How to Request Recommendations on LinkedIn

Introduction

LinkedIn recommendations are powerful testimonials that can significantly boost your professional credibility and visibility. For sales people, entrepreneurs, coaches, job seekers ... , these endorsements can be the key to standing out in a crowded market.

If you don't ask for linkedin recommendations, you are missing a huge opportunity to attract people 

This blog post will guide you through the process of requesting recommendations on LinkedIn, helping you leverage this feature to grow your network and enhance your professional profile.

Understanding the Value of LinkedIn Recommendations

LinkedIn recommendations are more than just nice words from colleagues or clients; they are endorsements that build credibility and trust.

A strong recommendation can validate your skills, showcase your achievements, and provide social proof that you are a valuable professional. This enhanced visibility can lead to new opportunities, whether it's closing a sale, attracting investors, landing new clients, or securing a job.

Not only it builds your credibility, but also your social proof.

Why You Should Ask for Recommendations Regularly

Have you already tried to ask recommendation lately? Here is why you should start right now:

→ Recommendations keeps your profile relevant

Regularly requesting recommendations ensures your profile remains current and relevant. Giving the algorithm a good sign of your social impact.

→ Recommendations builds your credibilty

As you grow professionally, continuous endorsements reflect your evolving skills and achievements. This not only validates your professional growth but also keeps your profile dynamic and engaging for those who visit it.

→ Recommendations please the Algorithm

Your profile is most likely to be exposed by Linkedin, Google and ChatGPT if your profile gets regularly recommended by others.

Who Do I Ask For LinkedIn Recommendations?

Choosing the right people to ask for recommendations is crucial. Focus on individuals who have directly experienced your work, such as colleagues, clients, supervisors, or mentors. Their insights will carry more weight and provide a more accurate picture of your abilities and achievements. Select recommenders who can speak to different aspects of your professional life to create a well-rounded profile.

Start with the most obvious:

• Your colleagues and managers
• Your former colleagues and managers
• Your friends / Alumni

Then go deeper:

• Your clients
• Your partners
• Your networking comrades

When Is the Right Time to Ask for a Recommendation?

Timing your request for a recommendation can significantly impact the quality of the response.

Ideal times include :

• After completing a successful project,
• Achieving a significant milestone,
• After receiving positive feedback from a client or manager. 

These moments are fresh in the mind of the recommender, making them more likely to provide detailed and enthusiastic endorsements.

If you don't have this available at the moment, try to get in touch with former colleagues, remember the good ol' times and then ask.

Best Practices for Requesting Recommendations

When requesting a recommendation, personalization is key.
Don't even think of batching this step or you'll get disappointed with the result.

Send only 100% personalized recommendation request

Here are some best practices:

1. Be Specific: Clearly explain why you are requesting a recommendation and what you hope they will highlight.
2. Be Personal: Address the person by name and reference-specific projects or achievements you worked on together.
3. Be Grateful: Express your appreciation for their time and support.
4. Give them one in return: Anyone like to receive something valuable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Recommendations

Requesting recommendations on LinkedIn is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Your Profile: Click on your profile icon and select “View profile.”
2. Scroll to Recommendations: Scroll down to the Recommendations section.
3. Click on Ask for a Recommendation: This option is typically found under the “Received” section.
4. Select the Connection: Choose the person you want to request a recommendation from.
5. Customize Your Request: Personalize your message, explaining why you are asking for the recommendation and what specific aspects you would like them to highlight.
6. Send the Request: Review your message for any errors and send your request.

Example of a Personalised Recommendation Request on LinkedIn

Here's a detailed example of an effective request:

Hi [Name],

Working together on [specific project or task] was a fantastic experience. I'm delighted that our efforts resulted in [positive outcome or result]. Your collaboration and support were truly appreciated.

Could you spare a few moments to write a LinkedIn recommendation for me? It would be wonderful if you could mention my:

• [Skill or expertise #1]
• [Skill or expertise #2]
• [Skill or expertise #3]

This recommendation will greatly assist me in showcasing my abilities and attracting new professional opportunities.

I will send you a direct message on LinkedIn with a link for the recommendation. I can offer a template to make it easier, but your own words would be more impactful.

Here's to more successful projects together in the future!

Best,
[Your Name]

Effective Follow-Up Strategies

Following up on your request is important to ensure it doesn't get lost in the recommender's busy schedule. Here’s how to do it:

• Send a Gentle Reminder: If you haven’t received a response in a couple of weeks, send a polite follow-up message.
• Express Gratitude: Regardless of whether the recommendation is completed, thank the individual for their time.
• Offer Reciprocation: If appropriate, offer to write a recommendation in return.

→ Gentle reminder template :

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on my recent request for a LinkedIn recommendation. If you could spare a few moments to write one, I would greatly appreciate it.

Your feedback on my:

• [Skill or expertise #1]
• [Skill or expertise #2]
• [Skill or expertise #3]

would be incredibly valuable and help me attract new opportunities.

Thank you again for considering my request. Please let me know if you need any additional information or if I can assist you in any way.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

→ Thank you, template :

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful recommendation. Your kind words mean a lot to me and will greatly help in showcasing my abilities to others.

I truly appreciate your support and am grateful for the opportunity to have worked together. If there is ever anything I can do for you in return, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Thanks again and looking forward to staying connected!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

→ Offer reciprocity, template :

Hey! It's me again.

If you would like, I would be more than happy to write a recommendation for you as well. Please let me know if there's anything specific you would like me to highlight about your skills and achievements.

Thank you again for your support!

[Your Name]

PRO TIP: Showcasing Recommendations on Your Profile

Once you receive a recommendation, it's important to showcase it effectively on your profile.

Since LinkedIn displays the most recent recommendations at the top, start by requesting recommendations for less significant projects first, and finish with the most impactful ones.

This way, the most important endorsements will be highlighted and more visible to potential employers, clients, or partners. Make sure that these key recommendations reflect your core skills and major achievements to maximize their impact on your profile.

Conclusion

Requesting LinkedIn recommendations is a powerful way to enhance your professional profile. By understanding the value of recommendations, asking the right people at the right time, and following best practices for making requests, you can build a compelling LinkedIn profile that opens doors to new opportunities.

Start today by reaching out to those who can vouch for your skills and achievements, and watch your professional network grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How do LinkedIn recommendations impact my profile visibility?
   LinkedIn recommendations enhance your profile’s credibility and visibility by providing social proof of your skills and achievements.

2. What should I include in a recommendation request message?
   Include a specific reason for the request, reference shared projects or achievements, and express your gratitude.

3. How many recommendations should I aim to have on my LinkedIn profile?
   Aim for a variety of recommendations that cover different aspects of your skills and experiences. Quality is more important than quantity.

4. Can I edit or delete recommendations I have received?
   Yes, you can manage your recommendations by choosing which ones to display or hide on your profile.

5. How can I make my recommendations more impactful?
   Personalize your request, ask for specific feedback, and showcase the most relevant recommendations on your profile.