LinkedIn Premium provides job seekers with additional tools and insights to help find employment opportunities. The premium services allow you to see more information on who has viewed your profile, message recruiters directly, and get data-driven recommendations on skills and jobs. Using Premium can give you an advantage in your job search, but you need to use it strategically. Here are some tips on how to maximize LinkedIn Premium for your job hunt.
Increase your visibility
One of the main benefits of LinkedIn Premium is being able to see everyone who has viewed your profile in the last 90 days. You can sort by Recruiters, Company Pages, and Individuals to focus on those most relevant to hiring. This allows you to proactively reach out and engage the people looking at your profile. You can send InMail messages directly to recruiters at companies you want to work for. General best practices are to personalize the message, be concise, and offer value such as how your experience aligns with what they are looking for.
You can also see more profile views by location. This can help focus your search and outreach efforts if you are open to relocating for the right opportunity. Pay attention to companies that are viewing your profile repeatedly, as they may have serious interest.
Tips for increasing visibility
- Update your profile headline and summary to include relevant keywords
- Add new skills and certifications to stand out
- Engage your network by liking and commenting on posts
- Join targeted LinkedIn Groups and participate in discussions
- Follow influential people and companies in your desired industry
The more active you are on LinkedIn, the more visibility your profile gains in search results and as a suggested connection. Premium provides data on how you compare to other candidates in terms of activity level. Put in the time to build up your brand and expand your reach on the platform.
Search smarter
Premium allows you to use advanced filters, location parameters, and keywords to narrow your job search results. You can search for jobs by title, skill, company, experience level and more. Look for filters like “Easy Apply” to quickly submit to opportunities. Focus on jobs posted within the last 24 hours for the best chance at being an early applicant. You can save up to 200 jobs to organize your search and revisit opportunities.
Some key advantages to searching jobs with Premium:
- Search by compensation to find roles in your desired salary range
- Filter by date posted to see the latest openings
- Use multiple languages to broaden your search
- Search company pages for openings not posted on main jobs page
Look beyond job titles by searching for your skills and expertise. For example, a Project Manager may want to search for program management, PMP, or team leadership jobs. Think broadly about how your background aligns with in-demand roles.
Pro tips for searching
- Try creative keyword combinations like “remote” + your industry
- Search location names like “Boston” or “Bay Area”
- Follow companies you’re interested in to get alerts when they post jobs
- Turn on job alerts with your desired titles and keywords
- Browse jobs by Location Map to see opportunities in your city
Leverage all of LinkedIn’s search functionality to continuously uncover the latest and most relevant openings. Save searches so you get notified when new jobs pop up.
Apply with ease
Many job listings now offer an Easy Apply option which lets you submit your profile to apply in just a few clicks. This saves you time from filling out lengthy applications and ensures your up-to-date LinkedIn profile is sent to the hiring manager. You can see which postings offer Easy Apply in the search filters.
However, don’t rely solely on Easy Apply. Take the time to tailor your cover letter and resume to each application. Review the job description in detail and highlight where your background matches their requirements and preferences. Give specific examples of projects and accomplishments that make you qualified. Send follow up messages after applying to express interest and move your candidacy forward.
Some application tips:
- Proofread your profile and update past job descriptions
- Add numbers, stats, and accomplishments to narratives
- Include all relevant skills – even informal ones
- Customize your intro summary for each application
With Premium you can see your application rate – how often you apply to jobs vs other seekers. Use this to motivate yourself to actively apply and follow up. Quantity and persistence are key.
Connect with recruiters
Premium opens up direct messaging with recruiters through InMail even if you’re not in their network. Identify recruiters at your target companies by searching their name and “recruiter” – ex: “Jane Smith recruiter”. Get to know them and the roles they fill. Pay attention to which recruiters view your profile. Then reach out to develop relationships and convey your interest in opportunities.
Some tips for engaging recruiters:
- Personalize InMails by referencing projects or experience
- Offer to send your resume and discuss fit
- Ask about the hiring process and timeline
- Meet for coffee or virtual chat to learn more
- Connect on LinkedIn to start an ongoing dialogue
Having recruiters advocate for you internally is invaluable. Nurture these relationships before you need something – don’t just ask for a job. Provide value by sharing articles or insights. Recruiters can guide you on conveying what the company needs.
