LinkedIn recommendations are a powerful tool for building credibility, boosting your profile visibility, and gaining the trust of potential employers or customers. Studies show that profiles with LinkedIn recommendations are trusted 70% more, even if they do not come from someone the visitors know.
But what exactly are LinkedIn recommendations, and how can you get them? In this article, we’ll explain what they are and how to ask them to strengthen your profile and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
What Are LinkedIn Recommendations?
LinkedIn Recommendations are a way to gain credibility and recognition in the professional world. They show employers, colleagues, and potential clients that you have experience with your skills or services. A LinkedIn Recommendation can be written by someone who has worked with you or used your services. It includes personal information about your work performance, character traits, and other factors that showcase your strengths as a professional.
The Recommendation section of your profile is a great place to highlight the positive aspects of your work or services, so be sure to ask for Recommendations whenever you can. Remember that any information in this section should portray you in the best light and accurately reflect who you are as a professional.
LinkedIn recommendations are not as robust as a resume or a degree, but they give potential employers a more personal look at your work, character, and performance. They also strengthen professional relationships that you have already built.
Why Should You Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation?
40% of B2B marketers say LinkedIn for business is an excellent tool for identifying high-quality leads. So why not make the most out of it?
A LinkedIn recommendation is a great way to demonstrate to potential employers and recruiters that you have the skills and experience they are looking for. By asking respected professionals in your field to speak positively about you and your abilities, it can make you stand out from other applicants. It also allows those who may not know you personally to understand better who you are as a professional.
Asking for a LinkedIn recommendation is also an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with colleagues, which can open up opportunities in the future. If you are wondering how to get followers on LinkedIn, recommendations are one excellent way to go.
You can also use a LinkedIn automation software to schedule LinkedIn posts, expand reach and increase engagement for more profile visits.
Who Should You Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation?
When asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s important to be thoughtful about who you ask. Here are some ideas on who you can ask for a LinkedIn recommendation:
Former Colleagues
If you’ve worked with someone in the past who can speak to your skills, values, and achievements on the job, they’re a great person to ask for an endorsement. Consider why you chose them as a recommender—are they particularly well-regarded in their field? Maybe they have a lot of experience working with you in a specific area.
Mentors or Advisors
Do you have an advisor or mentor who can comment on your personal growth and development throughout the years? They likely have a good understanding of your strengths, talents and successes—and may be able to give more authentic feedback about your work ethic and attitude.
Random LinkedIn Connections
You may come across someone in your professional network who you haven’t worked with directly—but they can still write a great recommendation. Have some thoughtful questions to help them better understand your work and successes. Do research on their background as well; if they’re in the same industry or business, try connecting any shared experiences you both may have that they can comment on.
Asking for LinkedIn Recommendations: Request Examples
Once you have decided who to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s time to reach out and make your request. You may be wondering what to say in your request, so here are a few examples you can use.
The Straightforward Ask
You can ask a connection directly for a recommendation by messaging them. When you request a recommendation, it’s courteous to ask the person if they would be willing and able to provide one. That way, if they are uncomfortable recommending you, or aren’t allowed to due to their company policy, it’s not awkward for either of you. They may also not feel that they know you well enough to give an accurate recommendation. Keeping this in mind, here is an example for a straightforward ask:
Hi [Name]
I hope you are doing well. I’m looking to develop a credible profile that will be useful for my job hunt. Would you be willing to provide a LinkedIn recommendation for me?
I would appreciate it.
Thanks.
Give One to Get One
Giving a recommendation to get one is another effective way to get a recommendation. It’s important to let them know that you value their opinion and trust their judgment. Doing this service for them will create a feeling of obligation, which may lead to them writing a recommendation for you. After all, the best way to get a favor in return is to start by doing one of your own. So show your appreciation while ensuring they know why their opinion matters and that you value their input.
Here is an example of how you can do that:
Hi [Name],
Hope you’re doing great. I recently left a recommendation for you on your LinkedIn profile, so I hope it meets your expectations. Let me know if there’s anything that needs to be changed.
I’d really appreciate it if you could return the favor with a recommendation back for me too. No pressure, though.
Good luck,
[Your Name]
The Conditional Ask
The conditional ask can be helpful when asking someone out of your inner circle. This involves asking someone to write you a recommendation in return for one. You don’t have to be in the same field or even know each other. This method can be beneficial for those who do not have many contacts in their field or industry.
Here is how to do it:
Hi [Name]
How’s it going? I’m looking to strengthen my LinkedIn profile to get better chances at my job hunt. I’d appreciate it if you would write me a recommendation. I’d be happy to write one in return.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks.
[Your Name]
Before conditionally asking for a recommendation, it is best to know how to write one to appear more convincing. Check out some excellent LinkedIn recommendation examples for various professions.
Key Takeaways
Asking for a LinkedIn recommendation can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can build up your profile and increase your chances of success in your job hunt.
Remember to:
- Understand how to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation from different types of connections.
- Show appreciation to those providing you with a recommendation, as it helps build trust and credibility.
- Have thoughtful questions prepared to help people better understand your work history and successes.
- Be prompt in thanking those who provide you with a recommendation.
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Ervin Kalemi
