How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation Without Feeling Awkward
Did you know that having a strong presence on LinkedIn can significantly impact your career path? Among the various elements that contribute to your LinkedIn profile’s effectiveness, recommendations are a powerful endorsement of your skills and experiences. While asking for a recommendation may seem daunting, particularly for those who are more reserved, it is essential to approach this task with confidence and clear direction. Keep reading to learn more about how to request LinkedIn recommendations without feeling awkward.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter for Your Career
LinkedIn recommendations serve as easily validated testimonials that demonstrate your skills, work ethic, and overall professionalism. These endorsements can enhance your credibility like nothing else, making you more appealing to potential employers and connections.
Hiring managers often rely on recommendations to gauge a candidate's suitability for a position, especially within competitive, high networking fields. A well-written recommendation from a qualified professional can showcase your strengths, highlight your past accomplishments, and provide insight into how you truly work with others. Recommendations are an easy way to stand out in a crowded job market.
Choosing the Right People to Ask for a Recommendation
Selecting the appropriate individuals to request a recommendation from is important for receiving a meaningful endorsement. Aim for someone qualified who is familiar with your work and can provide specific examples of your contributions. These could include current or former managers, colleagues, clients, or mentors.
Consider the nature of your relationship with each potential recommender. A manager might speak to your professional performance, while a colleague could highlight your teamwork skills. Choose individuals who can provide diverse perspectives on your abilities, increasing the likelihood of well-rounded recommendations.
Timing Is Key: When to Request a Recommendation
Timing plays a critical role in the success of your request. Aim to ask for recommendations during or shortly after a positive experience, such as completing a project, receiving recognition, or transitioning off a job. When individuals are freshly aware of your contributions, they are more likely to recall specific experiences to provide effective and detailed feedback.
Avoid asking for recommendations during particularly busy times for the person you are approaching. Consider reaching out after significant milestones in their work, when they might appreciate a moment of reflection. Thoughtful timing ensures that the person feels motivated to respond to your request.
How to Craft a Polite and Professional Request
When you're ready to make your request, it's essential to craft a polite and professional message. Begin by greeting the individual warmly and reminding them of your connection or shared experience.
Be direct in your request while maintaining an approachable demeanor. You might say something like, “I really enjoyed working with you on [specific project] and would be grateful if you could provide a recommendation on my LinkedIn profile. Your perspective would mean a lot to me.”
Closing with appreciation, such as “Thank you for considering my request,” helps maintain goodwill and indicates respect for their time.
Offering Context: Highlighting Specific Achievements or Skills
To guide the recommender in writing a compelling endorsement, we recommend providing context regarding your accomplishments or skills you’d like them to emphasize. If you've successfully completed significant projects or developed specific skills during your time working together, remind them of these achievements to aid in crafting their recommendation.
For example, show appreciation for their oversight on a project by saying, “I really appreciated your guidance during the XYZ project, where I improved my analysis and reporting skills. If you could mention that experience in your recommendation, it would be incredibly helpful!” This enables them to tailor their message to reflect your growth and contributions effectively. It also simplifies the writing process for the recommender when they know specifically what they should mention.
Making the Process Easy for the Recommender
The easier you make the process for your recommender, the more likely they are to follow through. As we mentioned previously, providing key points or specific skills you’d like highlighted in their recommendation helps eliminate any possible stress about how to communicate their thoughts and saves them time.
In addition to providing examples, also make sure to let them know that they aren’t obligated to mention your examples, and can also focus on whatever they feel is most relevant if they wish. This allows for a more authentic recommendation and reduces any pressure they might feel to adhere strictly to your suggestions.
How to Return the Favor: Writing Recommendations for Others
Asking for recommendations is a two-way street. Offering to write recommendations for colleagues and connections helps establish mutual support within your network. When possible, proactively offer your endorsement to those who have positively impacted your career.
Having a reputation for both giving and receiving recommendations can enhance your professional standing and strengthen relationships within your network. When you write thoughtful recommendations, you build goodwill, which can encourage others to reciprocate when you need support.
Conclusion
Requesting a LinkedIn recommendation doesn't have to feel uncomfortable. By approaching the process with confidence and clear communication, you can secure valuable endorsements that enhance your professional image. Choose the right people, time your requests thoughtfully, and simplify the process by providing context for the most effective endorsements.
At Campbell Morden, we leverage our interconnected network of finance, sales, manufacturing, allied health care, and insolvency professionals to help you find the job that best aligns with your career goals. Contact us today to learn about how we make job searching simple.
