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- Here’s how you can request a recommendation on LinkedIn
Here’s how you can request a recommendation on LinkedIn
Artwork by: Nastya Akulinushkina
- Who should you ask for a LinkedIn recommendation?
- How do you ask for a recommendation?
- Asking a manager/supervisor for a LinkedIn recommendation
- Asking a co-worker/colleague for a LinkedIn recommendation
- Asking a former manager/supervisor for a LinkedIn recommendation
- Asking a client for a LinkedIn recommendation
- Can I get a recommendation from someone who isn’t on LinkedIn?
- Ask them to create a LinkedIn profile
- Get a written recommendation and share it on your profile
- Key takeaways
Asking for a recommendation for LinkedIn might come across as awkward, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s how you can make this request.
The importance of a robust LinkedIn profile cannot be ignored. It’s one of the greatest tools you can use to connect with people, look for employment opportunities, and increase your chances of landing your dream job. However, no LinkedIn profile is truly complete without a few professional recommendations.
If you’re wondering how you can request a recommendation on LinkedIn, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll try to answer the following questions:
Who you should ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn
What should a recommendation request include?
Can I get a recommendation from someone who isn’t on LinkedIn?
Who should you ask for a LinkedIn recommendation?
When it comes to getting a recommendation on LinkedIn, your first preference should be to approach someone who knows you in some professional capacity. This could be one of your current or former supervisors or colleagues at work, a college professor who remembers you, or even a client you have provided some service for in the past.
Your objective is to obtain a glowing review that convinces the reader you’re the right fit for a job in your field of expertise. However, you also want the recommendation to focus on your specific skills, work ethic, passion, and interests. A vague recommendation won’t do, which is why it’s important to obtain a recommendation from someone who knows you.
Expert Tip Timing is everything Recommendations on LinkedIn are time-stamped. This means that when you’re requesting recommendations, you need to space out your requests. Typically, your request for recommendation will be entertained and you’re likely to receive a glowing one when you: - Successfully complete a major project at work - Reach a career milestone or accomplish a major task - Receive a promotion at work or some form of acknowledgment - Leave an organization on positive terms |
How do you ask for a recommendation?
Since LinkedIn is not a personal forum, your recommendation requests should be polite and professional. You can also offer to write up a recommendation on your own and send it to your supervisor or colleague for some editing and proofreading. Here are a few sample recommendation requests you can edit and use.
Asking a manager/supervisor for a LinkedIn recommendation
Example Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for having me on your team. Under your guidance, I’ve had the opportunity to learn how to be a team player, manage my workload and expectations, and deliver exceptional results that meet and exceed expectations.
I was wondering if you would be willing to speak more about my strengths in detail in the form of a recommendation on LinkedIn. I strongly believe that this recommendation, coming from you, will go a long way in improving my future growth and professional development prospects within and outside my organization.
Thank you! |
Asking a co-worker/colleague for a LinkedIn recommendation
Example Hey [Name],
I really appreciate having you as a colleague. I also enjoyed our time spent on [project name], and the memories we made during the project.
I remember you praised my [list 2-3 key skills] skills during the project, as well as my eye for detail. I was wondering if you would be willing to write me a recommendation on LinkedIn that highlights these key strengths. A recommendation from you will go a long way in showcasing some of my abilities that my resume simply can’t.
Thanks a lot! |
Asking a former manager/supervisor for a LinkedIn recommendation
Example Hi [Name],
How are you doing? I miss our bi-weekly training sessions and your jokes!
As you’re aware, I’m in the market right now looking for jobs in my field of expertise. Can I request you write me a recommendation on LinkedIn? You were my supervisor for [X] years, where you had the opportunity to assess my quality of work and overall personality in great detail.
If it helps refresh your memory, here are some of the key projects I completed for you: 1. [Write one key accomplishment/project at that job]. 2. [Write one key accomplishment/project at that job]. 3. [Write one key accomplishment/project at that job].
Thank you for your help. If you have any questions on my performance or skills, please feel free to reach out to me. |
Asking a client for a LinkedIn recommendation
Example Hi [Name],
I’m really happy to know that you enjoyed my work on [project name]. I’m also grateful to you for entrusting me with this project, and I hope we get to collaborate on more projects in the long run.
Can you please take out a few minutes from your busy schedule and write me a recommendation on LinkedIn that focuses on [list 2-3 skills]? I’m looking to boost my social presence and reach out to other clients who are in need of my services. A few words of praise from you will be deeply appreciated.
Thank you! |
Can I get a recommendation from someone who isn’t on LinkedIn?
It’s true that LinkedIn is one of the most powerful professional networking forums out there. However, there might be a chance that the person you would like to write a recommendation for you does not have a LinkedIn profile. If that’s the case, then here’s what you can do:
Ask them to create a LinkedIn profile
If you know the person well enough, you can request them to sign up on LinkedIn and write you a nice recommendation. When making such a request, talk about how signing up on LinkedIn will benefit them, instead of making the conversation solely about your recommendation. If they need help creating a LinkedIn profile, you can offer assistance.
Get a written recommendation and share it on your profile
If the person is not on LinkedIn and doesn’t want to create a profile either, you can ask them to write you a letter of recommendation and ask them if it’s okay for you to share that it on your LinkedIn profile.
You can create a new LinkedIn post with a catchy description and add the recommendation letter as an attachment. Alternatively, you can upload that recommendation letter as part of the job description of the job to which it relates.
Key takeaways
A professional recommendation boosts your LinkedIn profile’s visibility and helps you stand out among other LinkedIn members.
When requesting a recommendation on LinkedIn, make sure to talk to someone who knows you professionally and has worked with you in some professional capacity.
Your LinkedIn recommendation request should be polite, precise, and professional. It should honor the reader’s time without coming across as pushy.
