The Art of the Ask: How to Get Stellar LinkedIn Recommendations
LinkedIn recommendations—they’re gold stars in the professional world. Think of them as social proof of your skills and experience through the eyes of others. They add a layer of credibility that a self-written profile just can’t match, giving potential employers that extra nudge of confidence.
But let’s be honest, asking for one can feel a little…vulnerable. Nobody wants to come across as pushy or presumptuous.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be awkward! With a thoughtful and strategic approach, you can confidently request recommendations that will significantly boost your profile and build a powerful network of endorsements.
It’s all about making the ask easy and demonstrating the value it will bring to both you and the person you’re asking.
1. Choose the Right Recommender
Think about colleagues, clients, or supervisors who have witnessed your work firsthand and can speak to your strengths. Ideally, they should be people you’ve had a positive working relationship with and who are active on LinkedIn.
2. Personalize Your Request
A generic request is easy to ignore. Take the time to craft a personalized message that reminds the person of your connection and highlights why their recommendation would be valuable.
Sample Scripts:
- For a former colleague:
Hi [Name],
It was great working with you at [Company Name]! I’m reaching out because I’m actively looking for new opportunities in [Industry/Area of Expertise], and I’m updating my LinkedIn profile. I really valued your insights on [Project or Task] and I believe your perspective on my skills in [Area of Strength] would be incredibly helpful. Would you be willing to write a brief recommendation for me?
- For a former client:
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out to see if you’d be willing to write a LinkedIn recommendation for me. I truly enjoyed working with you on [Project] and I’m proud of the results we achieved together. Your feedback on my ability to [Key Skill] would be greatly appreciated.
3. Make it Easy for Them
Offer to provide them with bullet points highlighting your key accomplishments or even a draft recommendation they can edit. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to say yes.
4. Show Your Gratitude
Once they’ve written the recommendation, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation. You can even offer to write a recommendation for them in return.
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to give a recommendation first. This can often encourage reciprocity.
By following these tips, you can confidently request LinkedIn recommendations and build a powerful network of endorsements that will strengthen your professional profile and boost your career prospects.