LinkedIn 3rd Meaning Explained and How to Use Connections
Learn what LinkedIn 3rd-degree connections mean, why they matter for networking, and effective strategies to reach and engage them successfully.
Introduction to LinkedIn Connection Degrees
Understanding LinkedIn connection degrees is vital for anyone looking to grow their professional network strategically. The LinkedIn 3rd meaning—along with 1st- and 2nd-degree definitions—reflects how closely you are connected to another person on the platform. By leveraging this knowledge, you can make targeted outreach decisions, identify hidden opportunities, and build meaningful relationships.
On LinkedIn:
- 1st-degree: Direct connections — both have accepted each other's invitation.
- 2nd-degree: Connected to your 1st-degree contacts, but not directly to you.
- 3rd-degree: Connected to your 2nd-degree contacts, two steps away in your network.
Mastering these degrees of connection maximizes the reach and relevance of your LinkedIn presence.
---
Definition of "3rd" Connection on LinkedIn
The LinkedIn 3rd meaning identifies people who are:
- Connected to your 2nd-degree connections.
- Not directly connected to you.
- Accessible primarily via mutual introductions or paid LinkedIn features like InMail.
Visual chain:
🟢 You → 🟢 Your 1st-degree connection → 🟢 Their 1st-degree (your 2nd) → 🟢 Their 1st-degree (your 3rd)
In practice, a 3rd-degree connection is a warm lead if approached through mutual contacts.
---
How LinkedIn Calculates Connection Degrees
LinkedIn applies a simple algorithm:
- Direct network (1st-degree): People you’ve connected with.
- Their connections (2nd-degree): Profiles linked to your 1st-degree contacts.
- Connections of 2nd-degree members (3rd-degree): Your extended network.
This mapping is dynamic—every new connection can expand or restructure your 3rd-degree network instantly.
---
Why 3rd-Degree Connections Are Valuable for Networking
The 3rd-degree layer is often underestimated, yet it can yield high-value opportunities:
- Wider reach into sectors outside your immediate niche.
- Fresh perspectives from professionals with different backgrounds.
- Access to unadvertised roles and business opportunities.
> Granovetter’s Strength of Weak Ties theory underscores the importance of these weaker connections in career advancement and opportunity discovery.
---
Interaction Limitations With 3rd-Degree Connections
Although useful, there are built-in restrictions:
| Feature | 1st-Degree | 2nd-Degree | 3rd-Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Send Direct Message | Yes | No (unless InMail) | No (unless InMail) |
| Send Connection Request | Yes | Yes | Yes (may require email address) |
| View Full Profile | Yes | Partial (privacy-dependent) | Limited (privacy-dependent) |
| See Contact Info | Yes | No | No |
Tip: For a more personal entry point, arrange mutual introductions or join LinkedIn groups that bypass degree restrictions.
---
Strategies to Reach 3rd-Degree Connections Effectively
Tap this network layer with focus and preparation:
- Mutual Introductions: Engage your shared contact to bridge the gap.
- Content Engagement: Like, comment, or share their posts to establish familiarity.
- Personalized Invitations: Always include a short, relevant note in connection requests.
- Join Relevant Groups: Group membership often allows direct messaging outside your degree.
- Post-Event Outreach: Connect immediately after webinars or in-person networking.
---
How to Search and Identify Relevant 3rd-Degree Connections
Use LinkedIn’s advanced search to target potential 3rd-degree contacts:
- Boolean search operators: Combine AND, OR, NOT for pinpointed results.
- Industry, location filters: Focus on areas that align with your professional goals.
- Connections filter: Select “3rd” to isolate extended network profiles.
- Review mutual connections: Identify who could tactfully introduce you.
Example search:
("software engineer" OR developer) AND "San Francisco"Apply the 3rd connections filter for a curated outreach list.
---
Benefits of Expanding Into Your 3rd-Degree Network
Advantages include:
- Higher visibility among industry peers and potential employers.
- Increased credibility through association with respected professionals.
- Exposure to early-stage opportunities often unlisted publicly.
- Greater diversity in your professional relationships, promoting innovation.
---
Common Misconceptions About 3rd-Degree Connections
Debunking misconceptions:
- Myth: Too distant to be valuable.
- Reality: Many collaborations and introductions start here.
- Myth: Premium is the only access point.
- Reality: Groups, events, and introductions offer free pathways.
- Myth: Privacy settings block all interaction.
- Reality: Many keep certain profile details accessible.
---
Managing Privacy and Visibility With 3rd-Degree Connections
Control what extended network members see:
- Profile visibility: Adjustable to 1st- and 2nd-degree only, if desired.
- Viewer information: Decide if your name is shown when visiting profiles.
- Search engine indexing: Toggle to limit non-connected exposure.
Balanced visibility settings protect privacy while keeping opportunity channels open.
---
Summary and Next Steps
To leverage the LinkedIn 3rd meaning for growth:
- Define clear targets within your 3rd-degree network.
- Seek introductions through mutual connections.
- Engage with visibility by interacting with their content.
- Join professional groups to expand messaging options.
- Fine-tune privacy settings to support strategic openness.
Your 3rd-degree connections are a reservoir of potential partnerships and opportunities. By approaching them consistently and respectfully, you can turn distant contacts into valuable professional allies.
Action step: Open LinkedIn today, apply the “3rd” filter in your search, and start mapping mutual introductions that align with your career or business goals.
