Unfortunately, this is not true. I got hit with the paygate while searching for people I used to work with, because I would like to find a job. I was told by LinkedIN that I must be a recruiter, so I would have to signup for premium. So I signed up for the free 30 days of premium, and it still refused to let me search for the people I used to work with. I filed a bug report, and it took more than a day for the LinkedIN staff to admit they were still intentionally blocking me because they really really wanted my money. 30 days free doesn't mean what I think it means. I paid them with a credit card, and my searches worked. I was going to wait until I get hired to blast LinkedIN (and Indeed.com) for their evil patterns, but I could not resist adding a comment to this thread. Suggestion to LinkedIN execs-- if you need my money, just ask. Don't over promise and under deliver.