With the increased use of using social media profiles to secure a new position, it is important to understand how to utilize all functions offered on social sites such as LinkedIn. One feature that LinkedIn offers is the ability for others to reinforce your qualities, and nothing looks better than praise from a previous client, colleague, or director.
As we know in the modern world, testimonials can be exceptionally persuasive. Adding recommendations from a reputable source has the ability to set you apart from other similar candidates and should be fairly easy to obtain.
Who To Ask?
Send personal messages through your current or previous network. It is beneficial to connect with colleagues or leaders that you currently work closely with or have worked closely with in the past. It’s important to ask for recommendations from a source that has been able to see your skills and abilities first hand to speak accurately and honestly about their experience while working with you.
When To Ask?
Though a recommendation can be typically asked for at any time, ask for recommendations from clients you have just closed a project with as soon as possible. While your collaboration is still lingering in their minds, it is easier to obtain a review that is detailed and engaging.
How To Ask?
LinkedIn will now allow you to specify the person and the position they held during your time employed together. When asking for a recommendation, word your request as politely as possible. Communicate your respect for their time and that you are aware that writing a recommendation would be considered a favor.
If you are looking for specific context within the recommendation, add in points as guidance for your connection to consider writing about. For example, “If it is possible, could you provide some examples of my performance during the X-Project we worked on and how we were able to satisfy all client needs?”.
At the end of the message, make sure to thank your contact for their time and offer to write a recommendation in return.
Keep in mind that a good reference can be the deciding factor for hiring managers to consider you for a position. By continuously collecting and asking for recommendations from relevant sources, you are steadily designing a LinkedIn profile that speaks to your ability and proficiency.