How to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation

Having recommendations displayed on your LinkedIn profile can help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for new clients or a new job they can serve you well by demonstrating your qualities and expertise. They can add a different and positive perspective from others to your profile.

Below are five tips to employ when asking for a recommendation on LinkedIn but first here are the mechanics on how to do so:

• Go to Profile on the top menu
• Select Recommendations
• Find the role for which you wish to be recommended
• Select [ Ask to be recommended ]

1. A large number of recommendations can stand you in good stead but quality is important so make sure you send requests to people who you’ve worked with, who know you well and who have a number of recommendations themselves. Don’t make the mistake of asking people you know well but who you haven’t actually worked with.

2. Whilst you can send multiple requests asking for recommendations - you can only ask your first degree connections - it’s not a good idea as this approach is likely to reduce the number of recommendations you’ll receive. Much better to send individual requests.

3. Include a reminder in your request that it will only take 5 minutes and needs just a couple of paragraphs. This should encourage people to complete your recommendation if they think it will take up a lot of time.

4. Make it easier for the person giving the recommendation by referring to the following that you want mentioned: projects or pieces or work, personal traits and results following your work eg problems solved and objectives achieved.

5. Ask the person you’re messaging to contact you if they have a question or are uncertain about your request and provide your contact information.

I have a LinkedIn workshop coming up in Cheltenham on Wednesday 24 April if you’d like to learn more about optimising your profile, using LinkedIn to demonstrate your expertise and obtaining  leads. Alternatively, you can use the Ask a Question flyout on the right.

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