should I get Linkedin premium ?
Why LinkedIn Might Be a Waste of Time (and Why LinkedIn Premium May Be a Waste of Money)
LinkedIn, the so-called “professional network,” has become a staple in the corporate world, boasting millions of users worldwide. But beneath its shiny facade of endless networking opportunities and professional growth lies a platform that many find unproductive and, in some cases, an outright waste of time. Adding to the frustration is LinkedIn Premium, an expensive subscription that often fails to deliver on its promises. Here’s why LinkedIn—and especially its premium tier—might not be worth your time or money.
- Superficial Networking
LinkedIn is marketed as a networking tool, but more often than not, the connections made are superficial at best. Many users send connection requests without a clear purpose, resulting in inflated networks filled with strangers. Genuine engagement is rare, and most interactions consist of automated “Congratulations” messages or generic comments on posts. Instead of fostering meaningful relationships, LinkedIn becomes a dumping ground for self-promotion and recycled motivational quotes.
- Spam and Irrelevant Content
The platform is rife with spam, unsolicited sales pitches, and irrelevant posts. It’s not uncommon to receive direct messages from recruiters offering roles you’re unqualified for or salespeople aggressively pushing products you don’t need. The newsfeed is cluttered with low-quality content, ranging from overshared memes to braggy posts that feel more like humblebrags than professional insights.
- Questionable ROI for Job Seekers
While LinkedIn claims to be a hub for career opportunities, many users report that applying for jobs through the platform rarely yields results. Companies often prioritize applications submitted through their own portals, relegating LinkedIn job seekers to the bottom of the pile. Additionally, recruiters frequently use LinkedIn as just one of many sourcing tools, which makes its effectiveness highly variable.
- LinkedIn Premium: Overpriced and Underwhelming
LinkedIn Premium is marketed as a game-changer for professionals, with features like InMail credits, access to salary insights, and the ability to see who viewed your profile. But for many, these features don’t justify the steep monthly cost.
InMail: Most recruiters don’t respond to unsolicited InMail messages, rendering this feature largely useless.
Who Viewed Your Profile: Knowing who viewed your profile is more of a vanity metric than a valuable tool. It rarely leads to actionable opportunities.
Job Insights and Learning Modules: These are often just repackaged information you can find elsewhere for free.
Unless you’re a heavy user who actively leverages every feature (and even then), the premium subscription often feels like an unnecessary expense.
- Overemphasis on Self-Promotion
LinkedIn encourages users to build personal brands, but this often devolves into a contest of who can post the most exaggerated success story. The platform rewards visibility over authenticity, creating an environment where genuine professionals are overshadowed by those who treat LinkedIn as a stage for their ego.
- Time Sink Without Clear Results
Many users spend hours scrolling through LinkedIn without any tangible benefit. Instead of aiding productivity, the platform becomes a distraction, pulling professionals away from more impactful activities like learning new skills, building real-world relationships, or improving their craft.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you’re looking for professional growth, there are more effective and targeted options:
Specialized Job Boards: Sites like AngelList, Indeed, or niche platforms in your industry often yield better results for job seekers.
In-Person Networking: Attending conferences, meetups, or industry events allows for more authentic connections.
Skill Development Platforms: Instead of paying for LinkedIn Learning, consider dedicated platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare, which offer more comprehensive and affordable courses.
Thunk twice before getting LinkedIn premium
LinkedIn may have its merits, but for many, it’s a time-consuming platform that fails to deliver substantial results. The premium subscription, in particular, is often an overpriced gamble with little return on investment. Instead of sinking hours and money into LinkedIn, professionals should consider alternative methods to grow their careers and networks—ones that offer genuine value and measurable outcomes.
