How LinkedIn Premium Helped Me Break Through in Denmark
By: Mischa Marais
When I began applying for jobs in Denmark, I was optimistic that the job-hunting process would be straightforward. I held a bachelor's degree, had international experience, and was motivated. Instead, what I got was a masterclass in rejection emails, and the occasional eerie silence where even a rejection would’ve felt polite. This was a hard wakeup call, and it felt somewhat like running a marathon in high heels. Oh, was I frustrated with the process!
If you’ve been there, you know the feeling. You hit “apply,” and it’s like tossing your CV into the void. After a while, even the “thanks but no thanks” messages started to feel like progress. It was not fun, but at least I knew where I stood.
That’s when I decided to try LinkedIn Premium. Not because I was convinced it would magically land me a job, but because at that point, I needed something to change. I had been through numerous application processes, and it had become too monotonous.
The first difference was subtle but important: I could finally see how I compared to other applicants. Sometimes the results were… let’s say, sobering. But other times, I was in the top 10%, and that little green bar gave me enough encouragement to keep sending applications instead of giving up for the day.
Then there was InMail. I’ll admit, the idea of messaging a recruiter directly felt awkward, like sliding into someone’s DMs without the excuse of a funny meme. But one afternoon, after staring at a job posting I really wanted, I used my InMail credits and reached out. To my surprise, they responded. Suddenly, I wasn’t just Applicant #238; I was a real person with a name, a story, and an actual interest in the role. When the recruiter responded, I was excited. All of a sudden, I was very awake and ready to make a good impression. She had read my message and had suggested a call. Okay, what? Did this really just happen? I had made a break, and finally, what I had written landed me an interview for a job I really liked. Okay, I could see that this strategy was actually working. So, I took the call, and they asked me to come in person so we could have a chat. I visited their office, and we had a lengthy conversation. They told me that I was a bit underqualified for the role, but they thought I would be a good match for the company and would like to stay in contact, as there may be a better fit coming up in the future. We still have contact today. This experience taught me that even if it felt awkward to write in that way, it made sense if it meant I could establish a connection. It helped me unlock a new strategy and skill in communication. So, just try it; maybe it will take you a step forward in your job search and help you build your bridges in Denmark.
And then there was LinkedIn Learning. I wasn’t planning to add more “studying” to my already stressful job hunt, but the courses became a quiet confidence boost. I took a crash course in areas closely related to my field, which helped me gain new experience and perspectives, and this also helped me to strengthen my responses in job interviews.
The truth is, LinkedIn Premium didn’t solve everything. I still had moments of doubt, and yes, more rejections. But using it strategically, especially during the hiring seasons, made a difference when I was applying; this changed my approach. It gave me quick insight, confidence, and direct access to conversations I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Premium isn’t meant to be a forever tool. It’s best to consider the use like an espresso shot - short, sharp, and right when you need the energy most. So if you’re in Denmark, or anywhere, really, and you’re feeling stuck in the endless cycle of applications, maybe it’s worth trying. Not because it will necessarily land you the job, but because sometimes all you need is a different way in, and LinkedIn Premium can help bridge the gap between you and your next job and connections.
