How to Ask for Recommendations on LinkedIn to Building Your Professional Credibility

In our previous blog post, we explored the art of writing compelling LinkedIn recommendations for others. We learned how to craft meaningful endorsements that truly showcase someone's professional strengths and achievements. But while it's wonderful to give recommendations, receiving them is equally important for your professional growth.

Now, it's time to turn the tables and focus on you. How do you actually ask for those glowing recommendations that will elevate your LinkedIn profile? Many professionals feel uncomfortable requesting recommendations, worried about appearing presumptuous or bothering their connections.

But most people are genuinely happy to help – they just need to be asked the right way. Today, I'm going to walk you through exactly how to do that, step by step. By the end of this guide, you'll have all the tools and confidence you need to build a recommendation-rich profile that makes recruiters and clients take notice.

What are LinkedIn recommendations?

LinkedIn recommendations are those written endorsements from colleagues, clients, and managers that appear on your profile. But did you know they're actually one of the most underutilized features on LinkedIn? While everyone's busy collecting skill endorsements like Pokémon cards, smart professionals are building credibility through detailed, personalized testimonials. Here's what recommendations actually do for you:

Build instant trust

When potential employers or clients see credible professionals vouching for your work, it creates immediate confidence in your abilities. This third-party validation carries more weight than anything you could say about yourself.

Boost your visibility

LinkedIn's algorithm prioritizes profiles with recommendations, meaning you'll appear higher in search results when recruiters or potential clients are looking for someone with your skills. More recommendations equal better visibility, equal more profile views, and ultimately, more opportunities.

Create social proof

Real testimonials from real colleagues provide concrete evidence of your professional capabilities. When someone reads specific examples of your achievements from multiple sources, it builds a compelling narrative about your work ethic and results.

Strengthen your network

The process of requesting recommendations naturally reconnects you with past colleagues and clients. Many professionals report that recommendation requests lead to renewed relationships, coffee catch-ups, and even new business opportunities.

Fast-track your career

Recommendations provide instant insights for Recruiters and hiring managers into your work style, achievements, and cultural fit, helping decision-makers quickly assess whether you're worth pursuing for their opportunity.

Who should you ask for recommendations?

Now, before you start sending requests to everyone you've ever worked with, let's be strategic. Quality beats quantity every time. Here's your recommendation dream team lineup:

Current or Former managers: These folks have seen your work ethic and results firsthand.

Team members and colleagues: They know how you collaborate and solve problems.

Direct report: Want to showcase leadership skills? Their perspective is gold

Clients or Customers: Nothing beats a happy client singing your praises

Business Partners: They've seen your strategic thinking in action

Mentors or Industry Leaders: Name recognition never hurts!

Step-by-step guide: How to request a LinkedIn recommendation

LinkedIn offers two main methods to request recommendations: directly from a connection's profile or through your own profile. Here's how to use both approaches:

Method 1: Request from a connection's profile (Desktop)

1. Navigate to your 1st-degree connection's profile.

2. Click the More button or icon in the top section of their profile.

3. Select Request a recommendation.

4. Complete the Relationship and Position at the time fields. Click next. Personalize the message (never use the default text).Click send.

Method 2: Request from your own profile

1. Navigate to your profile.

1. Scroll to the Recommendations section. (The Recommendations section only appears on your profile after you've given or received at least one recommendation.)

1. Click Ask to be recommended.

1. Type your connection's name in the search field. Select their name from the dropdown. Fill out the relationship and position details. Click Next, customize your message, then send.

Important LinkedIn recommendation guidelines:

• You can only request one recommendation per connection at a time
• There's no limit to the total recommendations you can request or receive
• Once sent, you cannot change the relationship type without asking your connection to delete and restart the request
• Always personalize your message for better response rates

LinkedIn recommendation request templates

Template 1: For a Former Manager

Template 2: For a Colleague

Template 3: For a Client

Managing your recommendations

Once those recommendations start rolling in, you'll want to manage them strategically. Here's the thing – not every recommendation needs to be visible all the time. LinkedIn gives you complete control over what shows up on your profile, so let's use it wisely!

For Recommendations you've received

1. Go to your profile and navigate to the Recommendations section.

2. Click the Edit icon (that little pencil on the right).

4. Under the Received tab, you'll see all your recommendations. Use the toggle switches to turn visibility On or off.

For Recommendations you've given

1. Click the Given tab at the top.

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2. Find the recommendation you want to adjust. Click the Visibility button under the person's name. Choose from three options: All LinkedIn members (maximum visibility), 1st-degree connections only (more private), Only you (essentially hidden).

Hiding a recommendation you've written for someone else only affects your profile – it'll still show up on theirs. Pretty neat, right?

Conclusion

Mastering the art of asking for LinkedIn recommendations is essential for building a compelling professional profile. By following this guide, you'll be able to request, receive, and manage recommendations that enhance your credibility and advance your career goals.

Remember, the key to successful recommendation requests lies in personalization, timing, and genuine relationship building. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your LinkedIn profile transform into a powerful tool for professional growth.

FAQs

How many LinkedIn recommendations should I have?

Quality matters more than quantity. Aim for 3-5 strong recommendations for each significant role or skill area. Having 10-15 total recommendations is generally sufficient for most professionals.

Should I ask for recommendations from everyone I've worked with?

No. Be selective and ask people who can speak meaningfully about your work. Focus on those who've seen your best contributions and can provide specific examples.

What if someone asks me to write a recommendation for them?

This is common. If asked, provide bullet points about your achievements and let them craft it in their voice. This ensures authenticity while making it easier for busy professionals.

How often should I request new recommendations?

Request recommendations after significant achievements, role changes, or every 6-12 months if actively job searching. Avoid overwhelming your network with frequent requests.

Can I ask for recommendations from people I haven't worked with recently?

Yes, but provide context to refresh their memory. Mention specific projects, dates, and achievements to help them write a meaningful recommendation.

Is it appropriate to ask C-level executives for recommendations?

Yes, if you've worked directly with them and made a significant impact. Be extra respectful of their time and make the process as easy as possible.