LinkedIn Connection Degrees: Strategies and Profile Access

1st-Degree Connections

People you are directly connected with on the platform.

Identification of 1st-Degree Connections

You will see a 1st degree icon next to their name in search results and on their profile.

Actions with 1st-Degree Connections

Send direct, unlimited messages for free.

2nd-Degree Connections

People who are connected to your 1st-degree connections.

Identification of 2nd-Degree Connections

You will see a 2nd degree icon next to their name.

Actions with 2nd-Degree Connections

Send them an invitation to connect (often with the option to add a personalized note).

3rd-Degree Connections

People who are connected to your 2nd-degree connections.

Identification of 3rd-Degree Connections

You will see a 3rd icon next to their name.

Actions with 3rd-Degree Connections

You can usually send them an invitation to connect by clicking 'Connect.'

Out of Network (or 'LinkedIn Members')

LinkedIn users who fall outside of your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree network.

Identification of Out of Network Users

Their names are often hidden and simply displayed as 'LinkedIn Member.'

Actions with Out of Network Users

Profile visibility is severely limited.

Expand smartly

Focusing your networking efforts on 2nd-degree connections is highly effective.

Snowball effect

Every time you add a new 1st-degree connection, their entire network becomes your 2nd-degree connections.