Lynda.com - Detailed Review
Job Search Tools
Lynda.com - Product Overview
LinkedIn Learning Overview
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform that offers a vast array of video courses. Although it does not fit squarely into the category of job search tools or AI-driven products, it serves as a valuable resource for skill development.
Primary Function
LinkedIn Learning provides video courses taught by industry experts in various fields such as software, creative skills, and business skills. The platform is designed to help users acquire new skills and improve their professional competencies.
Target Audience
The platform is marketed to a wide audience, including individuals looking to enhance their career skills, as well as companies seeking to train their employees. It is particularly popular among companies with 1,000-5,000 employees and revenues over $1 billion, although it is also used by smaller businesses and individuals.
Key Features
- Course Catalog: LinkedIn Learning offers over 16,000 courses and learning paths across four main categories: Business, Creative, Technology, and Certifications.
- Industry Experts: Courses are taught by recognized industry experts, ensuring that the content is current and relevant.
- Accessibility: Users can access the platform via web browsers, and it also has applications for Apple TV and other devices.
- Subscription Model: It operates on a subscription basis, with options for monthly or annual payments. As of 2021, the cost is $40/month or $25/month if paid annually.
- Integration: For some users, such as those accessing through their public library or university, the platform may require a LinkedIn profile, although this requirement has been adjusted in some cases.
While LinkedIn Learning is not specifically an AI-driven job search tool, it is a valuable resource for individuals and organizations looking to develop and refine professional skills, which can indirectly support job search efforts by enhancing one’s skill set and marketability.
Lynda.com - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of LinkedIn Learning
The user interface of LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to find and engage with the content they need.LinkedIn Learning Toolbar
At the top of every screen, there is the LinkedIn Learning Toolbar, which serves as the primary navigation hub. Here, you can:- Click the LinkedIn Learning logo to return to your Home page.
- Use the Browse icon to explore categories like Business, Creative, or Technology.
- Enter keywords in the Search field to find specific courses and content, with suggestions appearing as you type.
- Click the Home icon to return to your Home page.
- Access your My Learning page, which displays all the content you have viewed, saved, or completed.
Home Page
The Home page is personalized based on your profile and selected interests. It features:- New and featured courses just below the toolbar.
- Your in-progress and saved courses.
- A section to personalize your goals.
- Suggested groups of courses based on your skills and completed or saved content. If your LinkedIn Learning account is connected to your LinkedIn profile, you will also see recommendations based on your profession and industry trends.
My Learning Page
The My Learning page is where you can manage all your content. It includes several tabs:- In Progress: Shows courses you are currently working on, with options to resume, share, or manage them.
- Saved: Lists courses you have saved, allowing you to view or unsave them.
- Collections: Displays sets of saved courses, which you can create, share, edit, or delete.
- Assigned by: Shows content assigned by your organization.
- Recommended by: Displays suggested content from your organization.
- Learning History: Lists all completed courses, with options to share, add to your LinkedIn profile, or download completion certificates.
