March 11, 2013
LinkedIn is rolling out a newly redesigned navigation bar! I just received a screenshot from my UK friend and fellow LinkedIn Pro, Ian Richards of SimplyLinkedIn, showing a totally new look. This redesigned navigation bar shows a much simplified menu. The new nav bar condenses the menu items down to 3: Profile, Network, Career.
The search bar is now front and center and the types of search are represented by icons rather than words. LinkedIn’s inbox, notifications, connection requests and settings now sit on the far right hand side of the navigation bar. Rather than using words, LinkedIn is using icons for these items as well.
Over the last few months, LinkedIn discontinued a number of features to focus “efforts on the development of new and more engaging ways to share and discuss professional topics across LinkedIn.” This new redesigned navigation bar demonstrates just how much they are simplifying. Recently, LinkedIn also overhauled their LinkedIn profile page, simplifying the content and look.
Although LinkedIn recently reached 200 Million users, many users continue to erroneously think of LinkedIn as a place where you copy and paste your resume. LinkedIn’s interface is notoriously difficult to use and LinkedIn is working on making the interface simpler and easier to use. Many of the changes that have gone live are grounded in a more social focus.
As a LinkedIn profile writer, I am often the first person to see changes to the LinkedIn interface. As of right now, I don’t yet have this new redesigned navigation bar nor do any of my clients. This may be a beta release or LinkedIn is rolling it out in stages. LinkedIn has yet to mention anything about it on their blog.
Back in October 2012, LinkedIn stated their goals are to help professionals:
This new navigation bar definitely shows LinkedIn is serious about making this happen.
Do you have this new navigation bar? What do you think about the new look? Let me know in the comments.
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Hmm. Does the screenshot qualify as a subtle humble-brag? 623 unread messages, eh?
🙂
Hi Tim! I wasn’t necessarily bragging but I do get besieged in emails and it takes time to process them. 🙂
The URL for Ian Richards LinkedIn profile did not work. I’d love to know more about him – what is his LinkedIn URL?
Thanks
Hi Teddy, I just tested it and Ian’s link works for me. Perhaps try copying and pasting it: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianprichards
A May 1 blog post indicates these features are pending and being rolled out gradually. Guess you missed it?
https://blog.linkedin.com/2013/05/01/visually-enhance-your-professional-story-on-your-linkedin-profile/
Hi Patrick– My blog post is dated March 11th and so there is no way I would have read that article on May 1. Also, the blog post you reference just talks about the ability to embed portfolios– it has nothing to do with the new nav bar.