The little 3rd that sometimes appears next to a LinkedIn member’s name refers to the 3rd-degree connection between you and that member. On LinkedIn, connections are categorized into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees based on how closely you are connected on the platform.
A 1st-degree connection is someone you are directly connected to on LinkedIn. You have either accepted their connection request, or they have accepted yours. Your 1st-degree connections appear in your “Connections” list.
A 2nd-degree connection is someone who is connected to one of your 1st-degree connections. You don’t have a direct connection with them, but you share a mutual connection. 2nd-degree connections are useful for expanding your network through introductions.
A 3rd-degree connection is someone connected to one of your 2nd-degree connections. So there are two degrees of separation between you and a 3rd-degree connection. You may see a 3rd notation next to a member’s name when viewing their profile or in search results.
Why LinkedIn shows 3rd-degree connections
LinkedIn displays 3rd-degree connections to give you visibility into your extended network. Even if you don’t know someone directly, you may have overlapping connections that make you more connected than you thought.
Seeing 3rd-degree connections can help you:
- Discover new people and opportunities for connection
- Gauge if someone is approachable for outreach
- Identify shared connections who can make an introduction
Essentially, the 3rd notation signals there is a path to connect with someone, even if indirectly. It helps map out your network neighborhood.
How to find your 3rd-degree connections
There are a few places you may encounter 3rd-degree connections on LinkedIn:
In profile views
When viewing another member’s profile, you may see “3rd” next to their name if LinkedIn has determined you are 3rd-degree connections.
In People Search results
If you search for people on LinkedIn, the results may display 1st, 2nd, and 3rd icons to indicate the connection degree with each person.
In relationship notifications
LinkedIn may sometimes notify you that you and another member are now “connected” as 3rd-degree connections. This happens when one of your 2nd-degree connections forms a new 1st-degree connection.
In emails and notifications
You may be notified when you and another member become 3rd-degree connections. This can occur when someone you are connected to connects with someone new.
How to leverage 3rd-degree connections
While 3rd-degree connections are looser ties, you can still benefit from having them in your extended network. Here are some ways to make the most of your 3rd-degree connections on LinkedIn:
Connect through a shared contact
If you see someone you want to connect with but don’t know directly, check your shared connections. See if you have any 2nd-degree contacts in common who could make a personal introduction.
Expand your reach
Engage with your 3rd-degree connections by liking and commenting on their posts. This can help expand your visibility and reach on LinkedIn.
Discover insider opportunities
Pay attention to what your 3rd-degree connections post and share. You may find out about job openings, events, or groups that interest you.
Grow your community
Join LinkedIn Groups that your 3rd-degree connections are members of too. This can help you connect with them in a more targeted setting.
Turning 3rd-degree into 2nd-degree connections
If you find a 3rd-degree connection you want to turn into a 2nd-degree or 1st-degree connection, here are some options:
Request an introduction
Ask for an introduction through your mutual 2nd-degree connection. This can warm up the conversation and provide a natural lead-in.
Send an InMail
Use LinkedIn InMail to directly contact the 3rd-degree connection by highlighting your shared connections.
Join shared Groups
Become active in the same LinkedIn Groups as the 3rd-degree connection to connect more organically.
Comment on their posts
Proactively engage with a 3rd-degree connection’s posts to start building a rapport.
Limits on finding 3rd-degree connections
While LinkedIn shows many 3rd-degree connections, there are some limits:
- You typically won’t see all of your 3rd-degree connections due to the scale of LinkedIn’s network.
- You are more likely to see 3rd-degree connections who are actively engaging on LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn may limit surface 3rd-degree connections who are very distantly connected across the platform.
So the 3rd-degree connections you see are based on active algorithms, and not the full extent of your extended network. But it provides a sampling of meaningful connections you can leverage.
Are 3rd-degree connections worth connecting with?
It depends on the person and your goals. 3rd-degree connections can offer value, but evaluate each one individually. Consider if you have shared interests, complementary professional backgrounds, or mutual connections that make the connection worthwhile.
Not all 3rd-degree connections will be relevant. But networking is about long-term relationship-building, so even loose ties may prove valuable down the road.
In summary:
- A 3rd-degree connection on LinkedIn means someone is connected to your 2nd-degree network.
- LinkedIn displays 3rd-degree connections to map out your extended network.
- You may encounter 3rd-degree connections in profile views, search, notifications, and emails.
- 3rd-degree connections expand your visibility and opportunities.
- You can leverage 3rd-degree connections through introductions, engagement, shared interests, and groups.
- Evaluate each 3rd-degree connection individually for relevance.