Ease of Use
The interface is structured to be easy to use, with clear and labeled icons and tabs. The search function is particularly useful, providing suggestions as you type, which helps in quickly finding relevant courses. The My Learning page is well-organized, making it simple to track your progress, save courses for later, and manage your learning goals.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience is positive due to the intuitive layout and the ability to personalize your learning path. The home page suggestions help users discover new courses that align with their interests and career goals. The ability to save and manage courses in the My Learning page ensures that users can keep track of their learning journey efficiently. Additionally, the integration with LinkedIn profiles enhances the experience by providing recommendations based on professional and industry trends, making the learning process more relevant and engaging. Lynda.com - Key Features and Functionality
LinkedIn Learning’s AI-Driven Features
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, has integrated several AI-driven features that significantly enhance its utility in the context of job search and career development. Here are the main features and how they work:My Career Journey
This feature allows users to personalize their learning experience by setting specific career goals. You can choose to grow in your current role, transition to a new role, or develop skills to manage teams. Once you set your goal, you select the skills you want to develop, which are then added to a personal learning plan. This plan is private and provides data on the selected role, as well as suggestions for other potential career paths. Connecting your LinkedIn profile enhances the recommendations, and completed courses can be displayed directly on your LinkedIn profile.Role Guides
Role Guides are another key feature that package relevant content, skills, jobs, and communities for specific job roles. These guides include top courses, common skills associated with the role, in-depth learning paths, and professional qualifications. There are currently 33 role guides across Business, Creative, and Technology categories, such as Database Administrator, Project Manager, Graphic Designer, and Data Scientist. These guides help users see other career paths related to their chosen role and provide a comprehensive learning roadmap.AI-Powered Coaching
LinkedIn Learning has introduced an AI-powered coaching feature that allows users to ask questions and receive narrative answers generated from courses. This feature, initially focused on soft skills (PowerSkills), provides users with the ability to get advice on what they need to know next based on their skills and roles. This eliminates the need to take entire courses or search extensively for tips, making the learning process more efficient and personalized.Skill Gap Analysis and Recommendations
The platform includes a course recommendation engine that uses AI to analyze users’ skills and suggest relevant courses to fill any skill gaps. This feature ensures that users are always learning content that is aligned with their career aspirations and current market demands. Additionally, the skill assessment and learning paths help users to systematically develop the skills required for their desired roles.Job Search Efficiency with AI
LinkedIn’s AI features extend beyond learning to enhance job search efficiency. Users can leverage AI-driven job search functions to find job opportunities more efficiently. For example, you can use natural language to search for jobs, such as asking for a remote marketing job with specific salary requirements. AI tools also review and provide feedback on resumes and cover letters, helping users tailor their applications to better match job descriptions and employer expectations.Profile Optimization with AI Insights
AI insights on LinkedIn help users optimize their profiles to make them more visible to recruiters. The platform’s algorithms analyze job postings to identify key skills employers are looking for, allowing users to refine their profiles accordingly. This includes suggestions for upgrading your headline, adding engaging content to your summary, and emphasizing particular skills that align with your career aspirations.Algorithm-Driven Job Recommendations
LinkedIn’s algorithms provide personalized job recommendations based on users’ profiles, skills, and past activity on the platform. This ensures that job seekers are presented with job opportunities that closely match their expertise and career aspirations, streamlining the application process and increasing the likelihood of discovering relevant opportunities.Conclusion
These features collectively leverage AI to make the learning and job search processes more efficient, personalized, and effective, helping users to develop the skills they need and find job opportunities that align with their career goals. Lynda.com - Performance and Accuracy
Performance and Accuracy in Learning
LinkedIn Learning is highly regarded for its vast library of over 16,000 courses, which are segmented into short videos with specific learning outcomes. These courses are prepared by industry experts and cover a wide range of topics including business, technology, and creative skills. Here are some key points:
- Course Quality and Relevance: The platform offers high-quality, relevant courses that are updated regularly, with 50 new courses added weekly. This ensures that the content remains current and aligned with market demands.
- Personalized Recommendations: LinkedIn Learning uses AI to provide personalized course recommendations based on your skills, profile activity, and subjects of interest. This helps users find courses that are most relevant to their career goals.
Integration with Job Search Tools
While LinkedIn Learning itself is not a direct job search tool, its integration with LinkedIn’s AI-powered job search features enhances its utility for job seekers:
- AI-Powered Job Matching: LinkedIn’s AI algorithms analyze job postings and match them with relevant candidates based on their skills, experience, and preferences. This feature is part of the broader LinkedIn platform, not specifically within LinkedIn Learning, but it benefits from the skills data generated through course completions.
- Resume Screening and Job Recommendations: LinkedIn’s AI technology helps in resume screening and provides personalized job recommendations. These features are more about the job search aspect of LinkedIn rather than LinkedIn Learning, but they can be influenced by the skills and certifications acquired through LinkedIn Learning courses.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- Certification Accreditation: While LinkedIn Learning offers certificates of completion, these are not accredited by any external institution. This might limit their recognition in certain professional contexts.
