The LinkedIn Recommendation You're Not Asking For (But Should Be)

Let's talk about LinkedIn recommendations, those glowing testimonials that sit on your profile like digital gold stars. They matter and you should be asking for them.

Why Recruiters Care 

Recruiters aren't just looking at your job titles. They want proof that you're not secretly rubbish at your job. A recommendation from a former manager or senior stakeholder is like having a character witness. They're confirming you can actually do the work you claim.

Think about it, anyone can write "excellent communicator" or "strategic thinker" in their summary. But when your former boss says you you were a top performer on their team and they wouldn’t hesitate to hire you again then that truly means something.

Most people avoid asking for recommendations as it feels a bit awkward. The reality? People generally want to help, especially if you made their work life easier or less miserable.

The Ask is Less Painful Than You Think

Keep it simple:

"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well. I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and wondered if you'd be willing to write a brief recommendation based on our work together on [specific project/role]. I'm happy to return the favour anytime."

Even better for time starved execs is if you put together a draft review that they can leverage and tweak rather than starting from scratch.

The best recommendations are specific. Numbers, specific achievements, concrete examples, that's the stuff that makes recruiters take notice and hiring managers think "we need this person."

The Bottom Line

Your LinkedIn profile without recommendations is like a CV without references – technically complete but missing the human element that proves you're not just good on paper.

So stop overthinking it. Send that message. Ask for that recommendation. Most people want to help, and the worst thing that happens is they say no.