How to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations in 5 Steps
Learn how to effectively request LinkedIn recommendations to enhance your profile and attract potential job opportunities.
LinkedIn recommendations can boost your profile, making you more appealing to recruiters and hiring managers. They act as testimonials about your skills, work ethic, and achievements. To get meaningful recommendations, follow these five steps:
- Choose the Right People: Ask managers, colleagues, clients, or mentors who know your work well and can provide detailed feedback.
- Write a Personal Request: Craft a tailored message highlighting shared experiences and specific skills or projects you’d like them to mention.
- Send the Request on LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn’s “Request a Recommendation” feature and customize the default message with your personalized request.
- Follow Up: If there’s no response after 1–2 weeks, send a polite reminder and offer to provide a draft to save their time.
- Review and Refine: Check for accuracy, relevance, and alignment with your career goals. Politely request edits if needed.
Pro Tip: Quality matters more than quantity. A few detailed recommendations from diverse sources are more impactful than generic ones. Tools like scale.jobs can help streamline this process, ensuring you stay organized and professional.
How to Get Strong LinkedIn Recommendations (That Get Results)
Step 1: Choose the Right People to Ask
Getting strong recommendations starts with picking the right people. It’s not about asking just anyone – you need individuals who have worked closely with you and can vouch for your performance. Their insights will feel genuine and hold more weight with hiring managers. Think about who in your network knows your work best and can offer the most meaningful input.
Focus on recommenders who can speak to your skills, work ethic, and character. The best endorsements often come from those who’ve seen you handle challenges head-on. These moments reveal your abilities and problem-solving skills in action.
Career coach Kathryn Rose highlights the wide range of people you can approach for recommendations:
"Well… everyone you've ever worked with who can speak nicely about you, your performance or you personally. I'm serious - you can ask your managers, colleagues, vendors, suppliers, mentors, anyone you've served on a volunteer committee with past or present. Get as many as you can!"
Don’t limit yourself to current colleagues. Former coworkers, clients, or business partners can provide valuable perspectives on your strengths. In fact, a recommendation from an external client can sometimes carry more weight than one from inside your organization, as it shows you can deliver results beyond your immediate team.
Get Recommendations from a Variety of People
A mix of recommenders adds depth to your profile, with each offering a unique perspective on your work.
- Former managers and supervisors can highlight your leadership skills, ability to meet deadlines, and how you’ve made a tangible impact on the business. They’ve likely seen your growth and can point to specific successes.
- Peers and colleagues can speak to your teamwork, dependability, and how you contribute to a positive work environment. They might share stories of how you supported them or took initiative when it mattered most.
- Direct reports (if you’ve been in a leadership role) can validate your ability to guide and mentor others. Their feedback shows you’re capable of inspiring and developing a team – a key quality for senior positions.
- Clients and external partners offer an unbiased view of your professionalism and results. Their recommendations reflect your ability to perform under pressure and maintain strong relationships outside your organization.
- Mentors and industry connections can emphasize your dedication to growth and your reputation in your field. Their broader perspective can highlight how your skills align with industry trends.
This variety strengthens your credibility. It’s especially useful if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your work history, as it shows your skills are recognized and valued in different contexts.
Connect on LinkedIn Before Asking
Before requesting a recommendation, make sure you’re already connected on LinkedIn. You need to be a first-degree connection to make the request.
If you’re not connected yet, send a personalized request that references your shared experience. For example: "Hi Sarah, I hope you’re doing well! I’d love to connect here on LinkedIn. I really enjoyed working with you on the Johnson account at ABC Marketing."
For those you haven’t spoken to in a while, don’t hesitate to reach out. Many professionals are happy to help former colleagues, even if you haven’t kept in touch regularly. The key is to be polite and remind them of your shared experience.
If LinkedIn doesn’t allow you to connect, reach out via email or phone instead. Briefly remind them of your past work together and explain that you’d like to connect on LinkedIn to request a recommendation.
Step 2: Write a Personal Request Message
Now that you've identified the right people, it's time to focus on crafting a message that feels personal and genuine. A generic, one-size-fits-all request often gets ignored, but a thoughtfully tailored message shows respect for the recipient's time and increases the likelihood of receiving a meaningful recommendation.
Your message should strike a balance between being professional and personal. Remind the person of your shared experiences and be clear about what you're asking for. The easier you make it for them to say yes, the more likely they are to provide a thoughtful response.
A personalized approach also demonstrates that you genuinely value their opinion, rather than sending out mass requests. This extra effort can make the difference between receiving a glowing recommendation or being overlooked.