Recruiter InMail template
Dear [Recruiter Name],
I noticed you recently viewed my LinkedIn profile. I am very interested in [Company Name] and saw the opening for [Job Title]. My background in [Skillset/Experience] seems closely aligned with what you are looking for. I would love to [chat, meet for coffee, schedule a call] to discuss my qualifications and learn more about the role and company. Please let me know if this would be possible. I have attached my resume for you to review as well. Looking forward to connecting further!
Best,
[Your Name]
Showcase credentials
Premium users can display badges on their profile to highlight certifications, education, volunteer work, publications, honors, test scores, and more. These verified credentials stand out and add credibility when recruiters view your profile.
Some ways to get the most from Showcase badges:
- Add logos from major certifications like PMP or CPA
- Display badges for relevant college degrees or training programs
- Highlight volunteer experiences that show leadership
- Include badges for any specialized licenses or legal credentials
- Feature press mentions, awards, or published works
The badges catch the eye on your profile and validate your skills in a visual way. Make sure to organize your Showcase section so the most impressive and relevant achievements are on top.
Credentialing exams
LinkedIn offers many credentialing exams you can take to get certified in your functional expertise or industry knowledge. Examples are Salesforce Certification, Project Management Certification, Business Analytics Certification, and more. Completing the assessments earns you a verified LinkedIn badge to showcase on your profile.
Some tips for using exams:
– Audit exam content before buying to confirm it aligns with your goals
– Give yourself plenty of time to study and prepare
– Take practice tests to identify knowledge gaps
– Use LinkedIn Learning courses to refresh skills
– Schedule the exam when you are focused and free of distractions
– Display your new certification badge prominently!
Earning targeted certifications can give you a competitive edge with data-backed proof of your abilities.
Get salary insights
The Salary feature provides pay ranges for specific job titles based on location, years of experience, field, and other factors. You can get a sense of average compensation at companies you’re interested in. These insights help you demonstrate your value and negotiate effectively.
Some ways to leverage Salary:
- Look up typical pay for roles you are targeting
- Compare salary bands at different companies
- See how pay scales with experience level
- Use ranges as a benchmark for negotiations
- Identify if you are underpaid based on market data
While pay shouldn’t be your only focus, understanding salaries allows you to calibrate expectations. Look for roles offering compensation in your desired range. As a Premium user you get more granular information on the salary distribution.
Negotiating with data
When preparing to negotiate an offer, look up precise salary bands for the role, location and your years of experience. You can cite the 50th-75th percentile ranges from Salary when making a case for higher pay. Some effective approaches:
– “Based on my 10 years of experience, the typical salary range for this role in this city seems to be $85K-$95K on LinkedIn. I’m seeking compensation in that range.”
– “I know the average pay for Software Engineers with 5-7 years experience at companies this size is $75-$85K. I was hoping for a salary at the higher end of that scale.”
– “The market data I’ve researched on LinkedIn shows the middle 50% for this title make $70-$80K. I’m seeking $80K based on the value I can contribute and my qualifications.”
Back up your asks with real data. It strengthens your position and justification for pay at or above market rates. Know your worth!
Develop skills
Premium gives you unlimited access to over 17,000 expert-led courses on LinkedIn Learning. These courses allow you to gain new skills or brush up on existing capabilities to make your resume more marketable.
Having the latest technical skills can give you an edge. Some ways to leverage learning:
- Take courses on resume writing and interview prep
- Learn high demand coding languages like Python or JavaScript
- Study Excel modeling, financial analysis, or other data skills
- Get certified in tools like Salesforce, Workday, or Tableau
- Watch leadership and management courses to boost soft skills
You can add new skills to your profile as you complete courses. This will expand your match rate for relevant job opportunities. Demonstrate proactivity by showing you are continuously upgrading your knowledge.
Popular job seeker courses
– Time Management: Working from Home
– Communicating with Confidence
– Interview Preparation
– Becoming a LinkedIn power user
– Excel Essential Training
– Improving Your Resume
– Strategic Thinking
– Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
Choose courses strategically based on the capabilities required for jobs that interest you. The personalized course recommendations can help identify gaps to fill.
