Quick Answer:
A LinkedIn recommendation request message is a message that asks a person to write a recommendation for them on their LinkedIn profile. To request one, be polite and professional, acknowledge their time, offer to write a draft, and provide some context for your request. It's best to ask for a recommendation right after the end of a big, successful project. Offer to write a recommendation for them in return.
In today’s modern world, simply applying for open job positions is no longer enough.
Recruiters are more and more using an alternative method to find candidates who are a good fit for their companies – LinkedIn.
The better you fill out your professional profile, the more chance there is for recruiters to contact you.
And one great thing to add in your profile are LinkedIn recommendations. After all, nothing can make you look better than praise from a client, an old boss, or a close colleague.
But how do you get these recommendations, and how do they work exactly?
We’ve got you covered, in this article, we are going to explore the following questions:
And we are going to leave you off with some great example to get you started.
So, if you are ready to learn more about LinkedIn’s recommendation message, stick around.
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Privacy guaranteedHowever, in modern times, a recruiter can find everything they need on your LinkedIn profile. That includes not only your work experience, education and skills, but also any recommendation from people who are ready to vouch for you.
And a LinkedIn recommendation can open many doors for you, and help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
There are many pros for requesting a LinkedIn recommendation from someone, including:
When it comes to timing for asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, you can do it whenever you want. The important part here is to provide reasoning.
A good strategy to keep in mind is to ask for recommendations throughout the year.
You can ask for one whenever you finish a big project with co-workers or clients, providing the reasoning that you are always collecting feedback and would greatly appreciate theirs.
However, keep in mind that you need to be cautious when asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, as it might look like you are ready to leave.
But if you are in fact looking around for a new job opportunity, make sure you ask for a recommendation while you are still fresh in your colleagues’ minds.
No matter your reasons for looking for LinkedIn recommendation, you need to consider who you are requesting it from.
The best way to go, regarding whom you choose to ask for a recommendation, is to gather a variety of people.
The obvious first choices should be senior leaders you have worked with or who are familiar with your work, current and previous managers, colleagues, and clients.
Last but not least, make sure the person you ask would be able to put you in the best possible light. But you would also want them to be able to outline specific things, like your work ethics and passions.
Your LinkedIn recommendation should be thorough and thoughtful, otherwise it would have almost no effect whatsoever.
Now that you understand the basics of LinkedIn’s recommendation message, let’s figure out the best way to request it.
The most important thing to do is to be polite and professional. You need to make it easy for them to say “yes”, and provide you with a recommendation.
Here are a few simple tricks you can use to make it extra easy:
One more thing you need to do while asking for a LinkedIn recommendation is to provide the person you are asking with some context for your request, as some reasoning can only help your recommendation.
And now, as we promised, we have some examples for you to get you started.
Let’s take a look at the two cases here – asking a recommendation from someone you currently work with, and from someone you used to work with.
Hi [Name],
I hope you are having a great day!
I just wanted to share how much I enjoyed working with you, and how much I value your insights and feedback. Working with you on [Project name] was a real blast.
I have a small request from you. I aim to keep my LinkedIn profile up-to-date so that it presents an accurate picture of my experience and skills. With that in mind, I would love it if you could write me a LinkedIn recommendation regarding our latest project and the skills you have noticed in me.
I would be more than happy to return the favor and write a recommendation for you as well. Just let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to draw some attention to.
Would you be comfortable writing a recommendation for me? If not, that’s okay, no pressure either way.
[Your name]
Hi [Name],
I hope all is well with you!
I am contacting you to make a small request from you. I am currently looking for a new job opportunity, and I am trying to get my LinkedIn profile updated for recruiters.
Working with you at [Name of the company you worked together] was a real pleasure, and I appreciate all your professionalism all throughout. That’s why I believe you would be a great fit to write me a short LinkedIn recommendation to highlight any skills you have noticed in me. If you are willing to, I would be happy to send you some additional information to make it easier for you.
Also, I would be more than happy to return the favor and write you a recommendation. Just let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to emphasize on.
Would you be comfortable writing a recommendation for me? If not, that’s okay, no pressure either way.
Let’s catch up soon!
[Your name]
We are all done, now you know everything you need to know about LinkedIn recommendations and how to ask for one.
Let’s go through all the important points we covered one more time:
Now that you know all that, you can start asking for recommendations, and make your LinkedIn profile even better.