Include Specific Details and Context
When making your request, include details that jog the person's memory about your work together. Highlight specific projects, roles, or outcomes you'd like them to mention. This not only makes their task easier but also ensures the recommendation aligns with your career goals.
Avoid vague requests. Instead, be specific about what you want highlighted. For example:
"I often think about the work we did together on the X project. It remains one of my proudest moments. Would you be willing to write about the project, how we collaborated, and the results we achieved?"
If you're aiming for a leadership role, you could ask them to emphasize your project management or team collaboration skills. For technical positions, you might request a focus on your problem-solving abilities or analytical strengths.
Additionally, providing context about your current career goals can help the recommender tailor their comments. For instance, if you're exploring roles in data analysis or client relationship management, let them know. This ensures their recommendation supports your professional branding and aligns with the direction you're heading.
Offer to Write One Back
Reciprocity is a key element of professional networking. Offering to write a recommendation in return shows your gratitude and creates a mutually beneficial exchange.
You can include this offer in your initial message by saying something like, "I'd be happy to write a recommendation for you as well - just let me know if there's anything specific you'd like me to highlight." This not only shows appreciation but also strengthens the professional relationship.
Even if they decline your offer, always express sincere thanks for their time and effort. Maintaining positive connections is essential as you move forward with sending your request.
Step 3: Send the Request Through LinkedIn
Now that you've crafted a personalized message in Step 2, it's time to ensure your recommendation request reaches the right person effectively on LinkedIn. LinkedIn offers two straightforward ways to send your request: directly from a connection's profile or through your own profile's recommendations section.
Find the Recommendations Section
LinkedIn makes it easy to request recommendations with two main methods, depending on what works best for you:
- Option 1: Visit your connection's profile, click the "More" button near their name, and choose "Request a recommendation" from the dropdown menu.
- Option 2: Go to your own profile by clicking the "Me" icon at the top of the page, select "View profile," and scroll down to the recommendations section to initiate a request.
"You can request recommendations from your 1st-degree connections you work with or have worked with." - LinkedIn Help
Customize LinkedIn's Default Request Message
While LinkedIn provides a pre-written recommendation request message, relying on this generic template usually won’t get you the results you’re aiming for. Instead, take the time to replace it with a more personalized and impactful message.
Use the content you prepared in Step 2 to tailor the request. Highlight specific projects, achievements, or skills you demonstrated while working with them. Be clear about what you'd like them to emphasize in their recommendation, and if applicable, mention your current career goals so they can align their feedback with your professional aspirations.
"You can ask your connections to write a recommendation of your work that you can display on your profile." - LinkedIn Help
Before sending, double-check your message to make sure it’s professional, detailed, and easy for the recipient to respond to. A well-thought-out and customized request increases the likelihood of receiving a meaningful recommendation that truly enhances your profile.
Step 4: Follow Up on Unanswered Requests
After reaching out in Step 3, it’s important to follow up if you haven’t received a response. People often miss emails or get caught up in their busy schedules, so a polite nudge can make all the difference. A timely follow-up ensures your request stays on their radar and increases your chances of getting the recommendation you need.
When to Send Your Follow-Up
Give it about 1–2 weeks after your initial request before sending a reminder. This allows enough time for your contact to notice and consider your request.
"When following up on an ignored email requesting letters of recommendation, it's generally best to wait 1-2 weeks before sending a polite reminder." - Assistant Bot
"If you don't hear back after a week, don't be afraid to check in (in person)." - NG Career Strategy
Keep Your Follow-Up Professional
When reaching out again, aim for a tone that’s both respectful and persistent. Briefly restate your request, provide any relevant context, and, if needed, offer a draft recommendation to make the process easier.
"The follow-up email should restate the original request, provide any additional context that may be helpful, and end with a friendly tone, expressing understanding that the recipient is likely quite busy." - Assistant Bot
Keep your message short, polite, and to the point. If you didn’t include a draft recommendation in your initial request, now might be a good time to offer one.
"I've written a post here with a number of examples that you can point to or offer to write them a draft, I have found most people are relieved when you send them something to work from." - Kathryn Rose
You could say something like, "I’d be happy to draft something for you to review and edit as you see fit." This not only shows initiative but also saves them time.
"You have to keep it short, polite and urgent." - Shubham Subhnil
Make sure your follow-up conveys a sense of urgency, but avoid sounding pushy. For example, mention any approaching deadlines or explain why their response is important now - like a job application or performance review. Highlighting the timing makes it clear why their support is crucial at this moment. A well-timed and thoughtfully crafted follow-up can help move things forward and set the stage for refining your recommendations in the next step.
