LinkedIn recommendations are the most underused profile booster. Learn when to ask, who to ask, and exactly what to say — with 6 ready-to-send templates.
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.
Ask people who can speak to your specific skills and results, not just people with impressive titles.
Best timing:
Worst timing:
"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."
"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."
"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]."
"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."
"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."
"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]!"
Most people want to help but don't know what to write. Make it easy:
When someone writes you a recommendation, always reciprocate. Here's a framework:
Generate personalized recommendation requests with our free Recommendation Request tool.
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