LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows individuals to connect with colleagues, find job opportunities, and share industry-related content. One feature on LinkedIn that has left users puzzled is the term "3rd" that appears next to some connections' names. So, what does 3rd mean on LinkedIn? Let's find out.
What Does 3rd Mean on Linkedin?
When you see the term "3rd" next to a connection's name on LinkedIn, it indicates that you are not directly connected to that person. Instead, you are connected to them through a mutual connection, who is your second-degree connection. In other words, the person with the "3rd" label is a friend of a friend.
LinkedIn uses a degree of connection to show how closely you are connected to someone within your network. Here's a breakdown of the different connection degrees:
- 1st Degree Connection: These are people you are directly connected to on LinkedIn. You can view their full profiles, send them messages, and see their activity in your feed.
- 2nd Degree Connection: These are people who are connected to your 1st degree connections. While you cannot view their full profiles, you can see their names, job titles, and shared connections. You can also send them a connection request or message through a mutual connection.
- 3rd Degree Connection: These are people who are connected to your 2nd degree connections. Like 2nd degree connections, you can see their names, job titles, and shared connections. However, the level of connection is further removed, making it more challenging to establish a direct connection.
- Out of Network: These are individuals who are not connected to you or any of your connections. You can only see their names and job titles, and you cannot send them connection requests or messages through LinkedIn.
The "3rd" label is a helpful indicator on LinkedIn as it allows users to understand their level of connection to a person without having to view their profile. It helps in identifying potential mutual connections who could facilitate an introduction or referral.
In summary, the term "3rd" on LinkedIn signifies that the person is a third-degree connection, meaning they are connected to you through a mutual connection. It indicates a more distant connection compared to 1st and 2nd degree connections but can still be beneficial for expanding your professional network.