3 min read
LinkedIn has introduced a major update to its search experience by enabling AI-powered conversational search. The new feature allows users to type queries in plain language: such as “Spanish-speaking school counsellors in Austin focused on learning differences” or “ex-coworkers who became founders in healthcare in NY” and receive relevant results from people, pages and posts across the platform.
How the New Search Works
Previously, searching on LinkedIn meant entering exact job titles, company names or keywords and then applying filters. With the conversational search launch, users can describe what they’re looking for in natural language. LinkedIn uses its AI engine in combination with its vast professional graph to identify the best matches based on context, relevance and network connections.
For example, if you search for “angels with FDA experience for an early biotech,” LinkedIn will parse the phrase, locate individuals with FDA-related experience who now invest in startups, and surface them for you, even if you didn’t type their exact title or company.
Who Gets Access First
At launch, the AI-powered conversational search is available to LinkedIn Premium subscribers in the United States. The company plans to roll the feature out to all members globally in the coming months.
Why This Matters for Professionals and Businesses
This update could dramatically change how users discover professionals, advisors and content on LinkedIn. Here’s why:
- Improved discovery: Users can find relevant connections even if they don’t know the exact job title or filter to use.
- Enhanced relevance: The AI ranks results based on both how well someone matches your query and their place in your network, making it more likely you’ll find someone you can contact.
- New outreach channels: Businesses and creators can use conversational keywords to reach new audiences—meaning the way profiles and posts are optimised may shift.
- Competitive edge: With millions of users on the platform, refining how people are connected could influence recruitment, partnerships and sales outreach.
A Sign of LinkedIn’s Broader AI Push
This conversational search rollout follows earlier AI tools on LinkedIn, including AI-assisted job search and recruiter discovery features. The consistent move toward AI across search, jobs and learning reflects the platform’s ambition to redefine professional networking for the AI-driven era.
What to Watch Next
As the update expands globally, key questions will unfold:
- How accurate and reliable are the results for complex or nuanced queries?
- Will users trust AI-powered people search over manual filters?
- How will creators, recruiters and job seekers adjust their profile optimisation around natural-language queries?
- Will this spark a new wave of AI-driven search features across other platforms?
