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How to Request (and Write) a LinkedIn Recommendation

Matt Glodz
How to Request (and Write) a LinkedIn Recommendation

Why LinkedIn recommendations are important and how to provide one if requested

LinkedIn recommendations are an excellent way to build your credibility with people both inside and outside of your network.

Simply put, they serve as an excellent source of social proof.

Others are much more likely to believe in what you have to offer if someone else puts their reputation on the line to speak highly of you.

If you’re giving a recommendation, your words also reflect on you, especially if you were someone’s leader.

Read on to learn how to ask for and provide recommendations on LinkedIn!

How do I request LinkedIn recommendations?

Before you request a LinkedIn recommendation, we recommend reaching out to the person directly to ask.

Whether it’s through an email, phone call or direct message, it’s always a good idea to give your connection a heads up.

By doing so, you can gauge their reaction and willingness to do so.

They’ll also be more likely to follow through on your request.

Once you’re ready and your connection approves, you can formally request your LinkedIn recommendation by following the steps outlined at this link.

How do I write a LinkedIn recommendation for someone?

If someone asks you for a LinkedIn recommendation, we encourage you to take time to craft a personalised, thoughtful note.

Your recommendation doesn’t have to be long, but it should be specific.

When thinking about what to write in a LinkedIn recommendation, consider using the following structure:

1) A brief comment explaining how you worked together

By explaining where you worked with someone and how, you’ll provide readers with the information they need to put your recommendation into context.

Were you someone’s direct report? Boss? Investor?

Your readers want to know who the recommendation is coming from.

2) Explain what you admired or enjoyed about working with the person

Tell your readers what made your connection a great employee or boss, for example.

Were they well-organised? Detail-oriented? Persistent and always delivered?

3) Provide a concrete example of how they demonstrated the attribute you mentioned

To show readers how your connection was well-organised or dependable instead of simply telling them, share an example from a time that you worked together.

This element of your recommendation is arguably the most important, as it paints a picture for readers and provides hard evidence for the statements you are making.

It will also help your words stand out from all of the generic recommendations you likely already come across on LinkedIn.

4) Close it off, keeping your reader’s intention in mind

Close your recommendation by saying you’re happy to recommend the person and explaining what would make them an asset for their future employer or client.

Take a moment to think about the decision your readers are looking to make.

If you’re writing a recommendation for a freelancer, for example, they’re likely looking to get hired for a project. Why would you hire them again?

If you’re writing a recommendation for a former employee, why should someone want to have them on their team?

In Summary

By taking the time to request a LinkedIn recommendation or write one for others, you'll build your credibility and reputation long-term.

Worth the time?

We think so.


About CV Pilots

CV Pilots is an award-winning executive CV writing firm and a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. Our previous clients include CEOs and senior executives at the world's leading companies.

As a professional services firm, we take your reputation seriously. We are committed to delivering writing excellence and superior service while operating with integrity and discretion. Recruitment firms we partner with also trust us to consistently deliver quality documents for their clients.

Our writers have studied at top-tier universities and have strong writing backgrounds coupled with industry experience.

Here's how we can help you:

CV, Cover Letter and LinkedIn Writing Services: If you are looking for end-to-end support, hire one of our professional CV writers to rewrite your documents from the ground up. 

Executive CV Template Downloads: If you plan to prepare your own CV, consider using one of our classic, ATS-friendly CV templates for Microsoft Word.

To learn more about our services, book an introductory call with our founder here or email team@cvpilots.co.uk.


About the AuthorMatt Glodz


Matt Glodz is the Founder and Managing Partner of CV Pilots and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

After studying business communication at Cornell University, Matt worked for global companies, where he noted that qualified candidates were frequently denied interview opportunities due to poorly written documents.

At CV Pilots, Matt combines his solid business and writing background to craft CVs that give his clients the best chance of landing interviews. He has lived in the UK, US and Italy.

Based in London, he currently works with applicants ranging from CEOs to recent graduates and has been writing CVs for over 10 years.

He has been quoted on numerous business and career-related topics in outlets including Business Insider, CNBC, Fortune, Glassdoor, The Ladders, The Times and Thrive Global.



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