Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter (And Why Most People Don't Have Them)
When David applied for a VP of Sales role, the hiring manager told him later: "Your recommendations sealed the deal. Three former executives vouching for your ability to scale teams—that carried more weight than your resume."
Yet David almost didn't ask for those recommendations. Like most professionals, he felt awkward requesting testimonials, worried about seeming self-promotional or burdening colleagues.
LinkedIn recommendations are written endorsements from colleagues, managers, clients, or partners displayed on your profile. Unlike one-click skill endorsements, recommendations are detailed testimonials that tell stories about your work, character, and results.
Here's why they're powerful:
- Social proof from credible sources — third-party validation beats self-promotion every time
- Storytelling that shows impact — recommendations describe how you work, not just what you do
- Recruiter and client trust — decision-makers read recommendations to verify claims and assess cultural fit
- SEO benefit — recommendations add keyword-rich content to your profile
- Differentiation — 80% of LinkedIn users have zero recommendations
The awkwardness of asking is exactly why recommendations are rare—and therefore valuable. This guide will show you how to ask for LinkedIn recommendations in ways that feel genuine, reciprocal, and easy for the other person.
When to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations
1. After a Successful Project or Milestone
The best time to ask is when your impact is fresh in someone's mind. Examples:
- You just closed a major deal together
- A project you led launched successfully
- You helped a colleague solve a challenging problem
- A client achieved measurable results from your work
Why this works: Recency makes writing easier. The person remembers specific details and feels motivated to recognize your contribution.
2. When Transitioning Roles
Leaving a job, getting promoted, or wrapping up a consulting engagement are natural moments to request recommendations. Examples:
- Your last week at a company
- After a contract or freelance engagement ends
- When you're promoted (ask your previous manager or peers)
Why this works: Role transitions signal closure, making the request feel like a natural reflection ritual rather than a random favor.
3. During Annual Reviews or 1-on-1s
If your manager gives positive feedback during a review, follow up with: "I really appreciate that feedback. Would you be open to writing a LinkedIn recommendation capturing some of those points? I'd be happy to draft something to make it easier."
Why this works: They've already articulated your strengths verbally; you're just asking them to formalize it.
4. When You Can Reciprocate
If you're writing a recommendation for someone, mention you'd appreciate one in return: "I'd also love a recommendation from you if you're open to it—happy to send a draft to make it easy."
Why this works: Reciprocity removes awkwardness. You're offering value first.
Who to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations
1. Former Managers and Supervisors
Why they're valuable: Manager recommendations carry authority. They speak to your performance, growth, and leadership potential.
What they should emphasize: Your contributions to team goals, skills you developed, how you handled challenges.
2. Clients and Customers
Why they're valuable: Client testimonials prove you deliver results. They're especially powerful for consultants, freelancers, and service providers.
What they should emphasize: Specific results (revenue growth, time saved, problem solved), your approach, and ease of working with you.
3. Colleagues and Peers
Why they're valuable: Peer recommendations speak to collaboration, reliability, and interpersonal skills.
What they should emphasize: How you work in teams, your problem-solving approach, and what makes you a great colleague.
4. Direct Reports (If You're a Manager)
Why they're valuable: Reports can speak to your leadership style, mentorship, and ability to develop talent.
What they should emphasize: How you supported their growth, handled challenges, and created a positive team culture.
5. Partners and Vendors
Why they're valuable: External partners validate your professionalism, communication, and execution.
What they should emphasize: Your reliability, expertise, and impact on shared outcomes.
How to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations: Proven Message Templates
Template 1: The Simple Ask (Post-Project)
Hi [Name],
I really enjoyed working with you on [Project/Initiative]. I learned a lot from collaborating with you, especially around [specific skill or moment].
I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would greatly appreciate a recommendation from you highlighting our work together. If you're open to it, I'm happy to send a few bullet points to make it easier—or you can write whatever feels authentic to you.
Either way, thanks for being such a great [colleague/client/partner]!
Best,
[Your Name]
Why this works: Starts with gratitude, makes the request specific, offers to make it easy, and gives them an out.
Template 2: The Reciprocal Ask
Hi [Name],
I just wrote you a LinkedIn recommendation reflecting on our time working together on [Project]. I really appreciated your [specific contribution] and wanted to make sure that was captured publicly.
If you're open to it, I'd love a recommendation from you as well. I'm happy to draft something if that helps—or you can write whatever feels right to you.
Thanks!
[Your Name]
Why this works: You've already given value. Reciprocity makes the ask feel balanced.
Template 3: The Role Transition Ask
Hi [Name],
As I'm wrapping up my time at [Company], I wanted to reach out and say how much I've valued working with you. Your feedback and collaboration on [specific project or skill area] really helped me grow as a [role].
I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would be honored if you'd be willing to write a recommendation. If you're open to it, I can send a few points about our work together to make it easier—or you're welcome to write whatever feels authentic.
Thanks again for everything!
