To improve your professional opportunities on LinkedIn, it’s important to build and maintain your network actively. Waiting for others to reach out to you won’t be as effective as strategically sending and accepting invitations.
Once you start actively connecting with people on LinkedIn, you will notice the numbers next to each profile’s name. These numbers – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree connections – are significant when it comes to networking and interacting with others on the platform.
Let’s find out what does 1st, 2nd, and 3rd mean on LinkedIn and how you can utilize that to grow your network.
On LinkedIn, there are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree connections. 1st-degree connections are those you’re directly connected with, while 2nd-degree connections are friends of your friends, and 3rd-degree connections are friends of your 2nd-degree connections. Engaging with all three levels can lead to networking opportunities and new introductions.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Connections
First, it’s important to understand the three degrees of LinkedIn connections. These degrees categorize the users within your network based on your relationship with them and how closely connected you are.
- 1st Degree Connections: You have directly connected with these individuals on the platform. When you send a connection request to someone who accepts, they become your 1st-degree connection. Alternatively, when someone sends you a connection request you accept, they also become your 1st-degree connection. These connections are the most directly connected to you and, therefore, likely to have the most influence on your network and visibility on LinkedIn.
- 2nd-Degree Connections: These are individuals who are connected to your 1st-degree connections. In other words, they are the connections of your connections, but you haven’t connected with them directly. Since they are indirectly connected to you, engaging with them can help expand your network and potentially lead to new introductions and networking opportunities.
- 3rd-Degree Connections: These individuals are connected to 2nd-degree connections. They are at least two levels away from your direct network but can still impact your LinkedIn experience. Although your interaction with 3rd-degree connections is more limited, they can provide further networking opportunities, particularly if you want to expand your network in a specific industry or field.
If you didn’t know, you can also see someone’s connections on LinkedIn when they are your 1st-degree connection.
What Does “1st” Mean on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform with over 900 million users. It allows users to create a professional profile to maintain their network, expand their connections, and stay informed about new job opportunities. Among the various connections on LinkedIn, the term “1st” refers specifically to your 1st-degree connections.
How to Identify 1st Degree Connections
When using LinkedIn, it is simple to identify your 1st-degree connections. Their profile will display a “1st” symbol near their name, signifying that you are directly connected. Moreover, when searching for individuals, the search results will display either “1st,” “2nd,” or “3rd” next to the person’s name, depending on the degree of connection.
Additionally, to view your list of 1st-degree connections, you can access the “My Network” tab on the LinkedIn home screen. Here, you will see a comprehensive list of all the people you are directly connected to, along with their profile pictures, headlines, and mutual connections.
Impact of 1st Degree Connections on Networking
Your 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn are valuable for your professional development and career goals. Here are some ways they can impact your networking experience:
- Access to a broader network: Having more 1st-degree connections means that your extended network, which includes your 2nd and 3rd-degree connections, will be larger. This can help you reach potential employers, colleagues or clients through mutual connections.
- Information about job opportunities: Your 1st-degree connections can notify you of job openings within their companies or in their industries. They may also endorse or recommend you to others, which can improve your credibility on the platform.
- Expertise and knowledge sharing: Your 1st-degree connections can offer advice and information on various professional topics by engaging with your content or posts.
- Increased visibility: The more 1st-degree connections you have, the more your profile appears in extended networks, making it easy to be discovered by potential employers, clients, or partners.
Cultivating a strong network of 1st-degree connections is advantageous for your professional growth on LinkedIn. Staying active on the platform, engaging with connections authentically, and sharing valuable content can strengthen these relationships and contribute to your career success.
Expanding Your 1st Degree Connections
Strategies for Growing Your Network
Expanding your first-degree connections on LinkedIn is essential to growing your professional network. To do so, some recommended strategies include sending connection requests, participating in LinkedIn groups, and utilizing alumni and professional organizations. Here are more details about these strategies:
- Sending Connection Requests: The first and most straightforward way to increase your first-degree connections is by sending connection requests to people you know or want to connect with professionally. Be proactive in identifying potential connections, including colleagues, former employees, and other professionals in your industry. Make sure to personalize your connection request by writing a short message explaining why you’d like to connect and how you’ve come across their profile.
