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Writer's pictureMariana Carvalho

How to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn

The approach from someone that has over 20 recommendations and has written more than 10


LinkedIn is one of the most used social media for professionals of all ages. I wrote an article (here) on how to leverage LinkedIn in the best way possible when you are making a career transition.


LinkedIn Tips For Those Making a Career Transition


What to say and highlight on LinkedIn while making a career transitionblog.startupstash.com

But using LinkedIn is not only for that period of transition, but it can be beneficial to all types of professionals, ages and moments you are in your career.


In today’s article, I want to talk about the importance of asking for recommendations on LinkedIn.


One of the key features of LinkedIn is the ability to request and receive recommendation letters from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors.


Benefits of Asking for a Recommendation

These recommendation letters can enhance your professional profile and increase your chances of landing your dream job.


A well-crafted recommendation letter showcases your strengths, skills, and accomplishments, giving potential employers a deeper understanding of your capabilities. Recommendations from professionals in your field carry significant weight, as they provide social proof and validate your expertise.


First, identify the right person

The first step in asking for a recommendation letter is to identify the right person to ask.

Look for individuals who have worked closely with you, preferably supervisors or colleagues who can speak to your professional abilities.

Choose someone who knows your work ethic, and accomplishments, and can provide specific examples of your skills and successes.


Then, build and nurture professional relationships

Before approaching someone for a recommendation letter, it is crucial to build and nurture professional relationships. Networking is a vital aspect of career development, and LinkedIn provides an excellent platform to connect with professionals in your field.


Engage with their content, offer insights, and establish a rapport. This will make it easier to request a recommendation letter when the time comes.


Personalize your request

When sending the request for a recommendation letter, ensure that it is personalized and specific to the individual.

Briefly remind them of your professional relationship and the projects you have worked on together.

Highlight some of your achievements and mention how their recommendation would greatly assist you in your career goals. Personalizing the request shows that you value their opinion and time.


Provide a direction

To make it easier for the person writing your recommendation letter, provide clear guidelines.


Outline the specific skills, qualities, or experiences you would like them to highlight. This will ensure that the recommendation letter aligns with your career objectives and the job opportunities you are pursuing.


You can also offer to provide any further information or examples that they may need to write a compelling letter. If you are asking someone to write a recommendation in English, French or another language they are not comfortable with, you can offer to translate it for them.


Follow up and express gratitude

After your request has been accepted, make sure to express your gratitude and keep the person updated on the progress of your applications or career journey. A sincere thank-you message goes a long way in maintaining professional relationships.


Also, keeping them in the loop shows that you value their support and reinforces the importance of their recommendation.

When asking for a recommendation letter on LinkedIn, be careful to whom to ask to, and include a personal touch in the request.

When you identify the right person, nurture the relationship, and provide clear guidelines on how you want the person to talk about you in the recommendation, it makes it easier to get them.


Also, asks if the person wants a recommendation in return as a thank-you note for the gesture/favor.


 

Mariana Carvalho is a writer, career mentor, Latino 30 Under 30 2022 by El Mundo Boston magazine, Mentor of the Year 2023 by WomenTech Network, with over 12 years of professional experience, the last 7 in corporate America. Connect: Mentoring | Medium | LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads | Website

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