If you’ve ever browsed LinkedIn profiles and noticed the small labels “1st,” “2nd,” or “3rd” next to people’s names, you might have wondered what they truly mean—and why they matter. These tiny indicators hold a surprisingly important role in how your professional network operates, how far your visibility reaches, and what opportunities might be just one click away. This article breaks down what each label represents, why LinkedIn uses this system, and how you can strategically use your connection levels to unlock better networking outcomes.
What the connection labels mean on LinkedIn
What “1st” means
A “1st” label indicates a first-degree connection. This is the simplest relationship on LinkedIn: you and this person are directly connected. Either you accepted their invitation, or they accepted yours. Because of this direct link, you can freely message them, view their full profile information (unless restricted), and interact with their posts more easily.
What “2nd” means
A “2nd” label stands for second-degree connection. These individuals are not directly connected to you, but you share at least one mutual first-degree connection. Think of it as having a mutual friend in common. While you cannot usually message them without InMail, you can still view a portion of their profile and are able to send them a connection request.
What does “3rd” mean on LinkedIn?
A “3rd” label represents a third-degree connection. These people are even further outside your immediate network. You don’t know them directly, and you don’t share a first-degree connection with them. Instead, they are connected to your second-degree connections.
In other words, this person is “three steps away” in the LinkedIn network chain. You may see limited profile information, and depending on their privacy settings, you may or may not be able to send a direct connection request. Nevertheless, they are still within your extended reach and potentially valuable for future networking opportunities.
Why the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd labels matter
Access and visibility
Understanding these labels helps you grasp how much access you have to people’s profiles and how they fit into your network. First-degree connections allow the greatest visibility and simplest communication.
Networking opportunities
Second-degree connections open the door to new possibilities. Because you share a mutual connection, you can more easily ask for an introduction or reference. They represent a warm lead rather than a cold reach-out.
Extended reach
Third-degree connections—often underestimated—are actually an important gateway to broadening your professional network. Even though they are more distant, they form the foundation of your long-term network growth. Knowing what does 3rd mean on LinkedIn helps you understand precisely how far your influence extends and how many potential new contacts you can still reach.
How to use connection levels to your advantage
Nurture your first-degree relationships
Your first-degree connections are your most immediate and accessible network layer. Keep these relationships active by engaging with their posts, commenting on their achievements, sharing helpful content, or simply sending a message congratulating them on a career milestone. Strong first-degree relationships often lead to warm introductions in the future.
Explore second-degree opportunities
Your second-degree network is filled with potential new contacts. These individuals are linked to people you already know, making them excellent targets for expanding your network. Browse their profiles—especially those connected to your industry or goals—and request introductions through your mutual contacts. When appropriate, send personalized connection requests highlighting the shared link or common interest.
Reach out respectfully to third-degree connections
Most people are unsure how to interact with third-degree connections, but this layer can be incredibly powerful when approached correctly. Craft concise, meaningful, and polite outreach messages, especially if you share industry interests or professional goals. Even though the connection is distant, many people are open to networking if the message feels genuine.
Understanding what does 3rd mean on LinkedIn helps you appreciate that these connections are not unreachable—they’re simply the next frontier of building a broader professional presence.
