LinkedIn (News - Alert) has completely overhauled its mobile application, emphasizing contextual information in order to simultaneously make candidate’s profiles more appealing as well as simplify the process of searching for ideal candidates. Primarily this latest update consists of a complete redesign of the profile pages. With a sleek new design LinkedIn profiles now have a much more modern feel and are on par with other social network options.

However, aside from aesthetics, the core focus of this update is an emphasis on contextual data between connections (or potential connections). With the previous app, a search for a user with whom the searcher is not yet connected would only yield very basic information about them and, if there are any, shared connections. The new design acknowledges the limited usefulness this information offers and now provides all relevant information two potential connections may have in common, such as work experience, education and interests.

A company representative sums it up saying, “Your new profile helps you tell your story to other professionals when they’re looking for you on the go.”

Aligned with this same philosophy, LinkedIn’s classic feature that allows users to access data about who has viewed their profile is now much more insightful. With the update there is now information about how the user’s profile was found, whether that be through search, a shared connection or otherwise, and again a section displaying what the two parties have in common.

These major improvements to the flow of the network are complimented by user interface enhancements to the profile pages. There is now a greater emphasis on skills, experience and education information, which is highlighted at the top and the process of updating information has been significantly simplified.

As LinkedIn continues to find ways to improve the usability of the company’s services, it will surely continue along its trend of gaining importance in the professional world. In addition these updates demonstrate a commitment to focusing on mobile offerings, an essential characteristic of any company wishing to be successful in the contemporary business climate.