You might have been using LinkedIn as one of the medium to ‘sell’ yourself and connect with potential employers. As a job hunter, owing to financial constraints you might prefer selling your skills to potential employers using a basic free account. However, what is the “premium” advantage that Linked members derive, when they choose to opt for a “premium” subscription?
Besides accelerating your job search to be easily tracked and noticed by employers, what are the other benefits you unknowingly ignore? What if this piece could give you a detailed sneak peek on what you (as an individual) or your business is missing out on, ignoring the “premium” buy?
Paid LinkedIn account has been widely used by recruiters and salespeople alike. Demanding greater mobility, employers undoubtedly can leverage on additional features and better network access to a wider talent. Owing to this reason,
premium facility becomes prevalent amongst employers. Then how about the job seekers? Will LinkedIn premium prove worthy of the time and money invested?
While there are second thoughts on doing with the basics and the very notion of “why should I pay, when free access can still help network with professionals and leverage on social media?” However, the fact remains that if you are serious to seal the deal and land your dream job, then using premium LinkedIn account could be a great alternative.
To enjoy a premium user experience, it is true that this investment could be bit pricey on your pocket (especially if you are currently unemployed), which ranges between $20, $30 and $50 per month. However, for every upscaling of investments you make on this professional social networking medium, you can leverage on their vast array of service offerings, to get noticed and yes, get employed with the employer of your choice and notches closer to the job of your dreams, instead of long-tiring pursuit.
Here are some of the “extra” advantages that premium users enjoy:
1. More powerful search filters
Don’t you already get this feature from your basic LinkedIn account? Yes, but only for the basic search. Meanwhile, with a account you can perform more advanced searching with detailed filters. Using a free account, you will only get limited search results. However, premium account offers you up to 7 times more search results. With this feature, you can find pool of reliable contents that matches what you are looking for.
For example, you can shrink your search criteria only for Fortune 500 companies, or sort the companies by industry type. In addition, you can also search for people based on their function, seniority levels, company size, and even joining date.
2. Access to InMail messages
LinkedIn has a solid track record in the business world, and InMail is one of the great premium features you can employ to connect with people outside of your network. If the basic account only allows you to purchase up to 10 InMail credits, then premium account you can purchase more than the number you have been allotted. InMail offers a great method to expand your contacts by sending private messages to them.using
3. Customised profile page
Gold badge is one of the cool features offered for LinkedIn premium users. If you want to make your profile page, interesting for anyone who is looking for you, then you should consider a premium account.
Besides the gold badge, you can also create an open profile, where prospective employers outside your network can easily reach out and contact you. With Introductions feature, you can also introduce themselves and contact someone from the third-degree networks that you’d like to meet.
Towards the end, the question remains, is upgrading your basic to a premium account worth the money invested? If you feel that the basic account is sufficient to meet your needs, then you don’t have to spend extra until you need it. However, if you intend to expand your network in a relatively short time, then premium LinkedIn account will be a great option. It is proven as an effective tool to help you stand out from the crowd. After all, the $20 that you spend each month might seem nothing, when compared to your next salary potential.
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