Do you know notifications on LinkedIn refer to connection requests that you receive from other users on the platform. These notifications typically include text such as “Do you know John Smith?” and allow you to either accept or ignore the request. Getting do you know notifications is common on LinkedIn, but you may be wondering why exactly you get them and what they mean.
There are a few key reasons why LinkedIn users receive do you know notifications:
Someone wants to connect with you
The main reason you get a do you know notification is that another LinkedIn user wants to connect with you. They have sent you a connection request and LinkedIn is alerting you to respond. The other user may be someone you know professionally or personally. Or, it may be someone you have never met but who wants to add you to their network.
Your profile is visible to others
For someone to send you a connection request and trigger a do you know notification, they need to be able to find your profile. On LinkedIn, your profile is visible and searchable by default. Other users can search for you by name, company, school, location, skills, and other criteria. If someone finds your profile this way, they can easily send you a connection request.
You share connections
LinkedIn allows you to see what connections you share with other users. So if someone is connected to one of your contacts, they may decide to reach out and connect with you as well. The platform makes it easy to leverage your shared connections in this way, which can result in more do you know requests.
You have relevant skills or experience
In addition to shared connections, users may want to connect with you based on your professional skills, experience, education, or other profile details. If someone is looking to make connections with people who have certain backgrounds or expertise, your profile may appear in their searches. This can prompt them to send you a request.
You are in the same industry or location
Shared industries and locations are other common points of connection on LinkedIn. People often search for and look to connect with professionals who work in their industry or live and work in their geographic area. If you are in the same field or city as another user, they may reach out via a do you know request.
Someone likes or comments on your content
Engaging with your posts and content on LinkedIn by liking or commenting on them can motivate people to send you connection requests. When someone interacts with your activity this way, they may then be prompted to add you to their professional network.
You appear as a suggested connection
LinkedIn suggests connections for users to add based on criteria like shared connections, industries, locations, and skills. If you show up as a suggested connection for another user, they can easily send you a request from your profile.
You have a premium account
LinkedIn Premium subscribers have access to features like advanced profile searches and can see more profile information about other users. They may be more likely to find and reach out to new professional contacts, including via do you know requests.
Someone wants to message you
In many cases, people want to connect so that they can message you within LinkedIn. Sending InMail messages requires an existing connection, so a do you know request may indicate someone wants to contact you directly.
It’s an accidental request
Finally, some do you know notifications may actually be sent to you by accident. For example, someone may unintentionally click on the request button on your profile. While accidental, these requests still show up as notifications.
Should you accept or ignore do you know requests?
When you get a do you know notification, you need to decide whether to accept or ignore the connection request. There are pros and cons to both options:
Pros of accepting
- Grow your network and reach
- Gain access to new professional contacts
- Build relationships that may help your career
- Increase number of shared connections
- Engage with more users who see your activity
Cons of accepting
- Connect to people you may not know well
- Risk of spam or sales pitches
- Obligation to engage with new connections
- Too many connections to manage
Pros of ignoring
- Avoid overwhelming number of connections
- Focus on highest value relationships
- Prevent unwanted outreach from strangers
- Maintain privacy and exclusivity of network
Cons of ignoring
- Miss out on potential opportunities
- Damage relationships with existing connections
- Appear rude or uninterested in engaging
- Limit number of people who see your profile and activity
There are good reasons for both accepting and ignoring do you know requests depending on your specific goals and preferences. Take the pros and cons into account when deciding how to respond.
Tips for managing do you know requests
Here are some best practices for handling do you know notifications and requests:
Review profiles before responding
Take the time to view the requester’s profile and see if you share any connections, industries, or interests. This context can help inform your decision.
Check for personalized notes
Many requests include short notes introducing themselves or explaining the reason for connecting. This shows extra effort beyond a generic invite.
Connect sparingly
Be selective about who you accept requests from to maintain a focused, quality network. Don’t feel obligated to accept everyone.
Expand your network slowly
Grow your connections at a steady, manageable pace instead of accepting many requests all at once. Avoid having too many to keep up with.
Customize request messages
Personalize the message when requesting to connect with someone yourself. This shows more care for the relationship.
Follow up after connecting
After accepting a request, take the initiative to follow up and start a dialogue with an InMail message.
Update notification settings
Adjust your LinkedIn settings to control how often you receive notifications about connection requests.
Report suspicious activity
Use LinkedIn’s reporting feature if a request seems fraudulent, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate.
Remove outdated connections
Do occasional network reviews and prune connections that are no longer relevant by removing them.
Conclusion
Receiving do you know notifications is simply part of the LinkedIn experience. But you can manage these requests effectively by understanding why you get them, weighing the pros and cons of responding, and following best practices. Be selective about who you connect with and proactive about maintaining your network. With a thoughtful approach, you can make the most of LinkedIn connection opportunities.
