Comments on: Asking For LinkedIn Recommendations – Is That Okay?

By: Jason Alba

Jason Alba — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:45:35 +0000

Textrader – I totally agree with you… I either ignore them (if I don’t really know who they are, or if we have never worked together) or I just reply and say that we haven’t worked with one another enough for me to do that. No big deal, and yes, it’s tiring!

By: Textrader

Textrader — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:49:46 +0000

I am getting tired of people I asking for reccommendations and I hardly know them. I get this from former co-workers that are really just trying to build up their linkedin profile…can’t blame them, but unless I know there work personally AND they take the time to send me an email, I ignore.

Is that bad?

By: Kendra Lee

Kendra Lee — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:49:31 +0000

As I always say, “ask,ask,ask, ask, ask.” Unless we ask, people don’t naturally think about offering recommendations. Personally I tend to respond more quickly to an email from my contact than from the automated request in LinkedIn. It feels like they took the time to choose me for their recommendation.

I like the suggestion that you tell people what you’d like them to highlight in their recommendation. Sometimes they are simply at a loss for what to say, then don’t respond. When you guide them, they can write it more quickly. It’s just as we do in selling when we write the testimonial for our customers, then let them tweak it to add their own words.

Great suggestions! Thank you, Jason!

By: Steve Duncan

Steve Duncan — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:22:22 +0000

I find that giving a good endorsement is a great way to ask for one. I’ve also asked, and second the recommendation that you do not use the “request an endorsement” button.

I think the simpler and shorter your request, the better. Saying “It’s ok if you want to say no” just wastes space, and if you think it might be the case, you need to think more about whether you should be asking the person.

I think it’s inappropriate to ask subordinates (even those below but not direct reports) when you’re working with them. If your departure is announced, then it’s ok.

By: Heather Mundell

Heather Mundell — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:37:26 +0000

I also think you’re right on the money. It’s a courteous and respectful way to ask for what you want.

In my work my clients are confidential, so I am very clear when I’m asking for a recommendation that I would completely understand if they’d like decline and remain confidential.

By: Jason Alba

Jason Alba — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:40:41 +0000

@Terry, yeah, I think it would reinforce the need to get a quicker recommendation if you put that sense of urgency on it. No problem there, from my perspective.

@Chandlee – thanks!

By: Chandlee Bryan

Chandlee Bryan — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:13:02 +0000

Jason,

I think this is great advice and just the right approach to use, especially with regard to saying “it’s okay if you don’t want to do this.” I’ll be sharing this post with some of my clients.

Thanks,
Chandlee

By: Terry Bean

Terry Bean — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:07:30 +0000

Jason-

I think this is solid advice. Lots of time people will reciprocate, but when they don’t it is OK to simply ask for what you seek. So many of were taught that asking is a sign of weakness. BARNACLES. It’s a really big world and we all have so much to do, but we are just one person. Think how much more gets accomplished when you receive help from others. You generally only get it when you ask for it.

I am curious about why you didn’t mention the commenter about saying it was for a job search. Seems like a great opportunity to inform your connection that you are seeking an opportunity and ask for their help with that too. What do you think?

Terry Bean
CNO
http://www.networkedinc.com