Have you ever noticed a green dot next to someone’s name on LinkedIn and wondered what it means?
The green dot on LinkedIn is more than just a colorful mark; it’s a way to understanding a user’s active status. This feature helps you know when someone is actively using LinkedIn, making it easier to connect and communicate in real-time.
This Quick Tip article aims to clear up any confusion, as well as provide knowledge on how you may want to reach out to a connection if you are looking for a quick response.
Let’s get started!
The 3 Types of Green Dots Simplified
LinkedIn doesn’t just have one, but three types of green dots. Each serves a unique purpose:
- Solid Green Dot: This indicates that the user is currently active on LinkedIn.
- Green Circle with a White Center: This shows that the user is not currently on LinkedIn but is available on the LinkedIn mobile app.
- No Dot: No dot means the user is currently offline.
Understanding these symbols can significantly enhance your networking strategy.
Now let’s dive deeper and answer the question:”What does the green dot mean on LinkedIn?”
The Linkedin Green Dot: Not Just an Active Status Indicator
The green dot on LinkedIn serves as an active status indicator.
It’s a small, yet powerful tool that lets you know if a person is currently online.
This feature is particularly useful for those looking to network or communicate promptly.
Imagine you’re trying to reach out to a potential employer or a networking contact; seeing the green dot can be the perfect cue to send a message, knowing they’re likely to see it immediately.
There are two different green-colored circles that can appear next to your connections’ name in your LinkedIn messaging inbox.
The first green circle that you will see next to a connections’ picture is solid green. This indicates that your connection is currently active on LinkedIn, and they will immediately receive a notification that you sent them a message.
The second green circle that you will see inside your messaging inbox will be a hollow green circle, or a circle with a white dot inside.
However you perceive it, this will indicate that this connection is currently inactive online, but they have their push notifications turned on for LinkedIn so they will receive a notification when the message is sent as well.
If there is no green circle in any form next to a connection’s name, this tells users that the connection is not active on LinkedIn and does not have their push notifications turned on, therefore it could result in a much longer response time than one with a solid or hollow green circle.
You can also access your messaging in a pop-up window at the bottom right corner of any page on LinkedIn, such as your homepage, “My Network” page, and the “Notifications” page. The solid or hollow green dot will appear in the same place that it does in your expanded messaging page. This separate window is convenient for a more instant message approach as well as for accessibility.
Why the Green Dot Feature Matters
Knowing when someone is online increases the likelihood of immediate interaction, making your communication efforts more effective.
This feature is particularly beneficial for job seekers, recruiters, and professionals looking to expand their network.
Improved Networking Opportunities: Timing is Everything
The green dot feature can significantly improve your networking opportunities.
By knowing when someone is online, you can time your messages or connection requests, increasing the chances of a prompt response. This real-time interaction can be a game-changer in building professional relationships.
Effective Communication: The Power of Instant Interaction
Effective communication is key in the professional world, and the green dot feature on LinkedIn helps in this. It allows for instant interaction, making your communication efforts more efficient and timely. This feature is especially useful for urgent queries or when trying to establish a quick connection.
How to Enable and Customize Your Green Dot Settings
Did you know that you can enable and customize your green dot settings on LinkedIn? This feature allows you to manage your visibility and availability on the platform.
You can choose to show when you’re active or keep your status private. Customizing these settings can help you maintain your desired level of privacy while still benefiting from the feature.
Disabling the Green Dot Feature On Your LinkedIn Profile?
You can disable the green dot feature by accessing Privacy & Settings, clicking on “Visibility,” and turning off the “Show active status” option.
LinkedIn Etiquette Regarding the Green Dot
While the green dot feature is incredibly useful, it’s important to navigate it with professionalism.
Just because someone is online doesn’t mean they’re available to chat at that moment. Respect their time and privacy. If you message someone and don’t get an immediate response, be patient.
Understanding and respecting LinkedIn etiquette can go a long way in maintaining professional relationships.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – the complete guide to the green dot on LinkedIn.
Now you know what the green dot means on LinkedIn.
It’s a small feature with big implications. It enhances communication, improves networking opportunities, and helps users navigate the platform more effectively.
By taking advantage of this color coding, you can significantly boost your LinkedIn experience.