Have you logged into your LinkedIn account, lately?? You’ll find it looks different…

Overall, the UI is much darker than before, as LIn has added a smoky dark band across the top of the page to highlight the navigation menu. Otherwise, the familiar blue-and-white remains.

Most of the navigation menu items remain the same, so if you were used to that, navigating LinkedIn will not change that much for you. Your profile also basically remains the same. Many folks are saying that LIn is trying to be more like Facebook, but to me, the new update feels more like a social bookmarking site. There is a features box at the top of the page that highlights trending articles, based on your preferences and interests.

In general, this update means that we, as LIn users, get a more targeted, specific experience while using the social network. As a business, it means you can target your updates to specific industries, focusing and narrowing your reach. Another new feature for company pages is LinkedIn Follower Statistics. Think of it in the same way you would Insights for your Business’s Facebook Page.

My favorite thing about the new LinkedIn? You can no longer automatically stream your Twitter RSS feed into LinkedIn. Hallelujah!! I’m anti-autoposting at the best of times, but especially so when it comes to LinkedIn. Do I really want my professional network to see photos of my Pride weekend shenanigans?? Uh, decidedly NO. But lots of people blithely (or perhaps unknowingly) had their Twitter stream flowing through LIn.

Here’s what LIn says about this:

As of June 29, 2012, Tweets will no longer be displayed on LinkedIn.

We know that sharing updates from LinkedIn to Twitter is a valuable service for our members, so you will still be able to share updates with your Twitter audience by posting them on LinkedIn. Simply compose your update on LinkedIn, check the box with the Twitter icon, and click “Share.” This will automatically push your update to both your LinkedIn connections and your Twitter followers. Also, your Twitter account will continue to appear on your LinkedIn profile page.

There are several ways to share content with your professional network on LinkedIn:

• From your home page or profile.
• From Discussions in your groups.
• From partner sites like Wall Street Journal or New York Times.
• From LinkedIn Today.
• From any webpage when using the LinkedIn Sharing Bookmarklet.
• From someone’s update by Liking.

How are you finding the new LinkedIn? Share in the comments below!