How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation Request Message [Sample Templates Included]

In today’s modern world, simply applying for open job positions is no longer enough.

Recruiters are more and more using an alternative method to find candidates who are a good fit for their companies – LinkedIn.

That’s why creating and constantly updating your LinkedIn profile can be a turning point in your career development.

The better you fill out your professional profile, the more chance there is for recruiters to contact you.

And one great thing to add in your profile are LinkedIn recommendations. After all, nothing can make you look better than praise from a client, an old boss, or a close colleague.

But how do you get these recommendations, and how do they work exactly?

We’ve got you covered, in this article, we are going to explore the following questions:

• What is a LinkedIn recommendation request message?
• When and who to ask for LinkedIn's recommendation message?
• How do you request LinkedIn's recommendation message?

And we are going to leave you off with some great example to get you started.

So, if you are ready to learn more about LinkedIn’s recommendation message, stick around.

What is LinkedIn's recommendation request message?

In the past, you would need a cover letter and a recommendation letter attached to your resume when you apply for a new job opportunity.

However, in modern times, a recruiter can find everything they need on your LinkedIn profile. That includes not only your work experience, education and skills, but also any recommendation from people who are ready to vouch for you.

And a LinkedIn recommendation can open many doors for you, and help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

There are many pros for requesting a LinkedIn recommendation from someone, including:

• It will improve your LinkedIn profile
• It will boost your credibility
• It will improve your network relationship

When and who to ask for LinkedIn’s recommendation message?

When it comes to timing for asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, you can do it whenever you want. The important part here is to provide reasoning.

A good strategy to keep in mind is to ask for recommendations throughout the year.

You can ask for one whenever you finish a big project with co-workers or clients, providing the reasoning that you are always collecting feedback and would greatly appreciate theirs.

However, keep in mind that you need to be cautious when asking for a LinkedIn recommendation, as it might look like you are ready to leave.

But if you are in fact looking around for a new job opportunity, make sure you ask for a recommendation while you are still fresh in your colleagues’ minds.

No matter your reasons for looking for LinkedIn recommendation, you need to consider who you are requesting it from.

The best way to go, regarding whom you choose to ask for a recommendation, is to gather a variety of people.

The obvious first choices should be senior leaders you have worked with or who are familiar with your work, current and previous managers, colleagues, and clients.

Last but not least, make sure the person you ask would be able to put you in the best possible light. But you would also want them to be able to outline specific things, like your work ethics and passions.

Your LinkedIn recommendation should be thorough and thoughtful, otherwise it would have almost no effect whatsoever.

How do you request LinkedIn’s recommendation message?

Now that you understand the basics of LinkedIn’s recommendation message, let’s figure out the best way to request it.

The most important thing to do is to be polite and professional. You need to make it easy for them to say “yes”, and provide you with a recommendation.

Here are a few simple tricks you can use to make it extra easy:

• Acknowledge their time and offer to write a draft that they can edit
• Offer to write a recommendation in return

One more thing you need to do while asking for a LinkedIn recommendation is to provide the person you are asking with some context for your request, as some reasoning can only help your recommendation.

Examples of LinkedIn's recommendation request message

And now, as we promised, we have some examples for you to get you started.

Let’s take a look at the two cases here – asking a recommendation from someone you currently work with, and from someone you used to work with.

Takeaways

We are all done, now you know everything you need to know about LinkedIn recommendations and how to ask for one.

Let’s go through all the important points we covered one more time:

• You can ask for a LinkedIn recommendation whenever you want, but it is best to do so right after the end of a big, successful project
• Gather a variety of people for your LinkedIn recommendations, and make sure they all present you in the best possible light, but also provide some facts
• Make sure your LinkedIn recommendations are thorough and thoughtful
• When asking for a recommendation, be polite and professional
• To improve your chances of getting a LinkedIn recommendation, offer something in return, like writing a recommendation for them

Now that you know all that, you can start asking for recommendations, and make your LinkedIn profile even better.