LinkedIn has been given a desktop redesign to bring its site closer in line with its mobile app and make the platform more "intuitive" for users.

The revamp (above) is being rolled out to the professional social network's 467 million members from today (19 January) onwards features streamlined navigation, improved search functions and new messaging features.

Announcing the news in a blog, the company's director of engineering Chris Pruett said the makeover was a "complete overhaul" of the platform's technology architecture and was the biggest desktop redesign since the brand's inception.

LinkedIn users will now be able to search for profiles, companies and jobs directly from the site's main search bar, and the Facebook-style feed will now serve up content better personalised and more relevant to each subscriber.

The site has also updated its messaging feature with a real-time interface that allows users to chat in a pop up panel without having to leave their news feed.

"Our goal is to ensure you can seamlessly access the most relevant professional conversations, content and opportunities whether you’re on our mobile app or on our desktop experience," Pruett said.

"Most importantly, this desktop redesign brings conversations and content to the heart of the platform, so you can more easily share ideas, join a discussion, and discover news and topics you care about."

LinkedIn was snapped up by Microsoft last year in a deal with $26.2bn.