Recommendations explained

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In this week’s issue we’ll explore the recommendations section of your profile, and answer some burning questions:

1. Why do you need them?
2. When should you give them?
3. How often should you request new ones?
4. Who should you ask to write you a recommendation?
5. How to actually do it?

Let's jump in...

Why do you need recommendations for your LinkedIn profile?

It’s all about “social proof”.

Other people read the recommendations because they want to know what it’s like to work with you.

Just like people check product reviews on e-commerce sites, or restaurant or hotel reviews on TripAdvisor, people want peace-of-mind that they’re spending their time and money wisely.

It’s also why you’re asked to include references on your resumé or CV when applying for a job.

In that, I’ve answered the first question – you need recommendations so that others have a good idea of what it’s like to work with you.

It’s not always about you!

You need to also give recommendations to others you’ve worked with.

• It shows that you value your professional relationship.
• It’s really complimentary to that person.
• They will very likely reciprocate.

In other words, if you want a recommendation from someone else, write them one first.

Keep it current!

The other day I saw in someone’s profile that the last recommendation they received was in 2013.

The devil’s advocate in me immediately asked “Has he done nothing noteworthy for the last 10 years?”

Ask for at least 1 recommendation per quarter – this gives the reader a lot of confidence in you as a professional.

Who should you ask to write you a recommendation?

Anyone that you’ve worked closely with. That’s the short answer.

The long answer is this:

Recommendations written by customers are most powerful, because they’ve invested financially in you, your product and / or your company.

Your current and past colleagues are also a superb source of recommendations, because they are the ones who are likely to know you best, and can speak about your work ethic, guiding principles and past achievements.

How to ask someone for a recommendation, or recommend them:

• Firstly, you need to be connected on LinkedIn.
• Visit their profile and click the “More” button.
• Select ” Request a Recommendation or 💬 Recommend.

• LinkedIn will prompt you from there.
• In the request message, be specific about what you want the recommendation to be about. For example: “Hi John, would you please write me a recommendation for my LinkedIn profile, based on the time we worked together at ACME Corp in 2022.”

The request or recommendation will be sent via a LinkedIn DM to the other person.

Once they’ve written the recommendation and sent it back to you, you have 2 options:

1. Add to your profile. Either do, or do not. It’s always your choice.
2. Request a revision. If you want the author of the recommendation to change something, request a revision, explaining what you’d like changed, and why.

I’m convinced that having good recommendations in your profile stands you in good stead when opportunities arise. They could be the deciding factor when others make purchasing or hiring decisions.

Give yourself the best possible chance of success.

I hope you found this article informative and helpful, and as always, let me know if you have any questions about this topic, and let me know what else you’d like me to cover in a future issue.