In today’s competitive job market, professionals are constantly looking for ways to make their resumes stand out. One way that many have turned to is getting certified through LinkedIn Learning. But are these certifications actually valuable? Do they help land jobs or get promotions? Let’s take a closer look.
What are LinkedIn certifications?
LinkedIn Learning offers online courses in a variety of subjects from technical skills like programming to soft skills like communications. At the end of each course, learners can take an assessment and if they pass, they receive a certification to showcase their new skills.
These certifications come in different levels based on the length and depth of the course material. For example, some certifications may just require a few hours of learning while others could take weeks. Certifications aim to show that the learner has a baseline level of knowledge or proficiency in that skill.
Who is getting LinkedIn certifications?
LinkedIn Learning currently has over 15 million learners globally. These learners come from all backgrounds and experience levels, from students just entering the workforce to senior professionals. According to LinkedIn’s 2020 Workplace Learning Report, 23% of learners on the platform are students while 47% are in early or mid-career stages. The remaining 30% are in later career stages.
This breakdown shows that LinkedIn Learning attracts learners of all levels who are looking to build up their skills. Students may be looking to complement their degrees while professionals want to fill in gaps or pick up new skills. For many, the certifications are a way to show progress and commitment to learning.
Why do people get LinkedIn certifications?
There are a few key reasons why people invest time in getting LinkedIn certifications:
- To improve job prospects – Certifications can make a candidate more attractive to potential employers, especially for recent graduates or career changers.
- To showcase skills – For those already employed, it’s a way to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and abilities.
- For career development – Learners can build skills to work towards promotions or transition into new roles.
- Personal development – Some simply take courses out of curiosity or interest even if not directly beneficial to their career.
Of these motivations, using certifications to enhance employability and skills for advancement are the most common. In a survey by LinkedIn, 91% said they took courses to improve job opportunities while 90% said it was to gain key skills.
Do LinkedIn certifications help get jobs?
When it comes to employability, statistics indicate that LinkedIn certifications can make a difference:
- 95% of LinkedIn learners say courses helped them advance their careers.
- 45% of hiring managers surveyed look for LinkedIn Learning courses on resumes.
- Learners are over 5x more likely to land jobs after taking courses.
These promising numbers suggest that certifications can be valuable assets during the job hunt. In particular, relevant certifications show initiative, motivation, and capability in key areas that employers are looking for.
How do employers view LinkedIn certifications?
In the same survey of over 4,000 professionals, employers said certifications gave them confidence in candidate skills, more so than college degrees and other credentials. Here are some of the top benefits employers saw:
- Certify candidate has baseline of knowledge – 85% agreed
- Validate skills from non-traditional backgrounds – 84% agreed
- Assess skills for specialized roles – 82% agreed
- Filter applicants with tangible skills – 81% agreed
However, not all employers saw equal value in these certifications. Those from the technology and education industries tended to rate certifications higher than other sectors like manufacturing and healthcare. In general though, most saw it as a strong addition to resumes.
What candidates think about certifications
On the flip side, many candidates pursue certifications specifically to appeal to potential employers. In a 2021 survey by TalentLMS, candidates’ views on certifications revealed:
- 83% said certifications make them more marketable
- 82% see it helping differentiate their resumes
- 48% said it’s required in their industry
- 41% thought it would increase earning potential
However, they also felt there were some downsides:
- 29% said courses were too expensive
- 27% found it too time-consuming
- 23% weren’t sure which certifications were most valuable
Candidates clearly see the benefits of certifications but also face barriers like cost, time, and uncertainty around the value of some credentials. Even so, they continue to invest in courses to remain competitive.
Do LinkedIn certifications lead to higher salaries?
While getting certified is widely believed to boost salaries, the direct impact on earnings may be smaller than many expect. Some key data on certification and salary include:
- 16% of learners reported earning more after getting certified.
- Learners with certifications earn an average of $51,000 vs. $48,000 for those without.
- Salary boost ranged from 10-20% depending on the certification.
So while there does appear to be a salary advantage to having certifications, it may not be as large as many candidates hope. There are likely other factors like degree level, industry, location and years of experience that have a bigger influence on pay. Overall, certifications seem to have a moderate impact on earning potential.
What are the most valuable LinkedIn certifications?
With over 16,000 courses on LinkedIn Learning, there are countless certifications available. But which ones bring the most value in the job market? Some of the most in-demand include:
Certification | Value |
Project Management | Proves ability to manage complex initiatives |
Lean Six Sigma | Shows efficiency and process optimization skills |
Advanced Data Analytics | Highly desired analysis skillset |
Digital Marketing | Valuable digital and social media abilities |
Programming Languages | Proves hands-on technical competence |
However, the most valuable credentials can differ across industries. For example, certifications in data analytics have high value in finance roles while project management certs are prized in construction. Candidates should research which certs align best with their goals.
Are there certifications more valuable than LinkedIn?
While LinkedIn Learning is popular, it’s not the only certification program out there. Other major players include:
- Microsoft Certified Professional
- AWS Certifications
- Cisco Career Certifications
- CompTIA Certifications
- Pixar Certifications
These programs cater to specialized technical skills in IT, networking, animation, and more. In these fields, certifications directly from vendors like Microsoft and Cisco are seen as more valuable than LinkedIn courses. However, LinkedIn still offers a broader range of soft skill and business courses not covered by other providers.
Are LinkedIn certifications worth it?
When weighing whether LinkedIn Learning certifications are worth the investment, a few pros and cons emerge:
Pros:
- Relatively low cost and quick compared to degrees
- Wide range of skills and specialty areas
- Strong credibility with many employers
- Builds confidence communicating new skills
- Measurable proof of learning
Cons:
- Time consuming around full-time work
- Little quality control or standardization
- Minimal impact on salary
- Not a substitute for degrees in most fields
- Value depends on industry and position
Overall, LinkedIn certifications can be worth the time and cost, especially for those looking to reskill or supplement traditional education. But candidates should carefully weigh which skills are most valuable and set realistic expectations around impact.
Conclusion
The data shows LinkedIn certifications can make a positive difference for many professionals. While not necessarily mandatory, they offer measurable proof of relevant skills that most employers value. Certifications should be viewed as an extra edge rather than a substitute for degrees or work experience. With reasonable expectations, they can provide a worthwhile boost for both employability and career advancement.