Step 5: Handle and Improve Your Recommendations
After following up with your recommenders, the next step is to fine-tune the recommendations you receive. These endorsements can become powerful tools in your career journey - if handled thoughtfully.
Review for Accuracy and Relevance
Start by carefully reviewing each recommendation for accuracy. Double-check details like job titles, company names, and project specifics. Even minor errors can undermine your credibility.
Next, ensure the recommendation aligns with your career goals. If it doesn't quite hit the mark, don't hesitate to ask for adjustments. For example, you might request the inclusion of specific achievements or projects that better reflect your expertise.
Specificity is key. A statement like "Sarah is a great team player" is nice but not nearly as impactful as "Sarah led our team to a 25% increase in client retention by implementing a new onboarding process." Concrete examples always carry more weight.
Also, consider whether the tone and style match your industry. A casual tone might work well for creative fields, but it could feel out of place in more formal industries like finance or law. Tailor the recommendation to suit your audience.
If you notice areas for improvement, approach your recommender with clear and polite suggestions. For example, you could say, "Would you mind highlighting the marketing campaign we collaborated on? It's especially relevant to the roles I'm targeting." Most people are happy to help when you provide specific guidance.
Once the recommendation is polished and perfectly aligned with your goals, it's time to express your gratitude.
Show Your Appreciation
A heartfelt thank-you goes a long way in maintaining strong professional relationships. Within 24–48 hours of receiving the recommendation, send a personalized message to your recommender. Mention specific parts of their endorsement that stood out to you and explain how it will help in your career. This shows you genuinely value their effort.
For example, instead of a generic "Thanks for the recommendation", you might say, "I really appreciate you highlighting the sales strategy we developed together. It’s a great example of my skills, and it’s exactly what I want to showcase to potential employers."
If appropriate, offer to return the favor by writing a recommendation for them. This creates a mutually supportive relationship and shows your gratitude in action.
Don’t let the connection end there. Stay in touch with your recommenders by engaging with their LinkedIn posts, congratulating them on milestones, or sharing updates on your career. These small gestures help maintain the relationship and make future collaborations feel natural.
By nurturing these professional relationships, you create a network of advocates who truly understand your skills and achievements. This network can provide more than just recommendations - it can offer job leads, industry insights, and valuable career advice as you progress.
Managing your recommendations thoughtfully is the final step in building a strong LinkedIn endorsement strategy. It enhances your credibility and sets you up for success in your job search.
Tools to Make LinkedIn Networking Easier
Juggling LinkedIn recommendations while managing multiple job applications can quickly become a headache. LinkedIn does offer basic tools for requesting and tracking recommendations, but many job seekers find themselves resorting to manual methods to stay on top of everything. This process can feel clunky and disconnected, especially when your networking efforts aren’t seamlessly integrated with your broader job search activities.
That’s where scale.jobs steps in. Unlike LinkedIn’s built-in features, which often operate in a silo, scale.jobs offers a platform that ties networking directly into the rest of your job search. From tracking applications to building ATS-friendly resumes, this tool keeps everything in one place, saving you time and effort.
What Makes scale.jobs Stand Out?
scale.jobs brings networking and job searching under one roof. It doesn’t just track where you’ve applied - it also keeps tabs on who you’ve contacted for recommendations and when follow-ups are due. This means no more missed opportunities or awkwardly reaching out to the same person twice.
Beyond tracking, scale.jobs provides human assistants who can help with drafting requests and timing follow-ups. This extra layer of support is especially helpful for immigrants navigating visa complexities or recent grads learning the ropes of professional etiquette. Plus, with its ATS-optimized resume tools, your recommendations can be tailored to the roles you’re targeting. For example, if a former colleague agrees to write a recommendation, your assistant can supply them with talking points that align with the specific skills and achievements highlighted in your resume.
Key Features for Job Seekers
The platform offers a free tier with essential tools to complement your LinkedIn activity. Its job application tracker helps you stay organized, avoiding mistakes like forgetting to follow up or contacting the same person multiple times. You can log recommendation requests, set reminders, and track responses - all while keeping an eye on your job applications from the same dashboard.
For a more personalized touch, the AI-powered message generator helps you craft unique, thoughtful recommendation requests. Whether you’re reaching out to former colleagues, clients, or professors, the AI Assistant Pro ($9/month launch offer, regularly $19/month) can create messages that reference specific projects or shared experiences, ensuring each request feels genuine.
If you’re managing multiple applications at once - common for job hoppers or those impacted by layoffs - the flat-fee human assistant model can save you serious time. Instead of spending hours on administrative tasks, you can focus on building meaningful connections and preparing for interviews while trained professionals handle the logistics.
