Abstract: A computer-implemented method for executing a search in a social networking application is disclosed. In one aspect, a social networking application facilitates the initiation of a search, based on user-provided search criteria. In addition, the social networking application generates a list of persons to recommend to the searcher, for forwarding the search criteria. For example, persons in the list are identified, according to various algorithms, as being likely to know a person satisfying said search criteria. Furthermore, the social networking application facilitates the selection of one or more persons from the list, thereby enabling the user to quickly forward the search to the selected persons.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for leveraging social networking information with a messaging client are disclosed. In one aspect, a messaging client (e.g., email client), or an application designed to be closely integrated with an email client, analyzes a message to identify a sender, and then generates a query including information identifying the sender that is forwarded to a social networking application to be processed. The social networking application returns information about the sender (e.g., from a social networking profile), that can be viewed by a user of the messaging client, thereby providing additional information about the sender of a particular message.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for identifying a potential reference is disclosed. In one embodiment, a user interface (UI) object (e.g., a one-click reference search button) is provided, for example, on a web page displayed at a user's client device. When selected, the UI object causes a reference search query to be generated. The search query identifies the user performing the search, and a target person for whom the user would like a reference. The search query is communicated to, and processed by, a social networking system (e.g., through an API function call). In turn, the social networking system returns information about potential references to the client.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating the reputation of a member of a social networking system is disclosed. Consistent with an embodiment of the invention, one or more attributes associated with a social networking profile of a member of a social network are analyzed. Based on the analysis, a ranking, rating or score is assigned to a particular category of reputation. When requested, the ranking, rating or score is displayed to a user of the social network.