How to Request LinkedIn Recommendations

How to Request LinkedIn RecommendationsHow to Request LinkedIn RecommendationsWhen you apply for a job through LinkedIn, you may see a post that says Applicants with recommendations are preferred. These are comments from other LinkedIn members. They describe what its like to work with you and recognize and commend you for work done. They appear alongside the positions they relate to on your profile, and hiring managers may view them as they would a job reference. The best way to get more LinkedIn recommendations is to ask for them, and there are multiple ways to go about doing so. Good recommendations show recruiters and prospective employers that it is worth their time to consider you for a position. The LinkedIn Recommendations Tool LinkedIn offers a tool for recommendations that can be accessed from your profile page or from the profile pages of those whose recommendations you seek. In the recommendations section of your own profile is a link labeled, Ask for a recommendation. Youll be prompted to list the names of the people you wish to ask and other details. From someone elses profile, click More at the top of their profile, then select Request a recommendation. Youll then be prompted to include other details about the request. Theres no limit to the number of recommendations a user can request. Personalized Messages LinkedIn autofills a generic message to send with your request. Personalize the message for a better response. This way, it wont seem as if youre spamming all your contacts in the hopes of a few good reviews. A personalized message shows you respect the contacts opinion, so you specifically chose them. Even better, first send your contact an email outside the platform to check if its OK to request a recommendation through the service. Youll increase the chances that your message is read. Many busy people ignore notifications they receive from the site. In the email, tactfully suggest points you want to be included in the recommendatio n. Reciprocal Recommendations If youre shy to approach a connection, take the initiative and write a recommendation for your contact without being asked. Thats an incentive for your connection to write one for you to return the favor. Most people are nice enough to reciprocate. Closest Colleagues Receive the best recommendations from the right people. Connections without a close working relationship with you cant offer concrete, honest feedback. The recommendation you receive from them may be generic and insincere. Ideal contacts to approach for recommendations include Colleagues youve worked closely with.Those who have seen your skills and expertise in action.Those who are comfortable recommending you.Those who can speak about a variety of your strengths. Remember, their words will appear on your profile, so what they write about your strengths must be accurate. Professionalism When you ask for a recommendation, make it clear that the recipient isnt under any obligation . Use words like if its not too much trouble, or when you have a chance. This communicates that you respect their time and that they are doing you a favor. This is a professional communication and should be treated as such. Context If the recommendation is for a specific position, direct the person to the job ad to provide him with context for the recommendation. Its another way to suggest the tone of the comments. Briefly, tell him why youre excited about the position or why youre the right fit for the job. Your enthusiasm may motivate him to write a stronger reference, and the specifics of the job can help him choose which attributes to praise. Content Suggestions Most times, people are eager to write comments, but no one wants to jeopardize someone elses opportunities. Your connections will appreciate guidance. For example, list the skills and attributes they could write about. You dont have to feed your contacts every word to say. Tell the person your successes and theyl l vouch for them. Did you work on a lucrative contract together? You could word your request If its not too much trouble, could you provide some comments on my wertmiger zuwachs during the XYZ contract that finished ahead of time and under budget? Follow-up Dont forget to thank the person for their comments. Theyll have taken time out of a busy schedule to fulfill your request. If youve approached someone you know is a go-to person for references and recommendations, a handwritten note or small gift may be appropriate. And if you havent done so already, write a recommendation in return.