[Your Name]
Why this works: Role transitions are natural moments for reflection. The ask feels ceremonial, not transactional.
Template 4: The Draft Offer (For Busy People)
Hi [Name],
I know you're swamped, but I wanted to ask if you'd be open to writing a LinkedIn recommendation for me based on our work together on [Project].
To make it as easy as possible, I've drafted something below that you're welcome to edit, approve, or completely rewrite. No pressure if you're too busy!
Draft:
[Your drafted recommendation text]
Thanks for considering!
[Your Name]
Why this works: Removes friction. They can approve your draft in 30 seconds or personalize it if they have time.
Template 5: The Client Testimonial Ask
Hi [Client Name],
It's been such a pleasure working with you on [Project]. Seeing you achieve [specific result] made all the hard work worth it.
As I'm growing my practice, I'd be incredibly grateful if you'd be willing to share your experience working with me in a LinkedIn recommendation. It would mean a lot to have your endorsement as I take on similar projects.
I'm happy to provide a few talking points if that's helpful, or you can write whatever feels right to you.
Thank you for the opportunity to work together!
[Your Name]
Why this works: Focuses on their success, frames the recommendation as supporting your ability to help others like them.
How to Make It Easy for Someone to Write Your Recommendation
1. Offer a Draft
Many people want to help but lack time. Offer to write a draft they can edit or approve. Structure your draft as:
- Opening: "I worked with [Your Name] on [Project/Role] from [Dates]."
- Body: 2-3 sentences on your contributions, skills, or results.
- Closing: "I'd recommend [Your Name] to anyone looking for [skill/role]. They're [2-3 adjectives]."
2. Provide Talking Points
If drafting feels too presumptuous, offer bullet points:
- "We worked together on [Project] where I led [specific contribution]."
- "You mentioned I was strong at [skill]—would love if you could highlight that."
- "The result we achieved was [metric/outcome]."
3. Remind Them of Specifics
People forget details. Refresh their memory:
- "Remember when we [specific moment]? That project taught me a lot about [skill]."
- "You gave me great feedback on [skill area] during our 1-on-1—would love if you could mention that."
What Makes a Great LinkedIn Recommendation (So You Know What to Ask For)
1. Specific, Not Generic
❌ "John is a great marketer and team player."
✅ "John led our Q3 demand gen campaign, which generated 300 qualified leads and $1.2M in pipeline. His data-driven approach and creative messaging made the difference."
2. Tells a Story
Great recommendations include a moment or anecdote that brings your skills to life. Example: "During a critical product launch, Sarah stayed late to troubleshoot a technical issue that saved us from missing our deadline."
3. Highlights Results
Quantify impact when possible: "increased revenue by 30%," "reduced churn by 15%," "mentored 5 junior team members who were promoted."
4. Addresses Soft Skills
Technical skills matter, but soft skills differentiate. Examples: "incredibly calm under pressure," "makes everyone feel heard," "turns feedback into action quickly."
How to Respond When Someone Writes You a Recommendation
1. Thank Them Publicly and Privately
Send a private message thanking them, then consider posting a thank-you on LinkedIn tagging them (optional, but builds goodwill).
2. Offer to Reciprocate
"Thanks so much for the thoughtful recommendation! If you'd ever like one from me, just let me know—I'd be happy to return the favor."
3. Display It Prominently
LinkedIn lets you reorder recommendations. Feature the strongest ones at the top of each role section.
Common Mistakes When Asking for LinkedIn Recommendations
Mistake #1: Asking Strangers or Weak Connections
Only ask people who genuinely know your work. A generic recommendation from a stranger signals desperation.
Mistake #2: No Context or Reminder
"Can you write me a recommendation?" is too vague. Remind them of the project, role, or moment you want highlighted.
Mistake #3: Demanding or Entitled Tone
Always frame it as a request, not an expectation. Give them an easy out: "No pressure if you're too busy!"
Mistake #4: Not Offering to Help
Offering a draft or talking points shows respect for their time and makes it more likely they'll say yes.
Mistake #5: Asking Too Many People at Once
Requesting recommendations from 20 people feels spammy. Start with 3-5 key people, then add more over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LinkedIn recommendations should I have?
Aim for 5-10 high-quality recommendations across different roles and relationships (managers, clients, peers). Quality matters far more than quantity—one detailed, specific recommendation from a credible source beats ten generic ones.
Should I write the recommendation for someone if they're too busy?
Yes, offering to draft a recommendation is common and appreciated, especially for busy executives or clients. They can edit or approve it, ensuring it still feels authentic.
What if someone writes a weak or generic recommendation?
You can politely ask for edits: "Thanks so much! Would you be open to adding a sentence about [specific project or skill]? I think that would really strengthen it." Alternatively, you can choose not to display it on your profile.
Can I ask for a recommendation from a former colleague I haven't spoken to in years?
Yes, but reestablish the connection first. Send a warm message catching up, then mention you're updating your LinkedIn and would appreciate their perspective on your work together. Provide context and make it easy by offering a draft.
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