- Limited Free Access: After the free trial period, there are no free courses available, which could be a barrier for some users.
- No Refunds: The platform does not offer refunds for course subscriptions, which could be a drawback for users who decide the service is not suitable for them.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Learning excels as a learning platform with a vast and relevant course library, personalized recommendations, and high-quality content. However, its direct impact on job search is more indirect, through its integration with LinkedIn’s AI-driven job matching and recommendation features. While it enhances the overall job search experience by providing users with valuable skills and certifications, it is not a standalone job search tool. The limitations mainly pertain to the certification accreditation and the lack of free access post-trial period. Overall, it is a valuable resource for skill development and career enhancement, which can significantly support job search efforts when combined with LinkedIn’s AI-powered job search tools.
Lynda.com - Pricing and Plans
LinkedIn Learning Pricing Plans
LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, offers several pricing plans and options to cater to different learning needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans and features:
Individual Course Purchases
- You can buy individual courses with a one-off payment, which ranges from $20 to $50 per course.
- Once purchased, you have unlimited access to the course.
- Features include course access, certificate of completion, and offline viewing on the app.
Monthly Subscription
- The monthly subscription costs $39.99.
- This plan provides full access to over 17,000 courses.
- Features include certificates of completion, personalized course recommendations, and offline viewing on the app.
- A 30-day free trial is available for new subscribers.
Annual Subscription
- The annual subscription is priced at $239.88, which works out to $19.99 per month.
- This plan offers the same features as the monthly subscription but at a lower monthly cost.
- You save around 50% compared to the monthly subscription.
- A 30-day free trial is also available for new subscribers.
Team and Enterprise Plans
- These plans are customized for teams or entire companies.
- You need to contact LinkedIn Learning’s sales team to get pricing and details.
- Features include full access to all courses, enterprise-level integrations, and personalized learning options for each employee.
Free Options
- LinkedIn Learning offers a 1-month free trial for new subscribers, allowing access to all courses and premium features during this period.
- There are also free courses and learning paths available, including some that offer free certificates of completion. As of 2024, there are over 110 hours of free learning content, including 4 free learning paths and 109 individual courses with free certificates.
Summary
In summary, LinkedIn Learning provides flexible pricing options to suit various learning needs, from individual course purchases to monthly and annual subscriptions, as well as team and enterprise plans. Additionally, there are free trial and free course options available for those looking to test the service or access specific content without a subscription.
Lynda.com - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
LinkedIn Learning can be integrated with various LMS platforms using different standards:
360Learning Integration
For instance, the integration with 360Learning allows companies to use the LinkedIn Learning course library within the 360Learning environment. This integration involves:
- Authentication: Single Sign-On (SSO) using an Identity Provider (IdP), not the LMS.
- Reporting: Using xAPI to communicate learner activity back to 360Learning.
- Content Discovery: Automatic content sync in all languages.
To set this up, you need to provision API keys in LinkedIn Learning and enable xAPI in the LinkedIn Learning admin settings.
AICC Integration
LinkedIn Learning also supports the AICC standard, which allows you to download and upload LinkedIn Learning courses as AICC packages into your LMS. This method supports tracking user course progress and content discoverability within the LMS. However, AICC is not an authentication standard, so users need to log into LinkedIn Learning separately using local credentials or SSO (SAML 2.0).
LTI 1.1 Integration
The Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) 1.1 standard provides another way to integrate LinkedIn Learning into LMS platforms. This method allows seamless access to LinkedIn Learning content from within the LMS, using OAuth 1.0 for authorization. However, LTI is not compatible with LinkedIn Learning’s native mobile applications, and users must access the content through the LMS.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
- Web Access: LinkedIn Learning content integrated via LTI or AICC must be accessed through a web-accessible LMS deployment, using HTTP/S-based protocols.
- Mobile Limitations: LTI integration is not compatible with LinkedIn Learning’s native mobile applications (iOS and Android). Users cannot log in directly to the LinkedIn Learning website if LTI is set up; they must access the content through the LMS.
