Does LinkedIn learning help with job search?

With unemployment rates rising globally, job seekers are looking for ways to stand out from the competition. LinkedIn Learning has become a popular tool for picking up new skills and certifications. But does completing LinkedIn Learning courses actually help you land a job?

What is LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is an e-learning platform that offers over 16,000 online video courses in business, technology, and creative skills. Courses are taught by industry experts and cover topics like programming languages, graphic design, Microsoft Office programs, and more.

LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com in 2015 and integrated it into its professional social media platform. This gave LinkedIn members seamless access to Lynda’s vast online course library. Now renamed LinkedIn Learning, it remains a powerful tool for developing hard and soft skills.

The Benefits of LinkedIn Learning for Job Seekers

Here are some of the key ways LinkedIn Learning can benefit job seekers:

• Learn new skills – With thousands of courses to choose from, job seekers can gain skills that make them more qualified candidates. This includes technical skills like analytics or coding, as well as soft skills like communication, leadership, and time management.
• Earn credentials – Many LinkedIn Learning courses offer completion certificates that serve as credentials you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile. This signals to employers that you have invested time in developing relevant skills.
• Get noticed by recruiters – LinkedIn Learning activity, including courses completed and skills added, are highlighted on your LinkedIn profile. This added visibility can help catch the eye of recruiters searching the platform.
• Network with other learners – LinkedIn Learning features discussion forums where you can interact with fellow students. This is an opportunity to make connections and get career advice.
• Learn at your own pace – LinkedIn Learning offers flexible, self-paced online courses you can work through on a schedule that fits your needs. This accessibility makes professional development more achievable.

How LinkedIn Learning Helps Job Search Efforts

Beyond general upskilling, LinkedIn Learning offers specific benefits for the job hunt. Here are some of the top ways it can aid your search:

Bolster Your Resume

Adding new certifications and skills learned through LinkedIn Learning is a quick way to improve your resume. Listing credentials and technical abilities gained through coursework can strengthen your qualifications. Even including LinkedIn Learning under the Education or Professional Development sections displays your commitment to constant learning.

Help You Prepare for Interviews

LinkedIn Learning has an entire category of courses dedicated to acing job interviews. These provide tips on crafting your pitch, projecting confidence, and answering common questions. You can even watch videos of sample interviews with expert feedback. This virtual practice helps ensure you shine during the real deal.

Expand Your Professional Network

Searching for open positions and connecting with relevant professionals are pivotal job seeking steps. With over 800 million members, LinkedIn is an invaluable networking resource. Taking LinkedIn Learning courses allows you to organically grow your LinkedIn network by engaging with instructors and fellow students.

Research Companies and Roles

LinkedIn Learning has numerous courses that provide insights into various companies, career paths, and business functions. Learning more about roles or organizations you are interested in can help you speak knowledgeably during networking conversations and interviews. It also helps ensure the jobs align with your goals and strengths.

Gain Technical Skills

Many open jobs require proficiency with specific technical tools and programs. From Photoshop to HTML to Quickbooks, LinkedIn Learning has extensive courses to help you master the technical abilities needed for in-demand roles. Listing these newly acquired hard skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile allows you to pass applicant tracking system (ATS) screening scans.

Tips for Using LinkedIn Learning to Aid Your Job Search

Here are some best practices for making the most of LinkedIn Learning while job hunting:

• Choose courses strategically – Select courses that provide skills needed for roles you want and list those specific skills on your resume/profile.
• Promote new courses – Share when you start or complete LinkedIn Learning courses to signal your professional development to your network.
• Engage meaningfully – Participate in course discussion forums to build connections and demonstrate knowledge.
• Curate your profile – Add a distinct LinkedIn Learning section highlighting key courses and certifications completed.
• Sync your profile – Enable the option to automatically add LinkedIn Learning courses to your profile to showcase all your learning.

LinkedIn Learning Course Examples for Job Seekers

Here are some examples of impactful LinkedIn Learning courses for common job search goals:

Challenges of Using LinkedIn Learning for Job Search

While LinkedIn Learning offers many benefits for job hunters, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Time commitment – LinkedIn Learning courses can be very time intensive. Completing enough relevant courses to significantly aid your job search requires a substantial time investment.
• Course quality varies – With thousands of courses, quality is not consistent. Some are outdated or repetitive. Research is needed to identify the highest value courses.
• Skills gained may not align – Without careful planning, you may end up gaining skills that don’t directly match your target job requirements.
• Hard to stand out – As more people use LinkedIn Learning for professional development, simply having a few courses is no longer a major differentiator.
• Not a replacement for experience – While useful for gaining skills, LinkedIn Learning courses generally will not replace the value of real-world experience in the eyes of employers.

Does LinkedIn Learning Really Help Get a Job?

Opinions are divided on how effective LinkedIn Learning is specifically for job search. Here are some perspectives to consider:

Optimistic Views

– Valuable way to gain job-relevant skills and credentials
– Boosts resumes and makes candidates more marketable

– Broad course library has training for nearly any job goal
– Shows passion for continual learning and self-improvement

Pessimistic Views

– Questionable whether recruiters actually care about LinkedIn Learning completion
– Many learners skip applying the skills professionally after courses
– Hard metrics like experience and education matter more to employers
– Very few courses provide meaningful job preparation on their own

Tips for Making LinkedIn Learning Work for Your Job Hunt

While questions remain about its direct impact on job searching, LinkedIn Learning can be a strategic asset when used effectively. Here are some tips:

• Pick 1-2 courses critically relevant to your target role and complete them fully, rather than starting many courses.
• Apply the skills you gain through course assignments or real-world practice projects to boost your experience.
• Follow up with and engage fellow LinkedIn Learning students who work in your target field to build connections.
• Mention specific courses, skills gained, and credentials earned during networking outreach and interviews.
• Pair your LinkedIn Learning development with other efforts like networking, resume tailoring, and interview prep.

Conclusion

LinkedIn Learning offers helpful tools and training for developing professional skills and furthering job hunts. However, simply watching courses is unlikely to get you hired on its own. The key is thoughtfully choosing relevant courses and applying what you learn. Used strategically alongside other search efforts, LinkedIn Learning can provide that extra boost to help you shine as a candidate.