In today’s job market, having a LinkedIn Learning certificate on your resume can give you a competitive edge. LinkedIn Learning offers a wide variety of online courses taught by industry experts. Completing one of these courses and earning a certificate shows employers that you are motivated to continually build your skills.
But how valuable are these certificates really? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of getting a LinkedIn Learning certificate and look at whether it’s worth your time and money.
The Pros of Earning a LinkedIn Learning Certificate
Here are some of the main benefits of earning a certificate from LinkedIn Learning:
- Demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning – Completing online courses and earning a certificate shows employers that you are motivated to keep developing your skills rather than resting on your laurels.
- Provides proof of your skills – A certificate serves as validation that you have working knowledge of a certain subject area or skillset like marketing, coding, design, etc.
- Enhances your resume – Adding a LinkedIn Learning certificate to your resume and LinkedIn profile can help you stand out from other applicants and land more interviews.
- Broadens your knowledge base – Taking courses exposes you to new concepts, tools and best practices that enhance your overall expertise.
- Shows you can self-educate – The ability to independently learn new skills is highly valued by employers today.
- Gives you a sense of accomplishment – Earning a certificate gives you a tangible achievement that recognizes your effort and dedication.
- Boosts your confidence – Gaining new skills and knowledge can increase your confidence in your abilities.
- Looks good to future employers – Certificates never expire, so they continue to add value to your resume for your whole career.
Potential Drawbacks of LinkedIn Learning Certificates
While LinkedIn Learning certificates offer many benefits, there are also some potential limitations to be aware of:
- Time commitment – It takes time and effort to complete the course modules and assignments required to earn a certificate. This can be difficult if you have a busy schedule.
- Cost – Access to LinkedIn Learning courses requires a monthly or yearly paid subscription. The cost may not be feasible for everyone.
- Limited instructor interaction – Since LinkedIn Learning courses are self-paced online, you miss out on hands-on training and direct Q&A with instructors.
- No universal value – Some hiring managers may not view LinkedIn Learning certificates as favorably as more traditional degrees and certifications.
- Short duration – The courses are generally quick introductions to a topic, not as comprehensive as a college course or bootcamp.
- No admissions criteria – Anyone can sign up for a course, so completing it may not carry as much weight as a selective program.
- Risk of outdated material – The online courses may not always reflect the most cutting edge knowledge and skills.
- Lack of accountability – Since the courses are self-directed, it’s easy to procrastinate and not complete them in a timely manner.
Which LinkedIn Learning Certificates Are Most Valuable?
While any LinkedIn Learning certificate has the potential to boost your career, some certificates tend to be more impressive to employers than others. Here are some of the most valuable LinkedIn Learning certificates:
Certificate | Reason It Has Value |
---|---|
Technical skills like programming and coding | Technical skills are always in high demand. Shows you can do the actual job. |
Soft skills like communications, leadership, time management | Soft skills are critical for any role. Shows your whole professional toolkit. |
Specialized software certifications | Mastery of sought-after enterprise software like Salesforce, SAP, Oracle. |
Digital marketing skills like SEO, social media, analytics | Marketing is a competitive field where skills must be constantly updated. |
Project management | Good project managers are always in demand across industries. |
Cybersecurity and data privacy | Skills to combat growing cyber threats are highly valued. |
Certificates that align closely with in-demand job skills tend to get the most attention from hiring managers and recruiters.
How Do Employers View LinkedIn Learning Certificates?
In general, most employers today view LinkedIn Learning certificates as a positive addition to a job candidate’s resume, even if they don’t weight them equally to a formal degree or certification.
According to a 2021 survey from TalentLMS:
- 83% of talent professionals said they view e-learning courses favorably when evaluating candidates.
- 75% said they would hire a candidate with an e-learning certificate over one without.
- 61% felt e-learning courses give candidates an advantage over those without.
Additionally, 87% said specialized e-learning courses are a viable alternative to formal education, and 61% felt they were as credible as face-to-face education.
This data indicates that most hiring managers do value seeing e-learning certificates like those from LinkedIn Learning on a resume. They know it shows initiative and the ability to self-educate.
However, some old-fashioned employers may still prefer traditional degrees and certifications from brick-and-mortar institutions. So the value also depends on the specific company and hiring manager reviewing your application.
How employers view LinkedIn Learning certificates by industry
Industry | View of LinkedIn Learning Certificates |
---|---|
Technology | Very positively – values cutting edge skills |
Marketing and media | Positively – values new knowledge and tools |
Healthcare | Somewhat positively – but values formal education |
Finance and insurance | Somewhat positively – but values experience and credentials |
Manufacturing and construction | Mixed view – depends on the specific skills certified |
So when evaluating the value of a LinkedIn Learning certificate, consider the type of industry and company you want to work for.
Should You Invest Time and Money in LinkedIn Learning?
At the end of the day, should you make the effort to earn certificates from LinkedIn Learning? Here are some things to consider when deciding if it’s worthwhile:
- Career stage – More valuable earlier in your career when you have fewer credentials
- Field and position – More valuable for skills-based roles in high demand fields
- Company culture – More valuable at innovative companies that embrace e-learning
- Existing education – Less valuable if you already have extensive formal education
- Time commitment – Determine if you realistically have time for courses
- Financial situation – Assess if subscription cost fits your budget
- Learning style – Consider whether you learn well independently online
- Career goals – Will these certificates help you reach specific goals?
Analyzing these factors can help you decide if LinkedIn Learning is a smart move for your career. The right certificate targeted to your goals can definitely give you a competitive boost.
Conclusion
While LinkedIn Learning certificates may not be equal to college degrees or accredited certifications, they can still be valuable additions to your professional profile in many situations. The key is choosing courses strategically aligned with in-demand skills and your career goals.
A LinkedIn Learning certificate shows hiring managers you are motivated to constantly develop your abilities rather than resting on your laurels. It also provides third-party validation that you possess working knowledge of a key skillset.
But not all employers view e-learning certificates equally.They tend to be most valued at innovative technology companies and in highly dynamic fields where skills must be constantly updated. Hard skills like programming and software platforms also tend to get more attention than soft skills.
Before investing significant time and money in LinkedIn Learning, carefully consider your industry, career stage, and professional needs. Analyze whether the specific courses match your experience level and can help you achieve defined career objectives. If the fit is right, earning targeted certifications can give your resume a valuable boost.