- Cross-Platform Support: For integrations like the one with 360Learning, the content can be accessed within the 360Learning environment, which may have its own mobile and web applications, but the specific mobile compatibility would depend on the LMS’s capabilities.
Additional Integrations
LinkedIn Learning can also be integrated with other platforms like Continu, allowing you to search, import, and track LinkedIn Learning content directly within Continu. This integration enables distributing LinkedIn Learning courses, recommending courses to specific teams, and tracking completion insights.
In summary, LinkedIn Learning integrates well with various LMS platforms using different standards like 360Learning, AICC, and LTI 1.1. However, there are specific considerations regarding authentication, reporting, and device compatibility that need to be addressed during the integration process.
Lynda.com - Customer Support and Resources
For Individuals Using LinkedIn Learning
In the context of job search tools, several customer support options and additional resources are available to enhance their experience.
Customer Support
LinkedIn Learning offers various support channels to help users with any issues or questions they might have:
- Help Center: This section provides detailed FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and step-by-step instructions on how to use the platform effectively.
- Contact Support: Users can submit support requests directly through the website, where they can describe their issue and receive assistance from the support team.
- Community Forums: While not explicitly mentioned for LinkedIn Learning, LinkedIn as a whole has community forums where users can ask questions and get help from other users.
Additional Resources
LinkedIn Learning provides a wealth of resources to aid in job searching and career development:
- Learning Paths: These are curated collections of courses focused on specific subjects, such as finding a job, developing soft skills, or learning new software. These paths include videos, tutorials, and exercises to help users gain valuable skills.
- Video Courses: There are numerous video courses available that cover topics like optimizing resumes for applicant tracking systems, mastering LinkedIn profiles, video interview tips, and digital networking strategies. These courses are designed to be quick and informative, often under an hour.
- Career Development Tools: Users can access resources that help in building employability skills, such as resume optimization, job search strategies, and online interview preparation.
Institutional Support
For students and alumni, especially those affiliated with institutions like Rutgers, additional resources are available:
- Career Service Offices: Many universities have career service offices that offer additional job-searching support, including career advisers, networking opportunities, and job postings.
- Job Search Platforms: Platforms like Handshake provide exclusive networking opportunities, job and internship postings, and the ability to schedule appointments with career advisers.
These resources are aimed at making the job search process more efficient and effective, providing users with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
Lynda.com - Pros and Cons
Advantages
User-Friendly Interface
The platform is easy to use, with a straightforward interface that makes finding and accessing courses simple. Users can sync their progress across multiple devices, which is highly convenient.
Large Course Selection
LinkedIn Learning offers a vast library of over 17,000 courses covering a wide range of topics, including business, technology, and creative skills. This variety ensures that users can find courses that align with their career goals.
Learning Paths
The platform provides learning paths, which are sequences of related courses that help users build comprehensive skills in a particular area. This feature is particularly useful for structured learning.
Offline Learning
Users can download courses to view offline using the desktop app, which is a significant advantage for those with limited internet access or who prefer learning on the go.
Affordable Pricing
LinkedIn Learning offers a subscription-based model with a basic plan starting at $24.99 per month (with an annual payment plan), which is relatively affordable compared to other MOOC providers. This plan includes access to all courses on the platform.
Instructor Credibility
Courses are taught by respected experts in their fields, and users can view the instructors’ LinkedIn profiles to assess their credentials. This adds credibility to the courses offered.
Disadvantages
Content Quality Issues
Many users have reported that some of the content on the platform is outdated, particularly in tech-related courses where information needs to be constantly updated. This can make the courses less relevant and useful.
Slow Paced Courses
Some courses are criticized for being too slow, with instructors spending too much time on basic topics. This can make the learning experience less engaging and efficient.
Lack of Course Ratings
Unlike some other platforms, LinkedIn Learning does not provide course ratings or reviews, which can make it difficult for users to assess the quality of a course before enrolling.
