Introduction
LinkedIn is a popular online social networking platform for professionals and businesses designed to help them connect, share ideas, and create professional relationships. One of its features, designed for this purpose, is the “People You May Know.” In this article, we explore in-depth what LinkedIn’s “People You May Know” is all about.
What is LinkedIn People You May Know?
LinkedIn’s “People You May Know” is a feature of the professional networking site that uses algorithms to suggest potential connections to you. When you visit your LinkedIn homepage, you likely see a list of individuals, sorted underneath the “People You May Know” section. These individuals are not arbitrary. LinkedIn uses a complex computational algorithm to analyze several sets of data and suggest these profiles to you.
This feature is designed to encourage users to grow their professional network by connecting with people who share common connections, have shared professional experiences, or have similar interests.
The “People You May Know” system was developed with the understanding that establishing a network is a crucial aspect of professional success. By using a variety of data-driven criteria, LinkedIn is able to suggest new connections to users that may bring value to their professional life. At the same time, it makes it easier for professionals to find and stay connected with other professionals they may know or want to know.
How Does LinkedIn Determine and Suggest People You May Know?
To understand how LinkedIn generates these suggestions, you have to understand the algorithm behind it. LinkedIn can suggest “People You May Know” based on several factors such as:
1. Mutual Connections: LinkedIn looks at your existing connections and identifies individuals who are connected to your connections. These second-degree connections form a major part of the “People You May Know” recommendations. This is built on the theory that people you have multiple mutual connections with are likely those you might know or would want to connect with.
2. Shared Experiences: If you’ve attended the same university, worked at the same company, or have similar professional skills listed on your profile, LinkedIn’s algorithm is likely to suggest people who have similar experiences.
3. Information on Your Profile: It could be your listed skills, interests, educational background, and professional experiences—LinkedIn’s algorithm uses everything on your profile to match you with potential connections. The more complete your profile is, the more accurate the suggestions can be.
4. Interests and Groups: LinkedIn Groups are virtual meeting rooms (or forums) where people with similar interests can share and discuss ideas around a subject matter. If you’re active in the same LinkedIn Group(s) as another user, LinkedIn’s algorithm takes note of this interaction and may suggest this user in your “People You May Know.”
5. Location: LinkedIn tends to suggest professionals who are in the same geographic region as you. This does not mean you won’t get suggestions from people outside your location, but geographic proximity plays a part in generating these suggestions.
The main aim of this feature is to help professionals connect, interact, share knowledge, build professional relationships and potentially, embark on new opportunities. LinkedIn’s “People You May Know” can be an effective tool when used regularly and correctly. Keep in mind that networking is all about establishing meaningful relationships—be selective in sending connection requests and maintain a professional demeanor while interacting with your connections on LinkedIn. Remember, the power of LinkedIn lies in the strength of your network. As you leverage this platform, ensure your connection requests and messages are personal, appropriate, and professional.