How to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations (With Copy-Paste Templates)

Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter

LinkedIn recommendations are the most powerful social proof on your profile. Unlike endorsements (which are one-click and low-value), recommendations are written testimonials from real people who've worked with you.

Profiles with recommendations get 3x more profile views and significantly higher response rates from recruiters. Yet most professionals have zero recommendations — because they never ask.

Who Should You Ask?

Ask people who can speak to your specific skills and results, not just people with impressive titles.

Priority List:

1. Direct managers — Most credible, can speak to performance
2. Clients — Especially valuable for freelancers and consultants
3. Cross-functional partners — Shows collaboration skills
4. Direct reports — Shows leadership ability
5. Peers — Shows teamwork and collaboration
6. Mentors / Professors — Great for early-career professionals

How Many Do You Need?

• Minimum: 3 recommendations (one from each relationship type)
• Ideal: 5-8 recommendations spanning different roles and time periods
• Overkill: 20+ recommendations look like you asked everyone you've ever met

When to Ask

Best timing:

• Right after a successful project together
• After they've complimented your work (in a meeting, email, or Slack)
• During or right after a performance review
• When you're transitioning to a new role (before you leave)

Worst timing:

• When you haven't spoken in years
• Right when they're obviously stressed or busy
• When you've never actually worked closely together

The Ask: 6 Templates

Template 1: Former Manager

"Hi [Name], I really valued working with you at [Company] and learned so much from your leadership. Would you be willing to write a brief LinkedIn recommendation about our work together? If helpful, I could suggest a few points to mention — like [specific project] or [specific skill]. Totally understand if you're too busy, and I'm happy to write one for you too."

Template 2: Client

"Hi [Name], it's been great working together on [project]. I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and wondered if you'd be open to writing a brief recommendation about our work together? Even a few sentences about [specific outcome] would mean a lot. No pressure at all."

Template 3: Colleague / Peer

"Hey [Name], working with you on [project/team] has been one of the highlights of my time at [Company]. Would you be willing to write a quick LinkedIn recommendation? I'd be happy to return the favor — I have great things to say about your [specific skill]."

Template 4: Direct Report

"Hi [Name], I've really enjoyed working with you and watching you grow in [specific area]. I'm building out my LinkedIn profile and would value a recommendation from your perspective as someone I've managed. Would you be comfortable with that? Happy to write one for you too."

Template 5: Professor / Mentor

"Hi [Professor/Name], I hope you're doing well! Your [class/mentorship] had a real impact on my career, especially [specific lesson]. Would you be willing to write a brief LinkedIn recommendation? I'd love for future employers to hear about [specific project or quality]. Thank you for everything you've taught me."

Template 6: Former Colleague (Haven't Spoken Recently)

"Hi [Name], I was thinking about our time at [Company] and wanted to reconnect. I really enjoyed collaborating with you on [specific project]. I'm updating my LinkedIn and wondered if you'd be open to writing a brief recommendation? Happy to do the same for you. Either way, hope you're doing great at [Current Company]!"

How to Make It Easy for Them

Most people want to help but don't know what to write. Make it easy:

1. Suggest specific topics: "Maybe you could mention the [project name] we worked on together?"
2. Offer to draft bullet points: "I can jot down a few highlights if that helps"
3. Keep the scope small: "Even 2-3 sentences would be great"
4. Offer to reciprocate: "I'd love to write one for you too"

How to Write a Recommendation Back

When someone writes you a recommendation, always reciprocate. Here's a framework:

1. How you know them — "I worked with [Name] at [Company] for [duration]"
2. Their key strength — "What sets them apart is [specific skill/quality]"
3. Specific example — "On [project], they [specific achievement]"
4. Endorsement — "I'd recommend [Name] to any team looking for [quality]"

Key Takeaways

1. Ask 5-8 people who can speak to specific skills and results
2. Time your ask after a win or positive interaction
3. Make it easy by suggesting topics and offering to reciprocate
4. Use the templates above — customize them for each person
5. Always write a recommendation back

Generate personalized recommendation requests with our free Recommendation Request tool.