LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows you to connect with other professionals in your industry. When you are connected to someone on LinkedIn, you are able to view their full profile, see their connections, and message them directly through the LinkedIn platform.
Viewing Your Connections
There are a few different ways to see how you are connected to someone else on LinkedIn.
1. View Their Profile
The easiest way is to simply view their LinkedIn profile. When viewing someone’s profile that you are connected to, it will say “Xth Degree Connection” under their name, indicating how you are connected.
For example, if it says “2nd Degree Connection,” that means you and the other person share a direct connection in common. If it states “3rd Degree Connection,” then you and the other person are connected through someone you are both connected to.
2. See Mutual Connections
Another way to see how you are connected is to view your “Mutual Connections” with the other person. To do this:
- Go to their profile
- Scroll down and click “See all X mutual connections” on the right rail
- This will show you the people you are both connected to
Looking at your mutual connections makes it easy to see the path that connects you to the other person. For example, if you are 3rd degree connections, you will be able to see which mutual 2nd degree connection links you together.
3. Advanced Search
You can also use LinkedIn’s advanced search function to find connections. To do this:
- Go to the search bar at the top of your LinkedIn homepage
- Check the box next to “2nd and 3rd Connections”
- Type in the name of the person you want to find connections for
- In the filters on the left, check “Relationship” and select “2nd degree” or “3rd degree”
- This will show you all of your 2nd or 3rd degree connections for that person
Looking through this list will show you exactly who connects you to the other person.
Understanding Connection Paths
When looking at your connection paths with another LinkedIn user, here are some key things to keep in mind:
1st Degree Connections
A 1st degree connection is someone you are directly connected to on LinkedIn. This means you are in each other’s network and can view full profiles.
2nd Degree Connections
A 2nd degree connection is someone you are not directly connected to, but you share a mutual 1st degree connection. For example, you are connected to John who is connected to Lisa – this makes Lisa your 2nd degree connection.
3rd Degree Connections
A 3rd degree connection is someone you share a mutual 2nd degree connection with. For example, you are connected to Sarah who is connected to Mark who is connected to Sam. This makes Sam your 3rd degree connection.
Group Connections
If you are a member of the same LinkedIn group, you will show up as 3rd degree connections, even if you do not share any other connections.
Who Can See Your Connection Path?
Your 1st degree connections are displayed on your profile, but only you can see your full network including 2nd and 3rd degree connections.
Other people can only see mutual connections that you share. They cannot see the full path that connects you unless you are directly connected.
Maximize Your LinkedIn Network
Here are some tips to grow and leverage your LinkedIn network:
- Connect with colleagues and classmates from the past – you never know when a past contact may be valuable
- Join industry and local LinkedIn groups related to your field
- Follow companies you are interested in to unlock employees for networking
- Always personalize connection requests with a note
- Engage regularly by liking and commenting on updates
- Make new connections through introductions from people in your network
The broader your real-world network, the larger your LinkedIn network will become. Focus on quality over quantity and look for ways to help others when networking.
Leverage Your Extended Network
Even if someone is a 2nd or 3rd degree connection, don’t be afraid to reach out, especially if you share several mutual connections. Ways to engage your extended network include:
- Ask for introductions through mutual connections
- Look for people you have plenty in common with based on experience and interests
- Reference mutual connections when requesting to connect
- Share and comment on their content to start establishing a relationship
2nd and 3rd degree connections are great targets for expanding your opportunities and reach. Find ways to develop these loose ties into more meaningful relationships.
Be Thoughtful When Connecting
When reaching out to 2nd and 3rd degree connections, be mindful that you do not actually know each other or have a direct relationship yet. Avoid overly aggressive or risky approaches.
- Do not start with a hard pitch or sales proposition
- Steer clear of controversial topics that may polarize
- Focus on building a relationship first before pushing an agenda
- Personalize outreach and show you have common ground
Moving beyond your immediate network requires care and sincerity. Take the time to establish rapport rather than just using people for what they can do for you.
Conclusion
LinkedIn provides visibility into your extended network of 2nd and 3rd degree connections. Pay attention to mutual connections as clues to how you are linked to someone. Nurture and leverage these loose ties to expand your reach and uncover new opportunities. But always be thoughtful in how you approach people you are not directly connected to.