- Using LinkedIn Groups: Joining and actively participating in LinkedIn groups relevant to your field can help expand your first-degree connections. You can increase your visibility and attract potential connections by engaging in discussions, sharing content, and providing value to group members. Furthermore, being a member of the same group makes other professionals accept your connection requests and engage with you.
- Alumni and Professional Organizations: Leverage your alumni network and professional organizations to increase your first-degree connections. Connect with former classmates, professors, or colleagues from your previous institutions, as they often have valuable connections in your industry. Similarly, join professional associations and attend networking events to meet new people interested in connecting with you on LinkedIn.
Don’t worry, you can always cancel a connection request on LinkedIn if you change your mind.
Dos and Don’ts for Connecting with Professionals
When reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn, following the right approach is crucial to build genuine relationships and expand your network. Some dos and don’ts for connecting with professionals on LinkedIn include:
- Personalized Invitations: Whenever you send a connection request, always personalize the message by mentioning something relevant to the recipient. This could be a mutual connection, common interest, or a recent article they shared. Personalizing your approach allows your connection requests to stand out and increases the recipient’s chances of accepting your invitation.
- Common Interests and Shared Experiences: When reaching out to new connections, focus on finding common ground. Look for shared experiences, common interests, or mutual connections that can serve as a basis for the relationship. If you don’t have any shared experiences, consider asking for advice or insights about a particular topic related to their expertise. Establishing a conversation based on common grounds facilitates the relationship and creates opportunities for collaboration.
- Building Relationships Before Asking for Favors: It’s essential to develop a relationship with your connections before asking for any favors or recommendations. After connecting with someone, nurture the relationship by engaging with their content, commenting on their updates, and providing valuable insights. Taking the time to interact and genuinely care about their experiences can help build rapport and trust.
Expanding your first-degree connections on LinkedIn is vital for growing your professional network. You can effectively connect with professionals in your field by sending personalized connection requests, engaging in LinkedIn groups, and leveraging alumni and professional organizations. Remember to personalize your approach, find common interests, and build relationships before asking for favors to establish genuine connections and unlock more opportunities.
Leveraging Your 1st Degree Connections
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile
Optimizing your profile is crucial to making the most out of your 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn. This will help you look more professional and increase the chances of expanding your network and obtaining opportunities.
The first step is to have a high-quality profile picture, dramatically impacting how others perceive you. Ensure that the picture is a headshot with a clear background, taken in well-lit conditions, and wearing professional attire.
Next, write a compelling headline highlighting your value, expertise, or the industry you belong to. This will help your profile to stand out, improve your search ranking, and help people understand your professional identity. Using relevant keywords will also increase the chance your profile appears in the search results of potential connections.
In the summary section, tell a compelling story about your professional journey, accomplishments, and goals. Make sure to use quantifiable results and emphasize your strengths. Also, tailor it to your target audience, potential employers, clients, or connections.
The experience section is just as important as your summary. List your past and current roles, adding details about your responsibilities, skills utilized, and accomplishments. Be concise and use action verbs to demonstrate your expertise. Remember to optimize this section with relevant keywords as well.
Lastly, seek recommendations and endorsements from your connections. These showcase your skills in the eyes of others and can help potential clients and employers feel more confident in your abilities. Request recommendations from current and past colleagues who can vouch for your skills and ask them to endorse your top skills on your profile.
Networking with 1st Degree Connections
Maintaining and nurturing relationships with your 1st degree connections is key to leveraging them. Reach out to them regularly by engaging with their posts, commenting, and congratulating them on their professional achievements. These small acts can strengthen relationships and open up opportunities for collaborations and referrals.
Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions to 2nd degree connections, especially if they hold a prominent position or belong to your target industry. Your 1st-degree connections can introduce you and provide context for your connection request, thus increasing your chances of connecting with influential people.
Don’t be afraid to ask your connections for referrals and recommendations when seeking new job opportunities or professional advancement. They may have access to unadvertised job openings or inside leads if they work in a company or industry relevant to your career interests. Ensure you have a strong relationship before making such requests, and only ask when you are confident in their willingness to help.
