LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows users to connect with other professionals in their industry. When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you are adding them to your professional network. LinkedIn offers several options for connecting with other users, including:
1st Connection
A 1st connection on LinkedIn is someone you know and directly connect with on the platform. For example, if you have worked with someone, went to school with them, or met them in person, you can send them a connection request and connect as 1st level connections. When you connect with a 1st level connection, you will be able to view their full profile, see their connections, and easily message them on LinkedIn. Connecting with 1st level connections allows you to grow your immediate professional network.
2nd Connection
A 2nd connection on LinkedIn is someone who is connected to one of your 1st level connections. For example, if you are connected with Jane who is also connected to John, then John would be your 2nd level connection. You can request to connect with 2nd level connections to grow your network beyond just your 1st level connections. When you connect with a 2nd level connection, they become a 1st level connection. Connecting with 2nd level connections allows you to expand your network to indirect connections in your industry or location.
3rd Connection
A 3rd connection on LinkedIn is someone who is connected to one of your 2nd level connections. For example, if you are connected to Jane who is connected to John and John is connected to Matt, then Matt would be your 3rd level connection. You can request to connect with 3rd level connections, but the request will only be sent if you share any 1st level connections. If your request is accepted, the 3rd level connection would become a 2nd level connection.
Connecting with 3rd level connections allows you to grow your network beyond your immediate connections or even connections of your connections. It lets you tap into “friends of friends of friends” and reach professionals more indirectly related to you and your industry. However, the 3rd degree of separation means your connection and ability to interact with them on LinkedIn is limited unless they accept your request and move closer into your network.
How to Find 3rd Level Connections
There are a few ways to find 3rd level connections on LinkedIn:
- Browse Connections of Your Connections – On someone’s profile, browse their list of connections to see if any are marked as 3rd level connections for you.
- Advanced Search – Use the advanced search function and filter by 3rd level connections.
- “People Also Viewed” – When viewing a profile, scroll down to see other 3rd level profiles LinkedIn recommends.
- Groups – Join industry or interest groups that 3rd level connections are members of.
- Company Pages – Employees of companies you are following may show up as 3rd level.
How to Connect with a 3rd Level Connection
To connect with a 3rd level connection on LinkedIn, follow these steps:
- Find the 3rd level connection through search or browsing connections.
- Go to their profile and click “Connect.”
- A message will pop up stating you have no 1st level connections in common. Click connect anyways.
- Type out a connection request note introducing yourself and why you’d like to connect.
- If they accept your request, the user will become a 2nd level connection.
Tips for Connecting with 3rd Levels
Here are some tips to keep in mind when connecting with 3rd level connections on LinkedIn:
- Personalize the connection request by mentioning any experiences, interests, or connections you may have in common.
- Be clear on why you want to connect and how you could mutually benefit from the connection.
- Follow up after connecting by sending a message or inviting them for a chat over coffee or on a call.
- Engage with their content by liking and commenting on their posts to build a relationship after connecting.
- Don’t spam connection requests. Target 3rd level connections strategically and thoughtfully.
Benefits of Connecting with 3rd Levels
Here are some of the benefits of connecting with 3rd level connections on LinkedIn:
- Extend your network and open new avenues for opportunities beyond your immediate connections.
- Gain new perspectives, insights, and capabilities by connecting with professionals in different spheres.
- Increase visibility for your profile and content by expanding your audience.
- Develop rapport with connections who can become strong referral sources.
- Find and recruit potential employees, partners, or collaborators.
Limitations of 3rd Level Connections
Some limitations to keep in mind with 3rd level LinkedIn connections include:
- It’s harder to validate credibility or trustworthiness of the connection.
- Interactions may feel less personal without shared connections.
- Harder to get responses from 3rd level connections who don’t know you.
- Difficult to identify quality 3rd level connections relevant to your goals.
- Connection limits how much of their profile and network you can view.
LinkedIn Connection Path Recommendations
Here are some best practices when it comes to different connection paths on LinkedIn:
Connection Path | Recommendation |
---|---|
1st Level Connections | Connect strategically with people you know and trust to build a strong core network. |
2nd Level Connections | Connect selectively with relevant 2nd level connections in your industry or location. |
3rd Level Connections | Connect sparingly when 3rd levels fill a specific need or introduction. |
Focus first on strengthening your 1st level connections. Be thoughtful in requesting 2nd level connections where you see value. Be highly strategic and limited in reaching out to 3rd level connections. Avoid connecting randomly or indiscriminately at any level.
Conclusion
A 3rd level LinkedIn connection is someone connected to a 2nd level connection in your network. Although 3rd level connections can help widen your reach, it takes effort and strategic relationship building to convert them into valuable connections. Be purposeful in considering who and why you want to connect at the 3rd level. Nurture those selective connections through engagement and shared value after connecting.