I still remember the first time I had to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation – it was for my first job out of college, and I was nervous about looking desperate. But I learned quickly that asking for recommendations is a crucial part of career advancement, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn. The problem is, most people go about it the wrong way, sending generic messages to anyone who will accept their connection request. This approach not only fails to yield meaningful recommendations but also damages your professional reputation.
In this article, I’ll share my insider knowledge on how to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn that actually works. You’ll learn how to identify the right people to ask, craft a personalized message that gets a response, and leverage your existing network to get recommendations that will make a real impact on your career. I’ll also give you actionable scripts and tips to make the process easier and less intimidating. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the skills and confidence to ask for LinkedIn recommendations like a pro, and start building a professional online presence that opens doors to new opportunities.
Table of Contents
- Guide Overview: What You'll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mastering Linkedin Recommendations
- 5 Insider Tips to Help You Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation Like a Pro
- 3 Key Takeaways for Scoring a Killer LinkedIn Recommendation
- The Art of Asking
- Sealing the Deal: A Strong Finish to Your LinkedIn Recommendation Quest
- Frequently Asked Questions
Guide Overview: What You'll Need
Total Time: 15 minutes
Estimated Cost: $0 (free LinkedIn account)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Tools Required
- Computer or Mobile Device (with internet connection)
Supplies & Materials
- LinkedIn Account (with established connections)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. First, identify the right person to ask for a recommendation – someone who has seen your work and can speak to your skills and accomplishments. This could be a former manager, a colleague, or even a client. Make sure it’s someone who can provide a genuine and specific recommendation.
- 2. Next, prepare your ask by making a list of your achievements and the skills you want to highlight. This will help you craft a clear and concise message when you reach out to the person. Consider tailoring your ask to the specific job or industry you’re targeting, and be sure to keep it brief.
- 3. Now it’s time to reach out and ask for the recommendation. Send a personalized message to the person, explaining why you’re asking for their recommendation and how it will help you in your career. Be honest and transparent about your intentions, and make sure to give them an easy way out if they’re not comfortable recommending you.
- 4. When you ask for the recommendation, provide some context about the type of job or industry you’re applying to. This will help the person understand what skills and experiences to highlight in their recommendation. You can also offer to provide some information about your achievements and qualifications to make it easier for them to write the recommendation.
- 5. Once you’ve asked for the recommendation, follow up politely to make sure the person has everything they need to write a great recommendation. You can send a reminder message or even a brief phone call to check in and answer any questions they may have. Be sure to express your gratitude for their time and willingness to recommend you.
- 6. When the recommendation is posted, show your appreciation by thanking the person publicly on LinkedIn. You can also share the recommendation with your network to help increase its visibility and reach. This will not only boost your reputation but also strengthen your connection with the person who recommended you.
- 7. Finally, return the favor by offering to recommend the person who recommended you. This will help build a reciprocal relationship and potentially lead to more recommendations and opportunities in the future. Remember to keep your promise and follow through on your offer to recommend them, and be sure to provide a high-quality recommendation that highlights their skills and achievements.
Mastering Linkedin Recommendations
As you work on obtaining a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s essential to consider the timing of LinkedIn recommendation requests. You want to ask for recommendations when the experience is still fresh in the mind of the person you’re asking. This could be after completing a successful project or at the end of a work term. When crafting your request, use a personalized approach to make it more likely to receive a positive response.
To increase your chances of getting a great recommendation, make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized for recommendations. This means having a clear and concise headline, a professional profile picture, and a detailed work experience section. You can also use a LinkedIn recommendation request template to help guide your ask, but be sure to customize it for each person you’re requesting a recommendation from.
When deciding who to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation, consider people who have seen your work firsthand, such as former managers or colleagues. Best practices for asking for recommendations include being clear about what you’re asking for and providing context for why you’re requesting a recommendation. By following these tips, you can increase the chances of receiving a strong recommendation that will help you stand out on LinkedIn.
Crafting the Perfect Request Template
To craft the perfect request template, be honest and direct. I recommend starting with a simple script: “Hi [Name], I’m reaching out because I value your opinion and would love it if you could endorse my work on LinkedIn.” This approach shows you respect their time and opinion. Keep your request brief and to the point, avoiding generic messages that may come across as insincere.
