How to Use LinkedIn To Find People

Reconnecting with people you've met throughout your professional career has become much simpler with the advent of the Internet. Use services like LinkedIn to get back in touch with and network with former business colleagues and professional acquaintances.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• LinkedIn account

Visit the LinkedIn Home Page

1. Create an account with LinkedIn or log in to your existing account from the LinkedIn home page (see Resources below).
2. See information about your existing network displayed on your account home page. You'll also find alerts for new emails on this page.
3. Click on the "People" tab to start searching for people you know.

Find People on LinkedIn

4. Enter a person's first and last names in the "Name Search" field to begin searching. You must know a person's last name in order to search LinkedIn's extensive network.
5. Use the "Advanced Search" fields to find people in specific industries or parts of the country. Fill in as many or as few fields as you require and hit the "Search" button when you are ready to search.
6. Click on the link to the name of the person you've searched. You will be taken to that person's abbreviated public profile where you can read more about his or her job and current projects.
7. Hit the "Contact Directly" button to send this person an "In Mail or request an introduction. Every member of LinkedIn is allowed a certain number of introductions or InMails with an account.
8. Invite the people you find to connect with your network by selecting the "Add Them As A Connection" link. You will need to know their email addresses in order to invite them to join your network.

Invite Colleagues to Join LinkedIn

9. Share your LinkedIn network with colleagues to build a bigger sphere of connections.
10. Click the "Expand Your Network" button on your LinkedIn home page.
11. Enter the first and last names and email addresses of people you want to invite to send email invitations to them. Once they have subscribed, you will be connected to the people in their networks as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact LinkedIn by email at [e-mail] if you have questions about the privacy or use of information on the LinkedIn Web site.
• Locate additional assistance at the LinkedIn Help & FAQ section on finding users (see Resources below).