If you’ve ever wondered how to request a recommendation on LinkedIn, you’re smart.
Testimonials are essential to an optimized profile, yet few people use them — probably because it can be uncomfortable to ask for them.
Because of that, when I see a great request, I like to share it.
At a minimum, recommendations show recruiters and hiring managers that people like you.
When optimized, they give insight about working with you and the results you deliver.
How to Request a Recommendation on LinkedIn
One of my resume clients shared a great request with me yesterday. It resonated as *awesome* because of its clarity and graciousness.
It’s calm, confident, and outlines how the requested recommendation might look.
The outline matters because it helps:
- Writers form their thoughts
- Requesters get recommendations that give on-point information to people reading their profiles
Check out the request:
Good morning Amit,
I hope all is well. I wonder if you would mind writing a brief recommendation for me based on our experience working together when I was your salesperson with X Corp.
A note about my approach to sales and service while handling your account, including recommending the right product mix and being a resource through implementation, would be beneficial if you feel that you had an experience worthy of comment.
I understand if you are busy, and it has been a while since we have spoken. If there is anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
As always, I greatly appreciate your time.
Best regards,
Kevin
P.S. You might find these step-by-step instructions helpful; I know I do!
BTW, he got the recommendation.
Take Action
I’m curious, who would you ask to write a testimonial for you?
Why not adapt this sample to your career and send it to them now?
If you need ideas for the 2nd paragraph, look at “Using Adjectives & Adverbs” in this post about keywords.
Don’t wait until you’re looking for a job to ask for recommendations. Keep that part of your LinkedIn profile in good shape all the time!
More
Check out this AI tool program that writes LinkedIn recommendations and performance reviews.
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn
Please don’t hesitate to invite me to connect on LinkedIn here. The more I know about my readers, the better I can make my blog.
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Updated April 2022
© 2014 – 2022, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.
Donna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, authors all of AvidCareerist’s posts.
She is a Fast Company Contributor and has written for and been quoted by 100+ business and general media outlets, including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, CNBC, the New York Times, USA Today, Time, US News & World Report, CBS, the BBC, Lifehacker, Social Media Today, IT World, and Business News Daily.
Let her expertise inform your job search strategy and decision-making.
Contact Donna here to learn more about her resume and LinkedIn profile services and fee structure.
Comments 2
This is a great approach for requesting a Recommendation!
Donna,
Thank you.
Donna