When asking, make sure to specify the skills or projects you’d like them to highlight. This helps them provide a more accurate and detailed recommendation. For example, “I’d appreciate it if you could mention my contributions to the recent marketing campaign.” By being clear and considerate, you’ll increase the chances of getting a meaningful recommendation that showcases your strengths.
Timing Your Ask for Maximum Impact
When it comes to asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, timing is everything. You want to ask when the person is most likely to remember your work and have a positive impression of you. For example, if you’ve just completed a successful project with a colleague, that’s the perfect time to ask for a recommendation. They’ll be more likely to agree and write a glowing review. On the other hand, don’t ask when the person is busy or stressed – you want to catch them when they’re relaxed and have a few minutes to spare.
I recommend asking for recommendations at the end of a big project, after a positive performance review, or when you’re transitioning to a new role. These moments provide a natural opportunity to reflect on your work and accomplishments, making it easier for the person to write a sincere and detailed recommendation. By timing your ask strategically, you’ll increase the chances of getting a high-quality recommendation that showcases your skills and experience.
5 Insider Tips to Help You Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation Like a Pro
- Be strategic about who you ask: choose someone who has seen your work and can speak to your skills and accomplishments
- Personalize your request: don’t send a generic message, take the time to write a thoughtful and specific ask that shows you’ve put effort into it
- Make it easy for them to say yes: provide a clear outline of what you’re looking for and what you’ll use the recommendation for
- Show appreciation and reciprocate: express gratitude for their time and consideration, and be willing to return the favor if they need it
- Follow up politely: if you don’t hear back, send a gentle reminder to show you’re still interested in their endorsement and value their opinion
3 Key Takeaways for Scoring a Killer LinkedIn Recommendation
Be strategic and personal in your ask, focusing on people who genuinely know your work and can speak to your skills and accomplishments
Craft a compelling request template that makes it easy for recommenders to say yes, and time your ask for maximum impact, such as after a successful project or milestone
Follow up with a thoughtful thank-you note, whether the recommendation is posted or not, to nurture the relationship and show appreciation for the person’s time and endorsement
The Art of Asking
Asking for a LinkedIn recommendation isn’t about begging for validation – it’s about leveraging the power of social proof to catapult your career forward, and the key is to approach it with confidence, clarity, and a willingness to reciprocate.
Morgan Wells
Sealing the Deal: A Strong Finish to Your LinkedIn Recommendation Quest
As we’ve navigated the ins and outs of asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s essential to remember that crafting the perfect request and timing your ask are crucial elements. By mastering these skills, you’ll be well on your way to securing a killer recommendation that showcases your professional brand and helps you stand out in a crowded job market. Don’t forget to follow up and express gratitude to those who take the time to endorse you – it’s a vital part of building strong relationships and maintaining a positive online presence.
Now that you’re equipped with the secrets to scoring a compelling LinkedIn recommendation, it’s time to take your career to the next level. Remember, playing the game is a learnable skill, and with persistence, strategy, and a bit of confidence, you can unlock new opportunities and get paid what you’re truly worth. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and make that ask – your dream job is waiting, and a strong LinkedIn recommendation can be the key to unlocking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the person I'm asking for a recommendation has a very busy schedule, how can I increase the chances of them saying yes?
To boost the chances of a busy person saying yes, keep your request brief and make it easy for them to agree. I recommend sending a simple, personalized message that shows you’ve thought about their time, like: “Hi [Name], hope you’re doing well. I’d love a LinkedIn recommendation from you, but no rush – whenever you have a spare moment would be great.
Can I ask for a LinkedIn recommendation from someone I've only worked with on a single project, or should it be someone I've had a longer professional relationship with?
While it’s ideal to ask someone you’ve had a longer relationship with, a single project can be enough if you’ve made a significant impact. If you’ve delivered outstanding results or taken on a leadership role, don’t hesitate to ask – just be sure to remind them of your contributions and express gratitude for their endorsement.
How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be, and are there any specific details or accomplishments I should ask the recommender to include?
Keep it concise, around 2-3 short paragraphs. Ask your recommender to highlight specific accomplishments, like successful projects or skills you’ve demonstrated. This will make the recommendation more credible and impactful, showcasing your value to potential employers.
