First off, let me say that it’s ludicrous that this even merits a blog post, but LinkedIn has so obfuscated the process that it takes a lot of digging to find it. If you just want the link, here it is:
http://linkedin.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linkedin.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php
If you’d like to see how to find it for yourself, read on. Also, if you don’t get any response at the link above, there are some ideas on how to escalate your issue at the end of the post.
I had my attention called to this issue on Twitter today:
It actually took me a couple of minutes to figure out. I won’t bore you with all the dead-ends I tried that didn’t work…let me just show you what did:
1. Scroll down to the bottom of any page on LinkedIn:
2. Click on the Customer Service Link. This takes you to the LinkedIn Customer Service Center, where they invite you to first try to help yourself:
3. At this point, click on any of the FAQ entries – doesn’t matter which one. Once you do, now at the top of the page there will be an Ask Customer Service tab (why it’s not there on the first page is a mystery to me, but it isn’t):
4. That will finally put you on a contact form that will allow you to submit your question to customer service. You can even attach a file if needed, such as a screenshot of the problem:
What happens then? Well, LinkedIn isn’t known for their customer service — nice enough people once you get to someone, but they’re massively understaffed and overloaded. If you don’t get the response you need, here are some additional ways to try to escalate your issue:
1. According to ContactHelp.com, LinkedIn’s phone number is 650-687-3600, then press 5 to reach a live person. Based on the comments, though, good luck actually talking to technical support.
2. Try [email protected] or [email protected].
3. Try @linkedin or @mariosundar on Twitter. There’s also a list of LinkedIn employees on Twitter.
4. Try community support. If something’s actually broken, that won’t help, but if it’s just a matter of figuring out how to do something, or if it even can be done, other LinkedIn users are pretty helpful. Try GetSatisfaction.com or the Using LinkedIn category on LinkedIn Answers.
Good luck!
Scott Allen is a social media pioneer, helping people turn virtual relationships into real business since 2002. He is coauthor of The Virtual Handshake and The Emergence of The Relationship Economy and contributor to over a dozen books on social media, business and personal development.
Thanks so much for addressing the issue both here and on Twitter. It seems that they have obfuscated the process somewhat recently because I remember once getting in touch with them before and I don’t recall it being this backward.
I love LI, but like you I get so frustrated at how it is run and the lack of innovation from the user standpoint. Like many web companies, the lion’s share of the innovation comes in adding more functionality and “wow” than in shoring up what already exists.
Scott,
It’s an odd situation… I touched on it a couple weeks ago when a reader was asking how to deal with a potentially fraudulent situation on the site.
In addition to the almost hidden page, I found that the “User Agreement” includes instructions on how to contact LinkedIn about content / legal issues.
The information is in the “LinkedIn Shenanigans – Identity Theft, Business Fraud, and Lying About Work History” article.
http://www.linkedinpersonaltrainer.com/archives/linkedin-shenanigans-identity-theft-business-fraud-and-lying-about-work-history/
steve
–
Steven Tylock
The LinkedIn Personal Trainer
http://www.linkedinpersonaltrainer.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetylock
[...] on Twitter March 25th, 2010 | by Jason Alba | Update: 4/9 – just came across this list from a Scott Allen post: lots of LinkedIn people on [...]
I have been trying to access Linkedin since last Monday. Its now Friday. I can’t access their website and it has taken me this long to find an email address. I am a paying customer so expect some help. Linkedin is a joke where customer service is concerned.
You might also try http://getsatisfaction.com/linkedin — not that LinkedIn responds to anything there, but some people who have successfully found phone numbers or contacted them have shared how they’ve done so.
But I agree — paying customers should have an easy-to-find phone number for customer service.
Don’t bother ever trying to contact Linkedin. They simply don’t respond.
My account has been suspended for 5 days now. I’ve sent countless emails, tried to call, etc. Nothing.
I hope Linkedin’s IPO falls flat and the company get’s sued out of existance.
The worst company ever.
Yet again after months of failur and finally getting the pass word streightened out, your program has out smarted you and is rejecting my pass word, I keep asking, is it worth it io wast hours on line to deal with incompentant help. Is the equiptment getting smarter than there handelers.
I am a member of LinkedIn. Why are people calling me hat they received an invitation from me to join? I have NEVER asked anyone to? 845-548-0083 or 845-353-0839