What is the degree of relationship on LinkedIn?
The degree of relationship on LinkedIn refers to the closeness between you and another person on the network, based on your shared connections.
What are the relationship levels on LinkedIn?
The relationship degree is classified into three levels:
1st Degree Connection
You are directly connected to this person on LinkedIn after sending or accepting an invitation. You are mutually part of each other's professional networks. This connection allows you to exchange messages and follow their activity on your feed.
2nd Degree Connection
These people are not directly part of your network, but are connected to your 1st-degree connections. They can be considered as your "friends of friends." You cannot send them a message directly (except via InMail), but you can send them an invitation. If the invitation is accepted, the relationship becomes a 1st-degree connection.
3rd Degree Connection
This level refers to people connected to your 2nd-degree relationships. They are not part of your direct network. You cannot correspond directly with them, except using InMail.
Where to see the degree of relationship on LinkedIn?
When you view a LinkedIn profile, the degree of relationship appears directly to the right of the person's name:
"1st" indicates a direct connection.
"2nd" or "3rd" depending on the level of closeness.
"LinkedIn Member" when it's a person outside your network.
What is a "LinkedIn Member"?
A "LinkedIn Member" refers to someone who is outside your extended network on LinkedIn.
The term "LinkedIn Member" appears instead of the first and last name in the following cases:
You are not connected to this person.
They are beyond your 3rd-degree connection.
Their profile is partially or fully hidden based on their privacy settings.
💡 Good to Know
It is not possible to import a profile displayed as "LinkedIn Member," whether you use a free or premium LinkedIn account.
Generally, you cannot send an invitation or message to this person unless you have a LinkedIn Premium subscription that allows you to use InMails.
How to contact a "LinkedIn Member"?
To contact a "LinkedIn Member," you need to expand your network by looking for common connections through information visible on their profile, such as:
Their job title.
Their location.
Their industry.
By doing so, you can gradually reach this person indirectly through your extended network.