Another standout feature is the platform’s real-time updates. You’ll get timestamped notifications when your assistant sends out requests, follows up, or identifies new networking opportunities based on your job search activity. This transparency is something LinkedIn’s self-service tools don’t offer.
Worried about paying for services you don’t fully use? scale.jobs has a flexible refund policy, so if your job search wraps up faster than expected or you don’t need as much support as you thought, you’re not stuck with unnecessary charges.
Why Recommendations Matter
According to LinkedIn data, profiles with recommendations are 3x more likely to catch a recruiter’s eye. scale.jobs helps you build those all-important 3-5 strong recommendations from a diverse range of contacts, making the entire process more efficient and effective. By combining human support, AI tools, and integrated tracking, the platform creates a workflow that adapts to the intensity of your job search.
Certain groups may find these tools particularly helpful. For instance, recent graduates can get guidance on how to approach professors or internship supervisors professionally. Immigrants can access culturally sensitive messaging support to highlight transferable skills. Job hoppers, on the other hand, can use the tools to maintain professional relationships across multiple roles and industries.
With scale.jobs, you’re not just managing LinkedIn recommendations - you’re turning them into a strategic part of your job search. This integrated approach can make a real difference in building a stronger profile and advancing your career.
Conclusion: Build Strong LinkedIn Recommendations for Career Growth
Creating a robust LinkedIn profile with well-crafted recommendations can transform your endorsements into a powerful career tool, opening doors to new opportunities. To achieve this, focus on selecting the right people to recommend you, sending thoughtful and personalized requests that highlight specific experiences, and using LinkedIn's messaging feature to communicate clearly. Be sure to follow up politely if needed and review each recommendation for accuracy before it’s published. Remember, quality matters more than quantity - three detailed and meaningful endorsements from a diverse group of professional contacts will outshine a dozen generic ones.
Show genuine gratitude to strengthen your professional connections. Acknowledge the time your recommender is investing, provide clear guidance on what you'd like emphasized, and offer to write a recommendation for them in return. These thoughtful gestures not only improve the likelihood of receiving strong endorsements but also deepen your professional relationships.
For those juggling a busy schedule, platforms like scale.jobs can simplify the process. This service helps streamline networking and job applications, keeping everything organized so you can focus on interview prep and building valuable connections.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, transitioning careers, or exploring new opportunities, the key principles remain the same: be authentic, specific in your requests, and appreciative of your recommenders. These steps will help you craft a LinkedIn profile that showcases your professional strengths and attracts the right opportunities.
LinkedIn recommendations act as compelling testimonials that can influence hiring decisions and spark conversations with potential employers. By following these strategies and maintaining professionalism, you’re not just building a profile - you’re investing in relationships and shaping a reputation that will support your career for years to come. Pairing these efforts with tools like scale.jobs can further enhance your ability to tell your professional story and position yourself for long-term success.
FAQs
How can I get LinkedIn recommendations that support my career goals?
To make your LinkedIn recommendations work for your career goals, start by pinpointing the industry or role you’re targeting and the key strengths you want to emphasize. Then, reach out to colleagues, managers, or mentors who can genuinely vouch for these abilities. When you ask for a recommendation, make it personal - share your career goals and suggest specific areas they could mention, like leadership, collaboration, or technical expertise.
Also, keep your LinkedIn profile up to date with your current aspirations. This ensures that any recommendations you receive naturally align with the professional image you’re building. Take some time to regularly review and refresh your recommendations to keep them relevant as your career progresses.
What should I do if someone declines my LinkedIn recommendation request?
If someone turns down your request for a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s crucial to respect their choice and express gratitude for their time. They might not feel confident in their ability to provide a recommendation or may not have worked closely enough with you to feel qualified.
Instead, consider approaching someone else who is more familiar with your skills and accomplishments. To make it easier for them, share specific examples of your work or explain how their recommendation could highlight your strengths. Always prioritize professionalism and keep relationships positive, even if your request doesn’t work out.
How can scale.jobs help me get LinkedIn recommendations more effectively?
Scale.jobs takes the hassle out of managing LinkedIn recommendations by providing tools that make outreach and follow-ups a breeze. With features like AI-driven resume optimization and dedicated human support, it helps you create personalized messages that stand out and keeps your professional networking organized.
These tools simplify connecting with colleagues, mentors, and peers, ensuring your recommendation requests are polished, targeted, and effective. By saving you time and offering tailored approaches, Scale.jobs helps you create a stronger LinkedIn profile filled with meaningful endorsements.
