You've heard that networking is vital for your transition to a civilian career, and you've read articles about how you should make your LinkedIn profile robust. But does LinkedIn help veterans with their job search? Yes, it does. And by taking advantage of a free year of LinkedIn Premium, veterans will have an extra boost of confidence and preparation.

What is LinkedIn Premium?

LI Premium provides you, the job seeker, with more information on how you compare to other applicants regarding education, experience and skills. It also gives you access to free online training courses, over 17,000 of them, through LinkedIn Learning, which includes information on transitioning from military to civilian employment.

The networking site has a free membership, but a subscription is required for access to extra perks. LinkedIn Premium costs about $300 a year, or $30 per month if billed monthly, but a free month trial is frequently available. 

Who is Eligible?

Members of the military community who meet the eligibility requirements can have one year of free access to LinkedIn Premium. This is a one-time deal and is not transferable. After 12 months, the subscription incurs a cost. Those eligible for this program -- which is determined by LinkedIn -- include veterans, transition service members, military spouses and caregivers.

Note: If you currently have a premium subscription and want to use this free one, LinkedIn suggests you cancel your trial and sign up for your free year.

Veterans & Active Duty

If you're ready to activate your free 12-month period, start here. Visit the Veterans Premium Request page and click the "login with TroopID" button. Here you will log in with your ID.me account or create one. Then you can take advantage of the free year subscription on LinkedIn.

Military Spouses

Eligible spouses will be verified by LinkedIn and SheerID and can sign up for LinkedIn Premium up to six months after their service member is separated from the military. Spouses can also use the feature after a permanent change of station through the US Department of Defense's Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program.

Spouses who use the premium subscription can learn from the LinkedIn Learning classes, target remote work opportunities and discover how to share their stories and provide context for the inevitable breaks in employment history.

Caregivers

Fry Scholars and recipients of the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are also eligible for a year of free LinkedIn Premium. If this is you, send your name and contact information (as well as the Veteran you are caring for, if applicable) to one of these emails. VA Caregivers email CAREGIVERLINKED.VBANYN@va.gov and Fry Scholars email 223D.VBAVACO@va.gov.

If you have additional questions or problems activating your free year, reach out to the LinkedIn help desk, they are very helpful with navigating the site.