Job Hunting and Career Advancement
Capitalize on your 1st-degree connections for job leads by monitoring updates or job postings from the “Jobs” section on LinkedIn. Make sure to express your interest and reach out to the person who shared the job opportunity or directly to the hiring manager.
Your 1st-degree connections can provide invaluable career advice based on their experiences and successes. Seek guidance and feedback from your connections, particularly those in your target industry or role. Engaging in conversations can open the door for mentorship or even new career opportunities.
Lastly, engage your 1st-degree connections in collaborative projects. Working with others in your network can generate more opportunities, help you gain experience, and build a strong professional reputation. Reach out to your connections with project ideas or express your interest in joining ongoing projects that align with your skill set and goals.
Leveraging your 1st-degree connections on LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool for professional growth and career advancement. By optimizing your profile, maintaining relationships, and capitalizing on networking opportunities, you can make the most of your connections and achieve your professional goals.
Connecting with 2nd and 3rd Degree Connections
One of the most effective ways to broaden your professional network on LinkedIn is to move beyond your 1st degree connections and begin connecting with 2nd and 3rd degree connections. These individuals are not directly connected to you but are linked to your primary connections.
To find your 2nd and 3rd degree connections on LinkedIn, visit the profiles of your 1st degree contacts and look for mutual connections. Alternatively, you can use the advanced search option to filter connections by degree of separation. People within these categories can often provide valuable insights, job opportunities, and connections in specific industries or companies.
Creating personalized and thoughtful messages is essential when reaching out to these connections. Remember to highlight any shared interests, mutual connections, or industry-related topics you are passionate about. Doing this helps to foster stronger relationships and increase the likelihood of their acceptance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of “1st” on a LinkedIn profile?
In the LinkedIn networking platform, “1st” denotes that the person is a first-degree connection. This indicates a direct relationship, meaning you have accepted a connection request, or vice versa, establishing a professional link between the profiles.
How can I expand my network by utilizing first-degree connections on LinkedIn?
To expand networks using first-degree connections, explore these connections’ networks, send personalized connection requests to potential connections, request introductions from first-degree connections, initiate engaging conversations, and participate in LinkedIn groups where connections are active.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd connections on LinkedIn?
A 1st connection is a direct connection with a LinkedIn member, while the 2nd connection is based on shared connections, meaning a one-degree separation from direct connections. Connecting with the 2nd connection would turn them into a 1st connection for your profile.
Is there any limitation in the number of first-degree connections on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn imposes a limit of 30,000 first-degree connections per individual account. This limit aims to maintain the platform’s purpose of providing value through meaningful, quality connections rather than focusing on quantity.
There is also a weekly invitation limit, so you cannot add these 30,000 connections all at once.
How can I identify a first-degree connection in LinkedIn search results?
When browsing search results on LinkedIn, a 1st-degree icon appears next to the names of first-degree connections. This icon looks like a small blue circle with white text displaying “1st”, clearly indicating their connection status with your profile.
Do first-degree connections affect profile visibility on LinkedIn?
Yes, having first-degree connections can impact profile visibility. A strong network of 1st-degree connections enables higher chances of showing up in search results, LinkedIn’s “People You May Know” suggestions, and engagement, ultimately increasing profile visibility.
Final words
A diverse network of connections on LinkedIn can provide numerous benefits for your career and professional growth. Some advantages of network diversity include:
- Increased Networking Opportunities: By having a wide range of connections, you’re more likely to meet professionals who can introduce you to job leads, projects, or partnerships.
- Broader Industry Insight: Connecting with professionals from various fields and backgrounds can give you insight into different industries and market trends, helping you make more informed career decisions.
- Wider Reach for Sharing Content: The more diverse your network, the wider your audience for sharing content, promoting your work or business, and engaging in professional discussions.
- Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Diverse connections can provide unique perspectives, advice, and resources to help you grow your skills and career.
- Reputation Building: A diverse network can support your personal brand and demonstrate your ability to engage with a range of professionals, helping you build credibility and establish yourself as a well-connected and sought-after expert in your field.
Understanding LinkedIn’s ranking terms and prioritizing network diversity can lead to expanded professional opportunities and growth. By engaging with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree connections and fostering a diverse network of professionals, you can enhance your LinkedIn experience and unlock the platform’s full potential for your career advancement.
