The degree of connection you have with other members affects how you can interact with them on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn Invites & Connection Degrees
Invitations are how you make connections on LinkedIn. When one LinkedIn member sends an invitation to another person, who then accepts it, they establish a 1st-degree connection. If the person who received the connection request isn't a LinkedIn member, they'll be prompted to join the platform to be able to accept it. Sending out new invitations is one of the most effective outreach techniques, as each new connection can increase your access to thousands of professionals in your network.
There are 3 Degrees of Connections on LinkedIn
On LinkedIn, people in your network are called connections. Your network is made up of your 1st-degree, 2nd-degree, and 3rd-degree connections, as well as fellow members of your LinkedIn groups. You can build your network by sending invitations to connect with other LinkedIn members and the contacts you’ve imported, or by accepting invites from others. The degree of connection you have with other members affects how you can interact with them on LinkedIn.
1st-degree connections
People you're directly connected to because you've accepted their invitation to connect, or they've accepted yours. You'll see a 1st-degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile. You can contact them by sending a direct LinkedIn Message.
2nd-degree connections
This group consists of people who are connected to your 1st-degree connections. You'll see a 2nd-degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile. You can send them an invitation by clicking the Connect button on their profile page, or by contacting them through an InMail.
3rd-degree connections
People who are connected to your 2nd-degree connections. You'll see a 3rd-degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile.
-
If their full first and last names are displayed, you can send them an invitation by clicking Connect;
-
If only the first letter of their last name is displayed, clicking Connect isn't an option, but you can contact them through an InMail.
If their full first and last names are displayed, you can send them an invitation by clicking Connect;
If only the first letter of their last name is displayed, clicking Connect isn't an option, but you can contact them through an InMail.
Buzz Tips:
-
To ensure an optimal site experience, LinkedIn members can have a maximum of 30,000 1st-degree connections. Learn more about LinkedIn’s network size limit.
To ensure an optimal site experience, LinkedIn members can have a maximum of 30,000 1st-degree connections. Learn more about LinkedIn’s network size limit.
