LinkedIn Integrates AI into People Search: A Game Changer for Networking

For the past two years, LinkedIn has been on a mission to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) across its platform. This integration has touched various aspects, from creating ad copy and generating content to offering personalized digests, recruiting assistance, job hunting tips, and learning resources. Now, the platform is taking it a step further by applying AI to one of its most frequently used features: search.

New AI-Powered Job Search Tools

Earlier in 2023, LinkedIn unveiled a new job search tool for U.S. members, allowing users to conduct job searches using natural language queries. This feature has now been extended to people search, enabling more intuitive networking.

Simplified Search Experience

Users can now type queries such as “Find me investors in the healthcare sector with FDA experience” or “Who in my network can help me understand wireless networks?” This shift is significant, as LinkedIn’s previous search system required users to input exact titles or navigate through numerous filters, which often made finding the right person a complicated endeavor.

Rohan Rajiv, senior director of product management at LinkedIn, explained that traditional lexical search forced users to know the exact title of the individual they were seeking. “If you didn’t know the right combination, the right person remained undiscovered,” he stated. The AI-powered search aims to streamline this process, providing users with quicker access to individuals who can assist them in their professional pursuits.

The Impact of AI on Networking

In early testing, LinkedIn found that users utilized this new feature to identify people who could help with job opportunities, facilitate business expansion, or improve career prospects. What sets this AI-driven search apart is its ability to understand the intent behind queries, rather than just matching keywords.

This innovation comes at a time when many online platforms are pushing to integrate AI into their search functionality. As users increasingly rely on AI chatbots like ChatGPT for information, legacy search engines like Google and Bing have begun incorporating AI features, catering to evolving user expectations.

Competitive Landscape

Various startups are also venturing into AI-powered people search, making the landscape increasingly competitive. Reddit, for instance, has leaned heavily into AI-driven search mechanisms, restricting its data access while requiring licenses for AI training and usage.

Current Trends and Future Directions

In the midst of this AI revolution, LinkedIn remains a frontrunner in showcasing AI advancements across agents, browsers, and digital assistants. Despite being a Microsoft-owned enterprise, the company has not yet imposed restrictions on its data, aiming instead for flexibility and adaptability in this rapidly changing environment.

Rajiv mentioned, “We are still early in this age of browsers and how they function on behalf of users. Over time, we will have a more robust policy around browsers.” This suggests that while LinkedIn is making strides, it is also laying the groundwork for future developments that could enhance user experience even further.

Rollout Plans for Premium Users

LinkedIn is currently rolling out its AI-enhanced people search to premium users in the U.S., with plans to expand to additional regions in the upcoming months. Users with access to this feature will notice a shift in the search bar prompt from “Search” to “I’m looking for…,” signifying a more personalized approach to finding connections.

Understanding Query Limitations

Though promising, the AI search isn’t foolproof. Users have reported varied results with similar queries, which indicates that the algorithm still has room for improvement. For instance, entering “people who co-founded a YC startup” may yield different outcomes than typing “Y Combinator.” Additionally, searching for individuals associated with voice AI startups sometimes results in showing LinkedIn’s top voice badge holders, which may not always align with user intent.

LinkedIn has acknowledged these quirks and is actively working on refining the search tool to better understand user queries and provide more accurate results.

Conclusion

The integration of AI in LinkedIn’s search functionality marks a significant leap forward in how users connect and network online. Simplifying the search process by allowing natural language queries can empower users to forge valuable connections that were previously challenging to make.

As LinkedIn continues to enhance this feature and refine its capabilities, it positions itself as a crucial player in the broader landscape of AI-powered networking. The focus on improving user experience with AI-driven solutions could fundamentally change how professionals interact and grow within their industries.

For anyone actively seeking to expand their professional network or enhance career opportunities, the AI-powered people search on LinkedIn may soon become an indispensable tool in their arsenal. With ongoing improvements and a commitment to user-centered design, LinkedIn is paving the way for a new era of networking.

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Emmanuel Kesse

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