LinkedIn Recommendations: How to Ask for and Write Great Ones
Why Do LinkedIn Recommendations Matter?
Think of your LinkedIn profile as your digital storefront. Your headshot, headline, and experience section all build a picture of who you are. But what about social proof? That’s where LinkedIn recommendations come in - one of the most underutilized and powerful features on the platform.
Unlike endorsements, which are a one-click way to vouch for skills, recommendations are detailed, personal testimonials. They are the online equivalent of a glowing letter of recommendation and a major factor in building trust and credibility with potential clients, partners, and employers. A strong set of recommendations can be the tipping point that convinces someone to reach out to you over a competitor.
How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation
In a sea of self-proclaimed experts, recommendations provide third-party validation of your skills and character. They show that real people have had positive experiences working with you and are willing to put their name to it. This kind of social proof is invaluable.
It’s one thing to say you’re a great project manager, but it’s far more impactful when a former client writes a detailed recommendation about how you successfully steered a complex project to completion, on time and under budget.
Recommendations also add a personal touch to your profile, offering a glimpse into your working style and personality.
This human element can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and make you more memorable.
They can also improve your profile’s visibility in LinkedIn’s search results, as the platform’s algorithm tends to favor profiles that are complete and actively used.
How Do You Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation?
Asking for a recommendation can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to be thoughtful and strategic. Don’t just send a generic request to all your connections. Instead, focus on people who know you well and can speak to your strengths in a meaningful way. Think about past clients, managers, or colleagues who have been particularly happy with your work.
A step-by-step guide to requesting a recommendation:
Go to the profile of the person you’d like to ask.
Click the "More" button in their introduction card.
Select "Request a recommendation."
Choose your relationship to the person and your position at the time.
Personalize your request. This is the most important step. Remind them of the specific project you worked on together and mention a few key skills or accomplishments you’d like them to highlight. This makes it easier for them to write a strong, specific recommendation.
Tips for making your request effective:
Be specific: Instead of saying "Could you write me a recommendation?", try something like, "I’m hoping you could write a brief recommendation that speaks to my skills in content strategy and copywriting, specifically mentioning the successful blog content strategy we developed for Project X."
Make it easy: Offer to provide a few bullet points or a brief summary of the project to jog their memory. You could even offer to draft a recommendation for them to review and edit. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they are to say yes.
Show gratitude: Thank them for their time and consideration, and let them know how much you appreciate their support.
What Makes a Great LinkedIn Recommendation?
Now, let’s flip the script. What if someone asks you to write a recommendation for them? Writing a great recommendation is a skill in itself. A generic, one-sentence recommendation won’t do anyone any favors. A great recommendation is specific, authentic, and highlights the person’s unique strengths and contributions.
What to include in a standout recommendation:
Start with a strong opening: State your relationship to the person and how long you’ve known them.
Be specific: Don’t just say they are "great to work with." Provide concrete examples of their skills in action. Talk about a specific project they excelled at or a challenge they overcame.
Highlight their top skills: Mention 2-3 of their most impressive skills and how they used them to achieve results.
Add a personal touch: Share a brief anecdote that illustrates their positive qualities, like their work ethic, creativity, or ability to collaborate.
End with a clear endorsement: Conclude with a strong statement of recommendation, such as "I highly recommend [Name] for any role that requires expertise in [skill area]" or "Any team would be lucky to have [Name]."
By following these guidelines, you can both ask for and write LinkedIn recommendations that are authentic, impactful, and a true asset to any professional profile. They are a cornerstone of a strong LinkedIn presence, and taking the time to cultivate them will pay dividends in your career.
Not sure where your profile stands? Try the free EXEED LinkedIn Profile Evaluator at exeeddigitals.com/tools/profile-evaluator. Get a detailed analysis with actionable recommendations to boost your LinkedIn presence in under a minute.
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