• October 28, 2008

LinkedIn has launched a new search engine that lets members more easily search the social network's entire community and see people and groups they have in common with other LinkedIn users.

Now in beta testing with a small portion of LinkedIn users, the overhauled search offering no longer requires people to switch tabs to find professionals outside their own networks. To return better results, the new platform also takes into account not just keyword relevance, but also a user's social graph and profile data.

Besides the "In Common" feature, a streamlined search results page allows users to modify searches and take actions based on results, such as sending someone a message or downloading their online business card. Searches can also be saved.

"The end result is a completely redesigned search experience aimed at making it easier and faster to find the most relevant professionals that you're looking for," wrote LinkedIn Senior Product Manager Esteban Kozak, in a post on the company blog Monday.

Last week, LinkedIn announced raising $22.7 million in venture capital, following a $53 million round it closed in June at a $1 billion valuation.--Mark Walsh