It’s Now Easier to Find How You’re Connected to Mutual Contacts on LinkedIn

How you're connected on LinkedIn screenshot

How you're connected on LinkedIn screenshot

One of the most useful aspects of LinkedIn is the capabilities it provides you for connecting with new contacts. Using LinkedIn’s search, you can find professionals in the fields most relevant to you and see if they are connected with any of your contacts. This has been helpful enough, but today LinkedIn is introducing a new feature that will help you determine not only who your contacts know, but also how they know them.

Now when you visit the profiles of people you aren’t yet connected with on LinkedIn, the new “How You’re Connected” tool will show you a list of mutual contacts that demonstrates how they are connected. For example, you might see that a user received a recommendation from one of your LinkedIn connections or that he studied or worked with one of your connections.

This can be immensely helpful when determining who you should ask to introduce you to a new contact. For example, it’s usually better to ask someone who’s worked with a contact for an introduction rather than an old high school friend. Knowing who to ask for an introduction can help you do better in your career: “Professional goals become more attainable when you’re able to connect and collaborate with others who can help you achieve them,” wrote LinkedIn product manager Udi Milo.

The new How You’re Connected tool will begin rolling out to English-speaking users starting today. In the future LinkedIn plans to provide more types of insights into your LinkedIn connections to help you make more informed decisions about building your professional network on LinkedIn.

How do you use LinkedIn to expand your professional network?

Lauren Mobertz

By Lauren Mobertz

Lauren is the former managing editor for DashBurst. One part geek, one part urban nomad, she is constantly scouting for the latest tech and world news. In the evenings you'll find Lauren running in strange places or attempting to dance salsa.