Why LinkedIn Recommendations are a Good Idea

The following post explores Why LinkedIn Recommendations are a Good Idea.

Are you looking to make your LinkedIn profile more authentic and substantive? Here’s a pro tip: start writing LinkedIn recommendations for others and/or asking them to write you one.

Read: Adding a Career Break on LinkedIn

Related: Benefits of Joining LinkedIn Groups

While it might feel awkward at first, there’s no harm in asking someone to write you a recommendation. Most people are more than happy and it only takes a couple minutes out of their day.

Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Recommendations are a long-standing (and often overlooked) functionality on LinkedIn.

In essence, recommendations are written statements from 1st degree connections such as colleagues, customers, bosses, and more.

As a LinkedIn profile user, you’re able to (a) ask any of your connections to write you a recommendation (b) visit any of your connections and write a recommendation for them.

Pictured: Screenshot on LinkedIn about asking or giving a recommendation.

Why Recommendations are a Good Idea

Whether you’re writing or receiving one – recommendations make your profile more genuine and authentic. It tells visitors that you’re likeable, effective, and enjoyable to work with.

Requesting a recommendation shows that you value and respect that person. Likewise, voluntarily writing one demonstrates your willingness to support and celebrate the success of others.

Asking for Recommendations

Asking for a LinkedIn recommendations is a straight forward process.

• Step #1: Figure out who you’re going to ask.
• Step #2: Define your relationship to that person.
• Step #3: Jot a personalized message asking that person.

Not sure who to ask? Think about people you’ve interacted with in a professional setting – this includes colleagues, customers, and supervisors as well as professors, teachers, and mentors.

Writing Recommendations

Writing recommendations for others is a generous act that reflect positively on both you and the recipient.

When you take the initiative to write a recommendation for someone (even if they haven’t asked), it reflects a genuine desire to shine the spotlight on others.

Ready to get started? First, think about potential recipients (colleagues, customers, etc). Once you’ve got someone in mind, visit their LinkedIn profile and scroll to the recommendations section to ask.

Screenshot of writing a recommendation

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope this article helps you see why LinkedIn recommendations are a good idea. Next time you’re looking for a new way to engage on LinkedIn, I hope you’ll give it a try!