How to get LinkedIn Premium for free

Hand holding a phone with a LinkedIn login page in front of an open laptop

By Natee Meepian/Shutterstock

Whether you’ve just graduated or are looking for a new job, we all know how frustrating job hunting can be. Having just graduated, I remember it too vividly.

LinkedIn is a great job search tool because of its networking capabilities and job search functionality. However, the free version has limitations when it comes to connecting with others, seeing who’s viewed your profile, and seeing how you stack up on an application compared to others.

LinkedIn Premium gives you the power to message and connect with anyone, taking networking to a new level.

The premium version also lets you see who’s viewed your profile, which can help you understand who’s interested in hiring you. One of its best features is that it tells you how you compare to the other applicants for a job posting by comparing applicants’ skills and educational level to other candidates.

Likewise: Hybrid workers don’t want to return to the office. But soon they may have to

LinkedIn logo.

LinkedIn

Finally, the subscription gives you access to LinkedIn Learning, an online learning platform similar to master class. LinkedIn Learning gives you access to over 5,000 video courses taught by industry experts.

There are four membership tiers: Career, Business, Sales Navigator Core, and Recruiter Lite. Career Membership is the least expensive option at $39.99 per month, while the most expensive plan, Recruiter Lite, costs $139.99 per month. With these high prices, it’s worth figuring out how to get LinkedIn Premium for free.

Method 1: Get an Amazon Prime student account

Amazon offers students a discounted subscription First class services for $7.99 per month, which is half the price of the regular plan. With this subscription, you get free two-day, one-day, or same-day delivery on all qualifying Amazon orders and access to Prime videos, music, reading, and games. In addition to the Amazon deals, you get discounts from other partners, including free Grubhub+ grocery delivery and, most importantly, a six-month free LinkedIn Premium trial.

Once you get one Amazon Prime student accountmy advice is to wait until you’re ready to start job hunting to start the LinkedIn Premium Trial so you can take full advantage of the trial.

Likewise: How to switch to an Amazon Prime Student membership

Method 2: One Month Free Trial

If you have a LinkedIn account, you automatically qualify for a free trial of LinkedIn Premium. All you have to do is click the “Get hired faster, try LinkedIn Premium for free” button on the left side of your home page. Anyone can use this feature as it is not limited to whether you are a student. If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge to $39.99 a month, the trial is a great way to find out if you want to invest.

LinkedIn profile with Get Hired Faster.  Try the Premium Free button

Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

Method 3: Access for military veterans

If you are a current or former member of the US military, you will receive one year of free access to LinkedIn Premium. LinkedIn is offering this as part of its commitment to helping veterans connect with available jobs across America. The only caveat is that you must not currently have a LinkedIn Premium account to qualify.

Likewise: The 5 Best Military Credit Cards: Get Rewarded for Your Service

frequently asked Questions

With LinkedIn Premium, you get access to InMail credits that let you message anyone, regardless of connection. more details on Who Viewed Your Profile? Access to 17,900+ expert-led LinkedIn Learning courses; and data on how you compare with others for a job posting.

LinkedIn Premium Memberships come in different tiers. Listed from cheapest to most expensive are Career, Business, Sales Navigator Core, and Recruiter Lite for $39.99, $44.99, $79.99, and $139.99 per month.

You can temporarily access LinkedIn Premium for free using the methods listed above. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no way to have a permanent free account.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *