedIn Learning’s impact for professional advancement and resume-building.
How much time should you spend on LinkedIn Learning?
With over 16,000 courses, it’s impossible to complete every LinkedIn Learning course. It’s best to take a targeted approach based on your career goals and skill gaps.
Here are some tips on managing your time:
– Set monthly or weekly learning hours to schedule into your calendar, like 3 hours per week. Treat it as professional development time.
– Focus on 2-3 courses related to your top skills you want to develop. Don’t jump randomly between topics.
– Mix shorter 1-2 hour intro courses with longer 10+ hour comprehensive courses for balance.
– Follow Learning Paths like Become a Data Analyst which guide you through multiple courses step-by-step.
– Download courses to mobile apps to learn during commutes or downtime.
– Accelerate video speed to 1.5x or 2x if you comprehend the content faster.
– Skip sections you already know well to avoid wasting time. But take chapter quizzes to confirm your knowledge.
– Complement videos with other learning methods like hands-on projects, certifications, job shadowing and reading.
With consistent, focused time investment each week, LinkedIn Learning can significantly boost your skills within a few months. But learning should tie into career objectives and not distract from higher priorities. Manage your learning plans wisely.
How to get the most value from LinkedIn Learning
Here are some tips to maximize your learning and career growth from LinkedIn Learning courses:
Pick relevant courses
– Research the most in-demand skills in your industry
– Identify skill and knowledge gaps to fill
– Select courses that align with your experience level
– Focus on learning paths for your role (e.g. Data Analyst, Project Manager)
Apply the skills
– Absorb concepts through video lessons
– Complete hands-on assignments and projects
– Build real portfolio projects to showcase skills
– Practice skills actively in your job
Showcase your progress
– Add courses to LinkedIn profile and resume
– Share certificates and projects on LinkedIn
– Discuss learnings, challenges and wins with your network
– Set professional learning goals and track progress
Learn with others
– Join LinkedIn Learning groups to connect with peers
– Find mentorships and apprenticeships to learn on the job
– Attend conferences and events to network
– Participate in online forums and communities
Expand your learning
– Take advanced follow-up courses to build expertise
– Learn broad skills beyond your core role
– Develop soft skills like leadership and communication
– Cross-train across teams to gain experience
Treat learning on LinkedIn as one aspect of professional development. Combine it with real work experience, soft skills training, conferences, and certifications relevant to your goals. Take an integrated, well-rounded approach to skills growth.
Should you put LinkedIn Learning certificates on your resume?
LinkedIn Learning courses offer completion certificates you can showcase on LinkedIn, resumes and portfolios. Including certificates can validate the courses listed and prove you completed the training.
However, certificates should not take up significant resume space over work experience descriptions. Use them sparingly to reinforce other skills and achievements.
Here are some best practices for featuring certificates:
– Only list certificates for advanced and technical skills courses. Beginner-level ones don’t carry much weight.
– Include the certificate title, issuing organization (LinkedIn Learning), issue date and credential ID.
– Place certificates in a Professional Development or Accomplishments section. Don’t clutter the Experience section.
– Share a few select certificates. Avoid listing certificates for every minor course.
– Link to digital copies of the certificates on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter or your website.
– Highlight certificates most relevant to the target job. Lead with these in the resume section.
Remember certificates support but don’t replace substantive experience and hard skills. Let your capabilities and work achievements shine first, and reinforce them with certificates sparingly.
Pros of LinkedIn Learning
Here are the main benefits of using LinkedIn Learning for professional development:
– **Relevant courses** – Over 16,000 courses across business, creative and tech skills taught by industry experts. Updated frequently.
– **Flexible learning** – Learn anytime, anywhere at your own pace on mobile, desktop and TV apps. Downloadable content.
– **Personalization** – Get suggested courses based on experience and goals. Create customized learning paths.
– **Skill development** – Develop both hard technical skills and soft skills like leadership and communication.
– **Career advancement** – Gain skills to help transition into new roles, get raises and earn promotions.
– **Resume boost** – Showcase new skills and certifications gained to stand out in the job market.
– **Affordability** – Free version offers extensive training. Premium has reasonable monthly and annual pricing.
– **Trustworthiness** – More credibility than random online courses due to LinkedIn’s strong brand and community.
For low cost and time investment, LinkedIn Learning offers excellent professional development and career growth opportunities. The quality content and job-relevant skills make it worthwhile for professionals looking to upskill.
Cons of LinkedIn Learning
While LinkedIn Learning has many benefits, it also has some limitations to be aware of:
– **No interaction** – Pre-recorded videos have no live interaction or peer collaboration. Can feel passive.
– **Beginner focus** – More introductory over specialized advanced courses. May lack depth.
– **Short courses** – Many courses under 2 hours. Lack comprehensive subject coverage.
– **Limited certificates** – Certificates prove completion, but don’t carry as much weight as accredited programs or degrees.
– **Minimal feedback** – Light touch quizzes. Little personalized assessment or mentor guidance.
– **Theoretical focus** – Stronger on concepts over practical application. Hand-holding limited.
– **No credentials** – Completing courses earns no college credits or formal microcredentials like badges.
– **Outdated courses** – Some courses use older versions of software and lack latest information. Quality varies.
While the quality courses are very useful, LinkedIn Learning has limits. It should complement rather than replace deeper university education, hands-on training and accredited credentials valued by employers. Use it as one aspect of lifelong learning.
LinkedIn Learning alternatives
LinkedIn Learning leads the field, but faces growing competition as online education expands. Here are some alternative platforms to consider:
Udemy
– Over 183,000 courses in business, tech, personal development
– Specializations and learning paths for specific skills
– Affordable pricing starts under $20 per course
– Anyone can publish courses, so quality varies
edX
– 3,500+ courses from top universities like MIT, Harvard and Berkeley
– Offer MicroMasters programs and professional certificates
– Credited courses count towards full masters degrees
– Higher quality and more rigorous curriculum
Coursera
– 6,000+ courses and 400+ specializations
– Offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees alongside courses
– Flexible monthly subscription model
– Strong programs in data science, business and computer science
Udacity
– Nanodegree programs focused on tech skills like programming and data science
– 1-2 month long intensive programs with mentor support
– Develop real portfolio projects
– Costly at $400 per month but very hands-on
Pluralsight
– 7,000+ tech-focused video courses
– Paths to guide learning in specific developer skills
– Assessments and quizzes test comprehension
– Business and creative offerings more limited
Skillshare
– 35,000+ classes in design, photography, marketing and more creative skills
– Short lessons and tutorials teach real-world skills
– Affordable at $19 a month or $99 annually
– More lightweight and hobby-focused
Each platform has unique strengths and weaknesses. Survey courses across providers and leverage different resources based on your learning needs and budget.
Conclusion
In summary, LinkedIn Learning offers a powerful way to build your skills and professional profile if used strategically. Employers do value relevant LinkedIn Learning courses, but practical work experience and credentials are still the priority.
Treat LinkedIn Learning as one component of continuous learning. Combine online courses with projects, team collaborations, shadowing, mentorships, certifications, conferences and training. Take an integrated approach to demonstrating skills and achieving career advancement.
With the right courses aligned to in-demand skills and your professional goals, LinkedIn Learning can provide affordable, flexible and valuable training to reach the next level. Just be sure to apply the skills in practical ways as well. Learning is meaningless without application.
