Understanding LinkedIn Accounts
Before getting started in the world of Linked in, you must first become familiar with some of LinkedIn’s basic terminology. Below are a few basic descriptions to help you get started.
InMail: is a private message from a LinkedIn member who is not your connection. You can receive InMail messages for free, however, you cannot send them unless you pay for the service.
Introduction: is a way to reach out to people who are connected to your connections. For example, if you want to contact a hiring manager for a company it is better to request an introduction through a common connection rather than trying to reach them by sending a resume along with hundreds of other people.
OpenLink Network: is a LinkedIn premium feature that’s enables network members to contact each other without occurring additional fees.
Now that you are familiar with some of the basic LinkedIn terminology, the next step is to understand the different account types. There is a free personal account are three types of premium accounts.
With any LinkedIn account you can:
- Create a professional profile
- Develop a network of contacts
- Search for jobs and people
- Receive unlimited InMail and requests for introductions
- Participate in groups
- Participate in LinkedIn Answers
Free Personal Account:
- Request a maximum of five introductions at one time
- View 100 results per search
- Save a maximum of three searches with weekly email alerts
The three types of Premium accounts all allow you to:
- Perform unlimited one-click reference searches
- Receive an OpenLink Network membership
- Send unlimited OpenLink messages
- Receive LinkedIn customer service responses within one business day
The Business Account ($24.95 USD per month):
- Send three InMails per month, rolling over a maximum of nine unused InMails to the next month
- Save five searches and receive weekly alerts on each
- Maintain 15 pending introductions at one time
- View 300 results per search
The Business Account Plus ($49.95 USD per month):
- Send 10 InMails per month, rolling over a maximum of 30 unused InMails to the next month
- Save 7 searches and receive weekly alerts on each
- Maintain 25 pending introductions at one time
- View 500 results per search
The Pro Account ($499.95 USD per month):
- Send 50 InMails per month, rolling over a maximum of 150 unused InMails to the next month
- Save 10 searches and receive daily alerts on each
- Maintain 40 pending introductions at one time
- View 700 results per search
LinkedIn’s free account is suitable for most users’ needs; therefore, it’s a good idea to try it first. If you decide that you need a feature from one of the premium accounts you can always upgrade later.