User Interface
While the interface is generally user-friendly, some users find it somewhat cold and empty, lacking the engaging design of other MOOC providers. Additionally, the platform’s corporate feel might not appeal to everyone.
Value for Single Courses
If a user is only interested in accessing a single course, the subscription model might not be the best value. However, for those who plan to take multiple courses, the subscription is more cost-effective.
By weighing these pros and cons, individuals can make an informed decision about whether LinkedIn Learning is the right platform for their learning and career development needs.
Lynda.com - Comparison with Competitors
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is primarily an online training resource that offers over 13,000 courses in business, technology, and creative topics. Here are some of its key features:
- Extensive Course Library: It provides a vast array of video-based tutorials taught by industry experts, covering a wide range of skills.
- Personalized Learning: The platform uses the LinkedIn network to offer a more personalized learning experience.
- Interactive Features: It includes a Q&A feature that fosters peer-to-peer and learner-to-instructor interactions within LinkedIn’s large professional community.
However, LinkedIn Learning is not specifically an AI-driven job search tool but rather a skill development platform. It helps job seekers enhance their skills, which can be beneficial in their job search, but it does not directly assist with job matching or application processes.
AI-Driven Job Search Tools
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an AI tool that can significantly aid in the job search process:
- Resume and Cover Letter Writing: It helps craft personalized resumes and cover letters, and optimizes them for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Interview Preparation: ChatGPT generates answers to common interview questions and provides ideas for career growth.
- Keyword Optimization: It ensures that your application materials include relevant keywords to increase the chances of passing through ATS.
Huntr
Huntr is another AI tool focused on job tracking and organization:
- Job Application Tracking: It helps users track their job applications, save and categorize job listings, and set reminders for follow-ups.
- Job Market Insights: Huntr provides insights on job market trends, helping job seekers prioritize their applications and optimize their job search strategy.
Sonora and Talentprise
- Sonora: This AI tool analyzes your competencies and interests to match you with suitable job offers. It can submit applications on your behalf and adapts to your changing preferences and interests.
- Talentprise: This platform uses AI for two-way job matching, helping both job seekers find suitable positions and employers find the right candidates. It considers both hard and soft skills to increase the likelihood of a good fit.
Unique Features and Alternatives
- LinkedIn Learning’s Unique Strength: Its extensive library of courses and personalized learning experience make it an excellent resource for skill development, which is crucial for job seekers looking to enhance their qualifications.
- Alternatives for Job Matching and Application Assistance: If you are looking for tools that directly assist with job matching, application tracking, and interview preparation, ChatGPT, Huntr, Sonora, and Talentprise are more focused on these aspects. These tools use AI to streamline the job search process, from resume writing to job application tracking and matching.
In summary, while LinkedIn Learning is invaluable for skill development, job seekers looking for AI-driven tools specifically designed to aid in the job search and application process may find ChatGPT, Huntr, Sonora, and Talentprise to be more directly beneficial.
Lynda.com - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about LinkedIn Learning
What is LinkedIn Learning?
LinkedIn Learning is an educational platform that helps users develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos. It offers personalized, video-based learning available 24/7, with over 16,000 courses across various topics.
Did LinkedIn Learning used to be called Lynda.com?
Yes, LinkedIn Learning was previously known as Lynda.com. LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com in 2015 and has since expanded and improved the platform, adding new features such as automated, personalized content recommendations and a wider variety of courses.
What types of courses are available on LinkedIn Learning?
LinkedIn Learning offers courses in three main libraries: Business, Technology, and Creative. These include topics such as digital transformation, leadership, IT infrastructure, data science, web development, graphic design, and more. New courses are added weekly, with 30-70 new courses added each week.
How does LinkedIn Learning use AI for job search?
LinkedIn is integrating AI to enhance the job search process. This includes AI-based job application feedback, cover letter assistance, and conversational queries to find open roles. Additionally, AI tools help identify skills in demand, suggest resources to acquire or improve those skills, and provide immediate feedback on interview answers.
What is the AI-powered interview prep tool on LinkedIn?