Uncover insights
The Insights page provides data visualizations so you can analyze your job search progress and optimize your approach. For example, you can see:
- Application volume and rate over time
- Top skills among applicants hired by target companies
- Volume of profile views and source of traffic
- Companies viewing your profile the most
These insights help you track and iterate on the key activities that will advance your candidacy. Focus on ramping up applications, highlighting high demand skills the market wants, and engaging your best prospect companies.
Some ways to apply the insights:
- Identify skills to emphasize if you match candidate profiles
- Engage and message companies frequently viewing your profile
- Set goals to increase profile views and application volume
- Adapt approach over time based on tangible metrics
The data provides unique visibility into employer priorities and perceptions. Use it to course correct and improve throughout your search process.
Expand your network
Premium allows you to send InMail to anyone, even if you’re not directly connected. This gives you access to leaders, specialists, and peers at target companies. You can make personalized requests to connect and start relationships.
Some networking tips:
- Search for specific roles, schools, or skills to find relevant contacts
- Message people who work at companies you want to join
- Introduce yourself and explain common ground or shared interests
- Offer to meet for a quick virtual coffee to network
- Expand your overall connections for more exposure and warm referrals
Growing your network increases visibility, surfaces insider opportunities, and builds your professional brand. With more connections you gain social proof as well.
InMail networking template
Subject: Fellow [School] Alum Seeking to Connect
Dear [Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I see we both graduated from [College]. I’m currently in the job market and came across your profile while researching opportunities at [Company Name]. I’d love to connect and hear about your experience there and any career advice you may have to share. Let me know if you would be open to connecting on LinkedIn or meeting for a short call. I’m attaching my resume as well for you to review.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your School] Class of [Year]
Research companies
Premium allows you to browse Companies pages to gain insider perspectives. You can view employee profiles across departments to understand the culture. Look for current employees who graduated from your school or worked at past companies. Message them to request informational interviews and learn more about the employer.
Some ways to research companies:
- Identify people who transitioned from roles or companies you’re familiar with
- Connect with team members to learn about the work environment
- Follow Company Pages to see news announcements and openings
- Learn about leadership bios, mission, locations, company size, etc.
- Look for alumni and shared connections to leverage your network
Vet companies thoroughly before jumping into the interview process. Make sure the culture, leadership, and opportunities align with your goals and preferences. Use Premium to create a shortlist of ideal employers.
Questions for company insiders
– What do you enjoy most about working at [Company Name]?
– What type of candidate tends to succeed here?
– How would you describe the culture and work style?
– What makes [Company] unique compared to competitors?
– What potential challenges should I be aware of?
– What advice do you have for standing out in the hiring process?
– What are the most valued skills and traits in your team?
Get unbiased insights before committing to a company long term. Inside perspectives help assess culture fit.
Compare compensation
The upgraded Salary tool lets you see a full analysis of pay distributions across locations, titles, and companies. Rather than just a typical range, you can view the salary spread, including the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles. This allows close comparison between roles and geographies to benchmark offers.
For evaluating an offer, make sure to check:
- Average vs. median salary (avoid skewed ranges)
- Pay rate differences by location
- Experience level and percentile rankings
- Compensation below, at, or above market rates
- Competitive pay at other companies
Don’t rely solely on salary averages. Look at the full distribution to properly assess a compensation package. This helps determine if you’re being paid fairly relative to your local market.
Questions to ask about salary
– What is the salary range for this role? Can you share pay distributions?
– Is there room to get to the 75th percentile with strong performance?
– Does pay increase substantially with years of experience and tenure?
– How does compensation compare to competitors in this geography?
– Are there bonuses or equity opportunities beyond base salary?
– How frequently are raises and adjustments made?
Understand the full picture, including incentives and growth trajectory beyond base pay. Benchmark fairly across location, experience, and industry.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Premium provides enhanced visibility, networking, insights, and tools at every stage of your job search. To maximize your value, focus on actively engaging your prospects, optimizing your profile, measuring your activities, researching openings, expanding your network, and negotiating offers. The additional data and access from Premium allows you to be strategic and targeted with a data-driven approach. Make your search efficient and effective by proactively leveraging all of the premium features throughout the process.