Positive words can be powerful motivators. A strong recommendation highlights your accomplishments and provides insights into your work ethic, collaboration skills, and character. The key is to be strategic about who you ask to ensure their feedback aligns with your career goals and showcases your strengths.
So, how do you choose the right people to request a recommendation from? And how do you know if they'll give you a good recommendation?
Here are five people you should ask for LinkedIn recommendations if you haven't done so already!
1. The Happy Client
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Whenever I have a client who reaches out to me to share how happy they were with our service, I always politely ask if I can share the feedback on my website or if they would consider giving me a recommendation on LinkedIn.
Do the same!
If you're in sales and a customer or client loves your work, connect with them on LinkedIn and professionally request a recommendation. Don't just use the filler info that LinkedIn puts in the request; ask them specifically what you'd like them to comment on. For example, if they were impressed with your problem-solving skills or your ability to deliver projects on time, encourage them to highlight those aspects. It will help the person you are requesting the recommendation from to write a focused and specific recommendation versus a generic or broad-based recommendation that may not have as much of an impact.
2. The Team Player
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When you work in a team on a specific project and the collaboration is a success, that's the time to ask your teammates to write a recommendation for you based on the outcome and collaboration of that specific project.
You can also return the favor; since you worked together you'll be able to easily attest to their work ethic, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, fresh ideas, motivation—the list goes on.
3. The Current Supervisor
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Not everyone uses LinkedIn for their job search, and it's not detrimental to your current employer to have them write a recommendation of your current accomplishments. It could actually be a great networking tool if you're trying to find new contacts, new accounts, or new clients.
New connections and people who are considering connecting will read through your recommendations. So, if you're on LinkedIn sourcing for new clients or accounts, then ask your current supervisor to comment on the positive impact you have now.
4. The Former Supervisor
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It's always best to never burn a bridge—and even though it sometimes happens in cases where you left on good terms, it's always a best practice to request a recommendation from a former employer.
A recommendation from a former employer is a powerful job search asset, and it's especially impressive when companies are considering you for a new position. It shows that your past contributions were valued and that you left a positive impression, which speaks volumes about your professionalism and work ethic. Plus, a strong endorsement from someone who has directly managed you can provide unique insights into your skills and character that no resume or cover letter can fully capture.
5. The Board Or Volunteer Head
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Are you an active member of a nonprofit or involved in volunteering for a great cause? Ask someone who oversees the organization to recommend you for the work you've been doing. Not only is this more positive PR for your profile, but it also shows your interest and desire to help others.
These recommendations highlight qualities like leadership, compassion, and commitment—traits that many employers find valuable. Plus, they demonstrate your ability to balance professional responsibilities with meaningful community contributions, painting a well-rounded picture of who you are.
LinkedIn recommendations are an opportuntiy to showcase your professional achievements and share your personal values and dedication to making a difference. By being thoughtful and intentional about who you ask and how you guide their feedback, you can create a LinkedIn profile that stands out and tells a compelling story about your career journey and the impact you bring to every role. So, start reaching out today and let your network help you shine!
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