15 LinkedIn Recommendation Request Templates That Get Responses

The Request She Never Sent

Elena had worked with Maria for three years. They'd launched products together, solved impossible problems, and Maria had even said at Elena's goodbye lunch, "If you ever need anything, just ask."

Six months later, Elena's LinkedIn profile still had zero recommendations. She'd drafted the request to Maria four times, deleting it each time. "It feels weird to ask." "What if she says no?" "I don't want to seem needy."

Elena isn't alone. Asking for recommendations triggers discomfort for most professionals—especially introverts who avoid anything that feels like self-promotion or putting others on the spot.

But here's the reality: recommendations are one of the most powerful credibility signals on LinkedIn. Recruiters look for them. Prospects trust them. And most people are genuinely happy to write them—if you make the ask easy, specific, and timely.

Why Most Recommendation Requests Get Ignored

Before we dive into templates, understand why requests fail:

• Too vague: "Can you write me a recommendation?" gives the recipient no direction. They're left guessing what to say, which makes writing feel harder than it is. Harder asks get postponed indefinitely.
• Too transactional: Requests that feel like checkbox tasks ("I'm updating my profile and need 5 recommendations") don't inspire effort. People want to feel like their testimonial matters, not that they're one of many.
• Poor timing: Asking months or years after working together requires the person to dig through memories. Fresh experiences inspire better, more specific recommendations.
• No context: If you haven't interacted with someone in years, a cold recommendation request feels jarring—like you're only reaching out when you need something.
• One-sided: Asking without offering reciprocity (or at least acknowledging the person's time) comes across as self-centered.

Elena's unsent requests suffered from all of these. She asked vaguely, felt weird about timing, and had no idea how to make the ask feel less awkward.

When to Ask: Timing That Gets Yes

The best time to request a recommendation is when your value is fresh in someone's mind:

• Right after a successful project completion or milestone
• During a transition (leaving a company, wrapping up a contract)
• After receiving positive feedback (email praise, successful presentation)
• When someone proactively thanks you for your work
• As part of a mutual exchange (offering to write one for them first)

Avoid asking during someone's busy season, during organizational chaos, or after years of no contact without first re-engaging.

And remember: your request is just one part of a complete profile strategy. Make sure your banner design and other visual elements also reinforce the credibility these recommendations will support.

15 Templates That Get Responses

Here are 15 proven templates organized by relationship type. Customize them with specifics—the more personal, the better the response rate.

Templates 1-3: Requesting from Former Managers

Template 1: The Recent Departure

Hi [Name],

Now that I've settled into [new role/company], I've been reflecting on what I learned working with you at [Company]. I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would love a recommendation from you highlighting [specific skill or project—e.g., "how I approached stakeholder management during the X launch" or "my analytical approach to solving Y problem"].

I know you're busy, so I've outlined a few talking points that might help:

• [Specific project or achievement]
• [Key strength you demonstrated]
• [Impact or result]

No pressure if you're swamped—I completely understand. And if you'd like a recommendation from me in return, I'd be happy to write one.

Thanks for everything you taught me!

[Your name]

Template 2: The Relationship-First Approach

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I saw your post about [recent update] and wanted to reach out.

I'm in the process of updating my LinkedIn profile and realized I don't have a recommendation from you—which feels like a huge gap given how much I learned under your leadership at [Company]. Would you be open to writing a brief recommendation?

If it's helpful, you might mention [specific project or strength]. But honestly, whatever you feel comfortable sharing would mean a lot.

Thanks for considering it—and for all the mentorship over the years.

[Your name]

Template 3: The Long-Time-Since Reconnect

Hi [Name],

It's been a while! I hope [Company/Role] is treating you well.

I'm reaching out because I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and realized how formative my time working with you at [Company] was for my career. I'd love a recommendation from you if you're open to it—particularly around [specific skill or project].

I know it's been [time period], so I've put together some bullet points that might jog your memory:

• [Specific accomplishment]
• [Key project]
• [Relevant skill]

Totally understand if you're too busy. Either way, I'd love to catch up sometime.

Best,

[Your name]

Templates 4-6: Requesting from Former Clients

Template 4: The Fresh Project Completion

Hi [Name],

I'm so glad we wrapped up [project name] successfully—it was a pleasure working with you and the [Company] team!

If you were happy with the results, I'd be grateful for a LinkedIn recommendation. Since you saw the full scope of my work, your perspective would be incredibly valuable for future prospects.

If it helps, you might mention:

• [Specific deliverable or outcome]
• [Your working style or approach]
• [Result or impact on their business]

Totally understand if you're too busy—no pressure. Thanks again for the opportunity to work together!

[Your name]

Template 5: The Long-Term Client Relationship

Hi [Name],

We've been working together for [time period] now, and I'm incredibly grateful for the partnership. Your trust in my work has meant a lot.

I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would love a recommendation from you if you're open to it. Since you've seen my work evolve across [multiple projects or areas], your perspective would be especially valuable.

A few areas you might touch on:

• [Specific strength or skill]
• [Consistency or reliability]
• [Impact on your business]

Thanks for considering it—and for being such a great partner.

[Your name]

Template 6: The "Would You Mind?" Soft Ask

Hi [Name],

Quick question: would you be open to writing a brief LinkedIn recommendation for me? I'm building out my profile and realized your perspective on [project/skill] would be incredibly valuable given our work together on [specific project].

I know you're busy, so no worries if now isn't a good time. Just thought I'd ask!

