In today’s competitive job market, professionals are looking for ways to make their resumes stand out. One way many are choosing to highlight their skills is by earning certificates through LinkedIn Learning. But do these certificates really carry any weight with employers? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of obtaining a LinkedIn Learning certificate.
The case for LinkedIn Learning certificates
There are some clear benefits to earning a certificate through LinkedIn Learning:
- It demonstrates motivation and self-discipline. Completing a LinkedIn Learning certificate shows you have the drive to upskill on your own time.
- Certificates represent a milestone. They give you something tangible to display your skills and knowledge.
- They highlight skills. Certificates allow you to hone skills specific to your industry or job role.
- Some certificates prepare you for exams. LinkedIn Learning offers prep courses for various professional certifications that require exams.
- It shows you’re tech-savvy. Using an online learning platform demonstrates familiarity with modern web-based technology.
- You earn a shareable credential. Certificates can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile and shared across other platforms.
For those reasons, LinkedIn Learning certificates can be worthwhile additions to a resume or LinkedIn profile. They signal to employers that you invested time in building relevant skills.
The case against LinkedIn Learning certificates
However, there are also some drawbacks to think about when it comes to LinkedIn Learning certificates:
- Anyone can earn them. There are no admission requirements or qualifications needed to earn a certificate.
- They don’t necessarily prove skills. Watching videos and taking quizzes doesn’t guarantee you grasped the concepts.
- Certificates expire. LinkedIn Learning certificates expire after one year, so their value is temporary.
- They’re easy to cheat. Since assessments are unproctored, they can be gamed by looking up answers.
- Some courses are low-quality. Not all LinkedIn Learning content is created equal, as quality varies.
- They’re unaccredited. Certificates don’t carry the same weight as accredited college or university courses.
For those reasons, some argue LinkedIn Learning certificates aren’t worth very much to employers. They don’t carry the same prestige as accredited programs or respected industry certifications.
Who values LinkedIn Learning certificates most?
While opinions are mixed on how meaningful LinkedIn Learning certificates are, they tend to hold the most value for certain categories of professionals:
- Job seekers. When you’re looking to land an initial job or break into a new field, every little credential counts.
- Career changers. Switching industries is hard, so certificates demonstrate cross-functional skills.
- Recent graduates. Certificates augment college degrees with hands-on specialized skills.
- Freelancers/consultants. Independent workers use certificates to showcase knowledge to clients.
- Learners with gaps. Returning to work after a gap, certificates catch you up on new skills.
- Professionals in developing countries. Certificates provide affordable, accessible training options.
For job seekers without a lot of other credentials, LinkedIn Learning certificates can be a cost-effective way to build skills and signal value to employers. They allow self-driven learning that fits around existing work and life demands.
The value depends on the specific certificate
With thousands of courses and hundreds of certificate programs available on LinkedIn Learning, there is substantial variation when it comes to quality and rigor. Here are some factors that influence a certificate’s value:
- Topic relevance. A certificate in a hot, in-demand skill will hold more weight than a vague soft skill.
- Instructor qualifications. Courses taught by recognized industry experts and academics carry more prestige.
- Program length. More robust certificate programs requiring significant time investments tend to be more meaningful.
- Hands-on learning. Courses featuring simulations, project work and other applied learning have an edge.
- Assessment difficulty. Easier quizzes diminishes a certificate’s credibility compared to challenging assessments.
Not all LinkedIn Learning certificate programs are made equal. The ones requiring greater knowledge and skill mastery will be seen as more valuable credentials to earn.
Most valuable LinkedIn Learning certificates
Here are some of the LinkedIn Learning certificate programs considered to be among the most valuable based on topic clout, rigor and learning quality:
- Technical skills: Web Development, Java Programming, Data Science, Software Engineering
- Business skills: Project Management, Leadership, Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing
- Design skills: UI/UX Design, Graphic Design, Instructional Design
- IT skills: Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Network Administration
- Personal skills: Communication, Time Management, Personal Effectiveness
Least valuable LinkedIn Learning certificates
On the other hand, some LinkedIn Learning certificate programs are considered less valuable due to their soft skill focus, short length or lack of assessments:
- Creativity and Design Thinking
- Personal Well-Being
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Leading with Emotional Intelligence
- Body Language
- Speed Reading
Maximizing the impact of your certificates
To get the most mileage out of your LinkedIn Learning certificates, keep these tips in mind:
- Select relevant programs that align with your goals and interests. Don’t do certificates just to pad a resume.
- Pair certificates with real-world experience. Apply the skills you learn to projects or volunteer work.
- Share your certificates on LinkedIn. Prominently display them on your profile.
- Highlight certificates on your resume. Include them in a skills or accomplishments section.
- Discuss them in interviews. Mention what you learned and how you’ve applied it.
- Retake courses before expiration. Refresh your learning to keep certificates current.
- Supplement with multiple certificates. Show a range of skills with different credentials.
The bottom line on value
At the end of the day, LinkedIn Learning certificates do have value as credentials. They demonstrate motivation to learn and develop job-relevant skills and knowledge. However, they should be just one part of a larger professional development strategy. To maximize their impact:
- Earn certificates selectively in subjects that advance your career goals.
- Combine online learning with real-world practice and application of skills.
- Support LinkedIn Learning certificates with other credentials like academic degrees, respected industry certifications and work experience.
Used strategically, LinkedIn Learning certificate programs can provide affordable, flexible skills training to help build your resume and enhance your professional profile.