As an HR recruiter, LinkedIn Premium can be a game-changer. It provides advanced tools that allow you to access more profiles, send InMails, and see who’s viewing your profile, among other valuable features. But what if you’re not ready to pay for it just yet? Whether you’re a recruiter looking to try out the platform’s premium perks or a professional seeking more features without the commitment, getting LinkedIn Premium for free is possible if you know where to look.

Let’s dive into the best ways to access LinkedIn Premium without spending a dime and how to maximize its potential for your recruiting efforts.



1. Take Advantage of LinkedIn’s Free Trial Offer

The most straightforward way to get LinkedIn Premium for free is through the platform’s free trial offer. LinkedIn regularly promotes a 30-day free trial for new users who haven’t subscribed to Premium before. This trial gives you full access to LinkedIn Premium features without the cost. Whether you’re using Premium Career, Business, Sales Navigator, or Recruiter Lite, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the platform at no charge.

How to Get It:

● Visit the LinkedIn Premium page and select the plan that best suits your needs.
● Sign up for the free trial by entering your payment details (you won’t be charged during the trial period).
● Make sure to set a reminder to cancel before the 30 days are up if you decide not to continue with a paid subscription.

Pro Tip:

Leverage the trial strategically. If you’re a recruiter, use these 30 days to explore Premium Recruiter Lite features like advanced search filters, InMails, and applicant tracking.

2. LinkedIn Learning Offers LinkedIn Premium

LinkedIn Learning is another fantastic way to access LinkedIn Premium features for free. If you enroll in LinkedIn Learning (previously known as Lynda.com), you automatically get access to LinkedIn Premium for the duration of your subscription. LinkedIn Learning often offers one-month free trials, which include all the Premium benefits.

This is particularly valuable for recruiters who want to sharpen their skills while enjoying the additional perks of Premium. You can take courses on recruiting, interviewing, and other HR-related topics while expanding your access to more profiles and insights.

How to Get It:

● Visit LinkedIn Learning and sign up for the free trial.
● Enjoy access to LinkedIn Premium for free alongside the wide range of professional courses.

3. University Students and Graduates Get Discounts

If you’re a current university student or a recent graduate, LinkedIn offers special discounts and, occasionally, extended free trials for LinkedIn Premium. These offers are part of LinkedIn’s strategy to help students and new professionals launch their careers with greater access to networking opportunities.

While this method might not apply to everyone, recruiters can still take advantage of it by offering LinkedIn Premium trials to students they’re mentoring or as an incentive for candidates in campus recruitment programs.

How to Get It:

● Students and recent graduates should check LinkedIn’s student page for any ongoing promotions or discounts.
● Often, students can verify their educational status and receive special offers tailored to their career development.

4. LinkedIn Premium Promotions and Discounts

LinkedIn occasionally runs promotions where they offer extended free trials or discounted rates for new subscribers. These promotions are typically time-sensitive but can provide free access to LinkedIn Premium for up to three months in some cases. To find these offers, it’s essential to keep an eye on LinkedIn’s emails, advertisements, and official announcements.

Another avenue for discovering LinkedIn Premium offers is through partner websites or organizations that have collaborations with LinkedIn. These partnerships sometimes result in special codes or extended trials that are not available directly through the LinkedIn platform.

How to Get It:

● Regularly check your email inbox and LinkedIn notifications for any promotional offers.
● Follow LinkedIn on social media to stay updated on potential promotions.
● Explore third-party platforms or partnerships that might offer extended trials or discounts.

5. Corporate Sponsorship or Reimbursement

Some companies recognize the importance of LinkedIn Premium for their employees, especially for recruiters, sales professionals, and marketers. If your role involves frequent use of LinkedIn, it’s worth checking whether your employer is willing to sponsor your subscription or reimburse you for it. LinkedIn Premium can help you be more effective in your role, which ultimately benefits the company.

If you’re working in a company that values networking, talent acquisition, or business development, having LinkedIn Premium may be seen as a justified business expense. Many organizations have professional development budgets, and LinkedIn Premium often falls within that category.

How to Get It:

● Approach your employer or HR department to inquire if LinkedIn Premium can be covered under professional development.
● Make a case for how LinkedIn Premium will enhance your performance and productivity in your role.
● If approved, you may have access to LinkedIn Premium at no cost to you.

6. Microsoft 365 Subscription Bundle

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you might already be eligible for a LinkedIn Premium trial. Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn, occasionally offers bundled packages for its services. For instance, purchasing or renewing certain Microsoft 365 subscriptions can sometimes come with a free trial of LinkedIn Premium.

This bundle deal is worth exploring if you’re already using Microsoft’s services in your work or personal life, especially since Microsoft Office is commonly used in many corporate environments.

How to Get It:

● Check the terms and conditions of your Microsoft 365 subscription.
● Look out for any bundled offers that include LinkedIn Premium trials as part of your software purchase.

7. LinkedIn Referral Programs

At times, LinkedIn runs referral programs that reward both existing and new users with free LinkedIn Premium access for a limited time. These promotions usually involve referring friends or colleagues to LinkedIn Premium, where both parties can benefit from free trial extensions.

While this method isn’t always available, it’s worth looking out for if LinkedIn starts a referral campaign.

How to Get It:

● Monitor your LinkedIn notifications and emails for any referral promotions.
● Refer friends or colleagues to join LinkedIn Premium and redeem your free access once they sign up.

Maximizing LinkedIn Premium During Your Free Trial

Once you’ve secured your free LinkedIn Premium access, make sure you maximize its features to boost your recruiting efforts. Here are a few key Premium tools you should take advantage of:

● Advanced Search Filters: Narrow down candidates using LinkedIn’s powerful search filters that help you find specific skill sets, locations, and industries.
● InMail Messaging: Use InMail to contact candidates outside of your immediate network, increasing your reach beyond your first-degree connections.
● Profile Insights: Gain insights into who’s viewed your profile, which helps you understand who’s interested in your company or positions.
● Applicant Tracking Tools: If using Recruiter Lite, utilize the tracking tools to manage candidate pipelines efficiently.

Conclusion

Getting LinkedIn Premium for free is not only possible but also a smart move for recruiters looking to enhance their hiring strategies without making an immediate financial commitment. Whether you’re leveraging LinkedIn’s free trial, student discounts, or promotional offers, there are several ways to unlock Premium’s benefits at no cost. By taking full advantage of your free access, you can evaluate whether the investment in LinkedIn Premium is worthwhile for your recruiting efforts long-term.