Thanks,

[Your name]

Templates 7-9: Requesting from Colleagues and Peers

Template 7: The Mutual Exchange

Hi [Name],

I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and realized we've never written recommendations for each other—which seems like an oversight given how closely we worked on [project/initiative]!

Would you be open to exchanging recommendations? I'd be happy to write one for you first highlighting [specific strength or project]. If you're up for it, I'd love one from you focusing on [specific skill or collaboration].

Let me know if you're interested!

[Your name]

Template 8: The Collaborative Project Highlight

Hi [Name],

I've been thinking about our work on [project name]—it was such a great collaboration. I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would love a recommendation from you, particularly around [specific aspect like "how we navigated the challenges" or "my contribution to the strategy"].

If you'd like, I can draft something for your approval to make it easier. Or if you'd prefer to write it from scratch, a few sentences would be perfect.

Thanks for considering!

[Your name]

Template 9: The Peer Endorsement

Hi [Name],

We've worked side-by-side for [time period], and I've always valued your perspective. I'm building out my LinkedIn presence and would really appreciate a recommendation from you.

Since we collaborated closely on [specific work], your view of my [skill/approach/impact] would mean a lot. Even a few sentences would be incredibly helpful.

Happy to write one for you too if you'd like!

[Your name]

Templates 10-11: Requesting from Direct Reports

Template 10: The Leadership Recommendation

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well at [new company/role]! I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and realized I don't have any recommendations highlighting my management or leadership style.

Since you reported to me for [time period], would you be open to writing a recommendation? Your perspective on [specific aspect like "how I supported your development" or "my approach to team leadership"] would be especially valuable.

Totally understand if you'd prefer not to—no pressure either way.

Best,

[Your name]

Template 11: The Mentor-Mentee Request

Hi [Name],

It's been great watching your career progress since we worked together! I'm putting together my LinkedIn profile and would love a recommendation from you about my mentorship or leadership during your time on my team.

If you're comfortable with it, you might mention [specific example of guidance or support]. But honestly, whatever feels authentic to your experience would be perfect.

Thanks for considering—and congrats again on [recent achievement]!

[Your name]

Templates 12-13: Requesting from Vendors and Partners

Template 12: The Vendor/Partner Relationship

Hi [Name],

I've really valued our partnership over [time period]—working with you and the [Company] team has been great.

I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would love a recommendation from you if you're open to it. Since you've seen how I [specific aspect like "manage projects" or "communicate with external partners"], your perspective would be valuable.

A few sentences would be perfect—no need for anything extensive.

Thanks!

[Your name]

Template 13: The Strategic Partner

Hi [Name],

Our collaboration on [project/initiative] was one of the highlights of my year. The results we achieved together really showcased what's possible when the right partners align.

I'm building out my LinkedIn presence and would be grateful for a recommendation from you, particularly around [specific skill or outcome]. Your perspective as a strategic partner would carry real weight.

Let me know if you'd be comfortable with that!

[Your name]

Templates 14-15: Special Situations

Template 14: The "I'll Draft It for You" Approach

Hi [Name],

I know you're incredibly busy, so I wanted to make this as easy as possible: I'm hoping to get a LinkedIn recommendation from you, and I'd be happy to draft something for your review and approval.

I was thinking I'd highlight [specific project or skill]. You could edit it however you like—or scrap it entirely and write your own. Whatever works best for you.

Would that be helpful?

[Your name]

Template 15: The Follow-Up After No Response

Hi [Name],

I know you're swamped, so no worries if you didn't see my earlier message! I'd asked if you'd be open to writing a LinkedIn recommendation for me.

Totally understand if it's not a good time—just wanted to check in once more before I let it go.

Thanks either way!

[Your name]

Need help personalizing these templates to match your relationship and communication style? ANDI can adapt these requests to your specific situation, suggest talking points for the person writing your recommendation, and help you strike the right tone—professional but not stiff, appreciative but not overly formal.

How to Make Requests Less Awkward

Even with great templates, asking still feels weird for many professionals. Here's how to reduce the discomfort:

• Reframe the ask: You're not imposing—you're giving someone an opportunity to publicly support you. Most people genuinely want to help.
• Be specific: Vague requests create work. Specific requests ("would you mention how I handled the X project?") make writing easier and faster.
• Offer to reciprocate: Even if they don't take you up on it, offering to write one for them removes the transactional feeling.
• Give an out: "Totally understand if you're too busy" signals you respect their time and won't be offended by a no.
• Provide bullet points: Especially for requests long after working together, giving 2-3 memory joggers makes responding significantly easier.
• Offer to draft: Some people love this option—they can approve, edit, or ignore a draft far faster than writing from scratch.

Elena finally sent her request to Maria using Template 1. She included specific talking points about the product launch they'd led together and offered to write one in return. Maria responded within two days with an enthusiastic yes—and her recommendation highlighted exactly what Elena needed prospects to see.

Ask With Confidence—Most People Want to Help

Asking for linkedin recommendations doesn't have to feel awkward. Most people are genuinely happy to support former colleagues, clients, and managers—especially when you make the request specific, timely, and easy to fulfill.

Elena's profile went from zero recommendations to five strong testimonials in three weeks—not because she became more comfortable asking, but because she used templates that reduced the friction for both her and the people she asked.

Your recommendations are social proof that you deliver what you promise. They're credibility markers that turn profile visitors into connection requests, interviews, and opportunities. Stop leaving them blank because asking feels uncomfortable.

Use these templates, customize them for your relationships, and ask while your work is fresh. And if you need help personalizing requests or generating talking points? ANDI can adapt these templates to your unique situation and communication style.

Next step: Take control of your LinkedIn relationships — Try ANDI Free.