LinkedIn Terminology Explained for New Users

If you’ve recently joined LinkedIn and find yourself confused by phrases like “Open to Work,” “InMail,” or “1st-degree connection,” don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every platform has its jargon, and LinkedIn terms for beginners can be especially overwhelming when you’re just starting out. That’s where LinkedIn writing makeover services can help—by transforming your profile into a polished, professional representation of your personal brand while also helping you navigate the platform with confidence.

In this post, we’re breaking down the most important LinkedIn profile terms and common LinkedIn phrases in simple language. This is your new user guide to LinkedIn—whether you’re navigating job boards, building connections, or messaging recruiters.

We’ll walk you through the LinkedIn definitions, LinkedIn job board terms, and profile-related language that recruiters, hiring managers, and power users commonly use. Our goal is to help you make sense of it all—from understanding LinkedIn basics explained to recognizing how different features and LinkedIn engagement terms work.

Let’s decode the LinkedIn terminology explained for new users in a way that’s actually helpful—and jargon-free.

What Does "1st, 2nd, and 3rd" Connection Mean on LinkedIn?

You’ll see these numbers on almost every profile:

1st-degree connections are people you’re directly connected to. You’ve accepted each other’s connection requests.

2nd-degree connections are one step removed—friends of your connections.

3rd-degree connections are people connected to your 2nd-degree network.

These LinkedIn connection types help you understand how closely connected you are to someone, which matters when you’re job hunting or networking.

What Is InMail on LinkedIn?

InMail is a messaging feature that allows you to send a message to someone you’re not connected with. It’s available to Premium users and is often used by recruiters or job seekers trying to reach someone outside their network.

Think of InMail as LinkedIn’s professional version of a cold email.

What Does "Open to Work" Mean on LinkedIn?

If you’re seeing the green “Open to Work” banner on someone’s photo, it means they’re actively job searching and have opted to show that status on their profile.

You can enable this too in your settings to signal to recruiters that you're open to new opportunities.

Connect vs. Follow: What's the Difference?

When you connect with someone, you become part of each other’s networks and can exchange messages. When you follow someone, you can see their content and updates but can’t message them unless they accept a connection request.

Connect = Two-way relationship

Follow = One-way content subscription

This distinction is part of the LinkedIn communication tools every new user should know.

LinkedIn Profile Terms You Should Know

Here are a few key LinkedIn lingo items every beginner should learn:

Headline: This appears below your name. It’s your 1-liner pitch.

Summary: Also called the “About” section. It’s where you tell your professional story.

Skills & Endorsements: List your skills and let others validate them.

Experience: Your job history and responsibilities.

Recommendations: Testimonials written by others about you.

Featured Section: Great for showcasing links, resumes, or portfolio work.

Understanding these LinkedIn profile features is key to creating a powerful profile that attracts attention.

What Are LinkedIn Endorsements?

Endorsements are when your connections vouch for a specific skill listed on your profile. For example, someone might endorse you for “Project Management” or “Graphic Design.”

They add social proof to your skill set and improve your visibility in LinkedIn recruiter terms and search results.

What Is the LinkedIn Feed?

Just like Facebook or Twitter, your LinkedIn feed shows updates from people and companies you follow. This includes articles, status updates, job changes, and more.

This is a big part of how you interact with the LinkedIn engagement terms that power the platform—likes, comments, reposts, and hashtags.

What Are LinkedIn Groups?

LinkedIn groups are community spaces based on industry, profession, or interests. You can join discussions, share resources, and network with like-minded professionals.

These are essential if you're using LinkedIn for networking and learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does 1st, 2nd, and 3rd connection mean on LinkedIn?

These numbers show how close your relationship is with another user. 1st means you’re directly connected, 2nd means you share a mutual connection, and 3rd is one step further out.

2. What is InMail on LinkedIn?

It’s a paid feature that lets you message people you’re not connected with. It’s mostly used by recruiters and job seekers for outreach.

3. What does Open to Work mean on LinkedIn?

It means someone is open to new job opportunities and has enabled a feature to let recruiters and/or the public know.

4. What is the difference between Connect and Follow on LinkedIn?

Connect means you both agree to network and can message each other. Follow means you’ll see their content, but they don’t have to accept your request.

5. What are LinkedIn endorsements and how do they work?

Other users can validate the skills listed on your profile, giving your profile more credibility.

LinkedIn Jargon Breakdown: Other Key Terms to Know

Term Meaning

Connections Your LinkedIn network.

Content Creator Mode A setting that prioritizes your posts and followers.

Recommendations Written testimonials from other users.

Activity Shows what you’ve posted, liked, or commented on recently.

Notifications Alerts about profile views, comments, messages, and jobs.

All of these are part of understanding how LinkedIn works, especially when it comes to LinkedIn navigation tips and engagement metrics.

Why Learning LinkedIn Terms Matters

When you understand the LinkedIn job search language, you're more likely to use the platform effectively. Whether you’re messaging a recruiter, customizing your headline, or joining a group, knowing what these terms mean gives you confidence.

If you’ve ever thought, “What do LinkedIn terms mean?” or “How do I use LinkedIn like a pro?”, this blog is your answer.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—LinkedIn terminology explained for new users, without the confusion. You now understand what people mean when they say “Let’s connect,” or ask if you're “Open to Work.”

The next time you log in, you won’t feel lost in buzzwords or confused by LinkedIn features. You’ll feel confident navigating the platform and engaging with your professional community.