Looking for a way to boost your professional credibility on LinkedIn? What about a recommendation? Whether you’re looking for a new job, building your personal brand, or expanding your network, having strong endorsements from colleagues, clients, or supervisors makes a big difference. But how do you ask for a recommendation that really stands out and gets noticed?
Why LinkedIn recommendations matter
LinkedIn recommendations act as social proof of your skills, character, and work ethic. They are a way for others to publicly vouch for your abilities, which can influence how potential employers or collaborators perceive you. In a competitive market, these testimonials can be the deciding factor in getting a job interview or landing a client.
The beauty of LinkedIn recommendations is that they are visible to everyone who visits your profile. Unlike private references that employers might check after an interview, recommendations on LinkedIn help build trust right from the get-go. They also provide a more authentic and personalized account of your professional contributions than a standard CV or resume can offer.
Best ways to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation
When asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, the key is to be thoughtful and strategic. A generic, rushed request is less likely to yield the glowing recommendation you’re hoping for. You may be thinking: “But how can I influence that? I’m not the one writing it!”. And you’re right. But remember – how you ask the question influences what answer you get. So, how to ask for a good recommendation?
- Choose the right person – Think about who can provide the most meaningful feedback about your work. The person should know you well enough to write a detailed and specific recommendation. Reaching out to someone who can barely remember working with you will likely result in a vague, less impactful endorsement.
- Personalize your request – Don’t use LinkedIn’s default message when asking for a recommendation. A personalized note shows that you’ve put thought into the request, and it helps the person understand exactly what you’re looking for. You can also ask specific questions to make sure they mention what you need to be mentioned.
- Timing matters – Reach out to people soon after completing a successful project, during a transition period (such as leaving a company), or after they’ve shared positive feedback with you in person or over email. This way, your work is still fresh in their mind.
- Offer to return the favor – One way to make your request more appealing is to offer to write a recommendation in return. This creates a mutually beneficial exchange, which can increase the chances of them saying yes and putting in actual effort.
How to write a recommendation request that gets results
Once you’ve identified the right person and are ready to ask, its time for crafting the perfect message. Here’s a breakdown of how to write a recommendation request that gets results:
- Start with gratitude – Begin your message by expressing genuine appreciation for the person’s time and the professional relationship you’ve had. People are more inclined to help when they feel valued.
- Be specific about the focus – Vague requests often lead to vague recommendations. Be clear about what you’d like the recommendation to highlight. Giving direction helps the person focus their recommendation on aspects of your work that matter most to your goals.
- Keep it short and polite – Your request shouldn’t be long-winded or demanding. Keep it concise while being clear about what you’re asking for.
- Provide context – If the person you’re reaching out to hasn’t worked with you recently, remind them of the specific time period or project you’re referencing.
- Give them time – Don’t rush the process or expect an immediate response. Be patient and respectful of their time.
- Follow up politely if needed – If you don’t receive a response after a few weeks, it’s okay to send a gentle follow-up message. Acknowledge their busy schedule and simply check in to see if they’ve had the chance to consider your request.
