LinkedIn Premium offers a host of valuable features that can help you advance your career, expand your network, and access exclusive resources. While LinkedIn Premium typically requires a subscription, there are several ways to enjoy its benefits for free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting LinkedIn Premium without spending a dime.
Understanding LinkedIn Premium
LinkedIn Premium is a paid service that provides users with advanced tools and features to enhance their LinkedIn experience. These features include:
- InMail Messages: Send messages directly to people outside your network.
- Profile Views: See who has viewed your profile over the past 90 days.
- Premium Insights: Gain access to detailed insights about jobs and companies.
- Learning Courses: Access to LinkedIn Learning courses for skill development.
- Increased Visibility: Get more visibility in search results and recommendations.
Ways to Get LinkedIn Premium for Free
1. Free Trial Offer
LinkedIn offers a free trial of Premium for new users. Follow these steps to get started:
- Create or Log In to Your Account: If you don’t already have a LinkedIn account, sign up. If you do, log in.
- Locate the Free Trial Option: Look for the “Try Premium for Free” button on the LinkedIn homepage or under the “Me” menu.
- Choose Your Premium Plan: Select the plan that best suits your needs (Career, Business, Sales, or Recruiter).
- Start Your Free Trial: Enter your payment information to activate the trial, which usually lasts for one month. Remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
2. LinkedIn Learning Offers
Sometimes, LinkedIn Learning provides free access to LinkedIn Premium. Here’s how to access it:
- Enroll in LinkedIn Learning: Check if any courses or your educational institution offer free access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Activate Premium: If LinkedIn Learning is part of the package, you’ll often get LinkedIn Premium included.
3. Promotional Offers
LinkedIn occasionally runs promotions that provide free access to Premium. Keep an eye out for these opportunities:
- Check Your Email: LinkedIn may send promotional emails with offers for free Premium access.
- Participate in Events: Attend LinkedIn-hosted events or webinars that might include free Premium trials.
4. Educational Institution Partnerships
Some universities and colleges offer LinkedIn Premium to their students at no cost. Here’s how to check:
- Contact Career Services: Reach out to your school’s career services department.
- Sign Up: Follow the provided instructions to activate your free LinkedIn Premium account.
5. Employer Benefits
Certain employers provide LinkedIn Premium as part of their employee benefits package. Here’s what to do:
- Inquire with HR: Ask your HR department if LinkedIn Premium is included in your benefits.
- Activate Your Account: If available, follow your company’s process to get access.
6. Professional Organizations
Some professional organizations and associations offer LinkedIn Premium as a member benefit. Here’s how to find out:
- Review Membership Perks: Check the benefits offered by your professional organizations.
- Get LinkedIn Premium: Follow the steps provided by the organization to access LinkedIn Premium.
Making the Most of LinkedIn Premium
Once you have LinkedIn Premium, here’s how to maximize its benefits:
- Optimize Your Profile: Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date to attract more views.
- Utilize InMail: Reach out to potential employers, clients, and industry leaders with InMail.
- Engage with Learning: Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning courses to enhance your skills.
- Analyze Job Insights: Use job and company insights to tailor your job search and applications.
- Monitor Profile Views: Keep track of who’s viewing your profile to identify potential connections.
Conclusion
Accessing LinkedIn Premium for free is possible through various methods such as free trials, educational institution offers, employer benefits, and promotional events. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can enjoy the premium features of LinkedIn without incurring any costs. Make sure to use these features effectively to enhance your networking and career growth.