The AI-powered interview prep tool allows users to answer common interview questions and receive immediate AI-powered feedback. Users can also request feedback from their connections and use AI to generate likely interview questions and sample answers based on a job description.
Can AI help with resume customization on LinkedIn?
Yes, AI tools on LinkedIn can help write and customize resumes for different job applications. These tools suggest improvements, check for grammatical issues, and ensure the resume is tailored to the job description. However, it’s important to review and personalize the content to ensure it accurately reflects your skills and experience.
Are there any specific video courses or learning paths for job searching?
Yes, LinkedIn Learning offers various video courses and learning paths focused on job searching. These include topics such as optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems, video interview tips, digital networking strategies, and more. These resources are designed to help users gain the skills needed for a successful job search.
Where does the content on LinkedIn Learning come from?
The content on LinkedIn Learning is produced in-house in their production studios in California and Austria, using experts such as authors, business leaders, and researchers. This ensures that the content creators are verified experts and the content meets high standards.
Is there a mobile app for LinkedIn Learning?
Yes, there is a LinkedIn Learning mobile app that allows users to learn on-the-go. The app supports audio-only mode and syncs with your desktop credentials, making it convenient to access courses anywhere.
Can I download content for offline viewing on LinkedIn Learning?
Yes, you can download content for offline viewing on the LinkedIn Learning mobile app. This feature allows you to access courses even without an internet connection.
What languages are available on LinkedIn Learning?
Courses on LinkedIn Learning are available in English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese. You can change the language settings to browse the course library in a different language.
Lynda.com - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
LinkedIn Learning, the successor to Lynda.com, is a comprehensive online learning platform that offers a vast array of video courses taught by industry experts. Here’s a final assessment of its value in the job search and professional development context.
Who Would Benefit Most
LinkedIn Learning is highly beneficial for several groups:
Job Seekers
This platform helps job seekers develop specific skills, earn certificates that demonstrate their expertise, and network with other professionals in their industry. It provides courses on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to enhance their employability.
Working Professionals
Professionals can use LinkedIn Learning to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in their field, advancing their careers through continuous learning. The platform offers courses in software, creative, and business skills, which are essential for career growth.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs can benefit from courses on LinkedIn lead generation, automation tools, and best practices for growing their business. These resources help entrepreneurs overcome common obstacles and stay competitive.
Students
University students can take courses on various subjects such as marketing, business, and technology, giving them a competitive edge when entering the job market.
Organizations
Companies can use LinkedIn Learning to provide their employees with additional learning opportunities, improving job performance and productivity. It integrates well with internal employee management systems, making it a valuable tool for employee development.
Key Features and Benefits
Huge Variety of Courses
LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of courses covering a wide range of topics, from beginner to advanced levels. This variety makes it an affordable and valuable resource for professional development.
Personalized Learning Experiences
The platform provides personalized learning recommendations using LinkedIn’s professional network and experience. Users can complete courses at their own pace and access them anywhere with an internet connection.
Integration with LinkedIn
Since it is part of LinkedIn, users can easily connect with other professionals in their field, grow their network, and tap into valuable career development opportunities. Certificates earned can be added to their LinkedIn profiles, demonstrating their skills to potential employers.
Enhanced Features
The platform includes features such as shareable multimedia collections, intelligent searching, and the ability to connect with a community of learners. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning is continuously updated with new AI-driven tools, including personalized career coaching and new courses on emerging technologies like AI and deep learning.
Recommendation
LinkedIn Learning is a highly recommended resource for anyone looking to enhance their professional skills, whether you are a job seeker, working professional, entrepreneur, or student. Its vast library of high-quality courses, personalized learning recommendations, and seamless integration with LinkedIn make it an invaluable tool for career development.
Given its wide range of benefits and the continuous addition of new features, LinkedIn Learning stands out as a comprehensive and effective platform for professional growth. It is particularly useful for those who need to stay updated with industry trends and technologies, and for those seeking to expand their skill set in a flexible and convenient manner.