LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 650 million users worldwide. As a professional networking site, LinkedIn aims to connect users with other professionals in their industry or related fields. One way LinkedIn facilitates these connections is through suggesting new connections for its users to add to their networks.
How LinkedIn Generates Suggestions for Connections
LinkedIn uses sophisticated algorithms and data analysis to generate suggested connections for each user. There are several factors that contribute to LinkedIn’s suggestions:
- Shared Connections – LinkedIn looks at your existing 1st degree connections and suggests 2nd and 3rd degree connections who are in your extended network.
- Shared Work Experience – People you’ve worked at the same companies with in the past are likely to be good connections.
- Shared Groups – LinkedIn suggests connections who are members of the same LinkedIn groups that you are in.
- Shared Education – Fellow alumni from your school are logical connection suggestions.
- Shared Interests – LinkedIn analyzes your profile and activity to match it with others who share common interests and expertise.
- Profile Views – People who have viewed your LinkedIn profile are often suggested to connect.
- Search History – LinkedIn recommends connections based on your recent searches on the platform.
By considering these different factors, LinkedIn is able to generate personalized suggestions catered to each user. The algorithmic suggestions may highlight new connections that a user would not have considered otherwise but that make sense based on their professional background and interests.
Types of LinkedIn Connection Suggestions
There are a few main types of suggested connections that you may see on LinkedIn:
People You May Know
The “People You May Know” section shows you 2nd and 3rd degree connections as described above. These are people who are likely within your extended professional network through shared connections, but that you are not yet connected to directly. Suggestions are based on having overlapping connections and backgrounds.
“X” shared an update mentioning you
These suggestions highlight when someone you are connected to has shared an update and mentioned your name or profile. The person mentioning you is likely someone you know well, and the suggestion encourages you to connect with others also referenced in the post.
University Alumni
Your university’s alumni network is a great source for professional connections. LinkedIn suggests fellow graduates from your university, especially those who have overlapping work experiences or interests as you.
People Also Viewed
This section shows you profiles of people who have recently viewed your LinkedIn profile. Viewing someone’s profile indicates interest in connecting, so LinkedIn facilitates that by recommending you connect with your profile viewers.
“X” would like to stay in touch on LinkedIn
When someone sends you an invitation to connect on LinkedIn, you will receive a suggestion to accept their invitation. It provides a notification that someone wants to add you to their professional network on LinkedIn.
How to Manage LinkedIn Connection Suggestions
If some of the automatically generated suggestions do not seem relevant, here are some ways to control the suggestions you see:
- Select “Dismiss” on suggestions you do not want to connect with. This provides feedback to LinkedIn.
- In Settings, you can turn off profile viewing suggestions if desired.
- Customize your interests and expertise in your Profile to influence better suggestions.
- Connect with more people in your desired professional circles to improve the relevancy of “People You May Know.”
How to Leverage LinkedIn Suggestions
Here are some tips for making the most of LinkedIn connection suggestions:
- Review all suggestions carefully before dismissing them. Even if you do not know someone, they could be valuable to connect with professionally.
- Personalize your invitation message with a note instead of just accepting generically. Mention why you would like to connect.
- Suggest new connections proactively to others you would like to network with. Don’t rely just on inbound suggestions.
- Use advanced search to find connections by industry, employer, job function etc. Sort by 2nd degree connections.
- Upgrade to a Premium account to reveal all your suggested connections without limits.
Pros of Connecting with LinkedIn Suggestions
There are many benefits to thoughtfully connecting with some of LinkedIn’s suggested contacts:
- Expand your professional network and open new doors.
- Get introduced to relevant contacts beyond your 1st degree network.
- Increase your visibility and access new opportunities.
- Develop your personal brand by associating with key contacts.
- Access insights from a wider range of connections.
- Build relationships through common affiliations and interests.
Cons of Connecting with LinkedIn Suggestions
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of:
- Indiscriminately accepting suggestions can clutter your network.
- Random connections you do not engage with may not add value.
- It can seem intrusive to some to connect without a personalized message.
- Accepting irrelevant suggestions may lead to more poor suggestions.
- Mass connecting can be perceived as disingenuous or self-promotional.
Who Not to Connect With
While most suggestions can lead to quality connections, here are some types of suggested contacts you may wish to avoid or be more selective with:
- Contacts completely outside of your industry unless they are close connections.
- Prospectors and sales people trying to pitch their business.
- Connections who seem fake or have questionable experience listed.
- Suggestions LinkedIn may auto-populate who you do not recognize at all.
- Contacts who directly compete with you or may have a conflict of interest.
How to Prioritize Suggestions
With a strategy, you can effectively filter through your suggested connections on LinkedIn:
- Accept close contacts – Connect with people you know well personally or professionally.
- Review shared connections – People linked through your trusted connections can often be valuable.
- Connect strategically – Target suggestions at your dream companies or in leadership roles in your field.
- Avoid random invites – Be selective and do not default to accepting every suggestion you see.
- Personalize invitations – Customize your message to explain why you want to connect.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about LinkedIn connection suggestions:
- Suggestions are based on shared affiliations, interests and networks.
- Leverage 2nd and 3rd degree connections through suggestions.
- Be selective and do not default to accepting every suggestion.
- Personalize your outreach instead of generically accepting.
- Recommend suggestions proactively too, don’t just rely on inbound.
- Suggestions can expand your network but avoid irrelevant contacts.
- Prioritize high-quality connections aligned with your goals.
Conclusion
LinkedIn’s suggested connections can be a valuable source of relevant contacts to grow your professional network. But suggestions should be evaluated carefully and selectively to ensure you are connecting with people who align with your career objectives, industry and interests. With a strategy, you can leverage LinkedIn suggestions to maximize high-quality connections while minimizing unwanted contacts and noise.