Asking for a recommendation on LinkedIn can be intimidating. However, in today’s digital-centric world your reputation online is important and LinkedIn recommendations are essential. LinkedIn recommendations allow your former colleagues, bosses, and employees to vouch for your skills and experience while increasing credibility within your LinkedIn network. They are personal testimonials written to illustrate the experience of working with you.
To make it easier to receive LinkedIn recommendations, the platform has a handy drop-down menu in the Recommendations section of your profile. This makes it easy to reach out to specific contacts and request recommendations. However, we highly encourage that each recommendation on your LinkedIn profile is personalized and detailed. They should go beyond letting people know you are a technology whiz or super organized.
Here are three tips to get a great recommendation on LinkedIn:
- Know who to ask: When requesting LinkedIn recommendations, you will want to include a variety of voices. Consider senior leaders you have worked with, clients, managers, employees, bosses, and/or community members. This will give anyone reading your LinkedIn profile a well-rounded view of your personality, work ethic, skills, and contributions to a team.
- Be prepared before you ask: When asking for a LinkedIn recommendation you will want to make it as easy as possible for the writer! Make sure you provide some context and elaborate on which skills you would like them to emphasize. If you are a good writer you might even consider drafting a recommendation for their review and edit. Take the time to think about who you would most value a recommendation from, and personalize your request. It’s worth the extra effort.
- Follow the Rules!: Remember that the easiest way to get more LinkedIn recommendations is to write a recommendation for someone within your network. After receiving your glowing recommendation, they’ll be more inclined to return the favor. We like to follow the “two for two rule.” Give two LinkedIn recommendations and request two LinkedIn recommendations.
We know that maximizing your online presence can be intimidating and you might not know where to begin. You are not alone!
At Craig Bradford Associates, we have partnered with hundreds of candidates-just like you- to maximize their digital reputation and find their perfect career. If you are a job seeker or are considering transitioning to a new career, we can help you navigate every step of the process.
Call your Executive Recruiter to get started today!!
610-862-4355
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