ATD Blog

5 Ways to Get Winning Recommendations

Tue Jan 23 2024

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If you’re in job search mode, you want every edge possible to help you land a new gig, right?

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Recommendations are one of the most powerful things you can have to boost your job search results. Consider recommendations social proof of your ability to add value in your next role—a faster return on investment (ROI) in the employer’s investment in you.

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According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, applicants with recommendation letters were not only more likely to be hired but also earned more when hired.

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Are you uncomfortable asking for a recommendation?

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In my book, Rock Your Network® for Job Seekers , I ask you to think about how many people you’ve helped over the years—and how you felt about helping. In my talks, these are the words that audience members use to describe how they feel helping others: “good,” “awesome,” and “giving.”

In my book, Rock Your Network® for Job Seekers, I ask you to think about how many people you’ve helped over the years—and how you felt about helping. In my talks, these are the words that audience members use to describe how they feel helping others: “good,” “awesome,” and “giving.”

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Now your colleagues, coworkers, leaders, and others can help you by writing a recommendation. And people DO want to help. They, like you, feel good about helping.

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Here are five ways to get winning recommendations and make requesting them easier:

1. Who to ask

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Determining who to ask for a recommendation will depend on the type and level of the role you’re pursuing and the organizations you’re targeting. You’ll want to get recommendations from people who know you in different capacities, not just past bosses.

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For example, if you’re targeting a leadership role and have a staff, request a recommendation from one or two past employees. If the organizations you’re targeting focus on giving back to the community, you’ll also want to get a recommendation from someone you’ve volunteered with for a community nonprofit or served with on a nonprofit board.

2. What to say in your request

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Specifics matter. This helps your recommender help you best. The more specific you can be, the better recommendation you’ll receive.

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Don’t use the generic LinkedIn prompt, “Will you recommend me?” That’s too vague. A vague request nets a generic recommendation like, “Bob’s awesome.” That’s unclear why Bob is awesome or how that quality will benefit the organization.

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Customize your request. Be specific as to the expertise for which you’d like to be recommended. Use these elements in your request:

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Reconnect: Start with a warm greeting.
Reconnect: Start with a warm greeting.
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Context: What’s the reason you’re requesting a recommendation? Research shows if you give people a reason and use the word “because,” they are 50 percent more likely to accommodate your request.
Context: What’s the reason you’re requesting a recommendation? Research shows if you give people a reason and use the word “because,” they are 50 percent more likely to accommodate your request.
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Refresher: What project did you two work on together, and what expertise do you want them to highlight in their recommendation?
Refresher: What project did you two work on together, and what expertise do you want them to highlight in their recommendation?
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Work style: What was it like working with you?
Work style: What was it like working with you?
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Result: What was the measurable outcome of the project?
Result: What was the measurable outcome of the project?
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Gratitude: Thank them in advance for the recommendation (gushing helps!).
Gratitude: Thank them in advance for the recommendation (gushing helps!).
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Reciprocate: If relevant, offer to reciprocate by recommending them.
Reciprocate: If relevant, offer to reciprocate by recommending them.

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Here’s an example:

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Hi \[Name\],

Hi \[Name\],

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I hope all is well with you. \[Next, add a friendly reconnection reference.\]

I hope all is well with you. \[Next, add a friendly reconnection reference.\]

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I am reaching out because I am exploring Chief Training and Development Officer roles \[your target job title\], and I’d greatly appreciate it if you could write a recommendation for my LinkedIn profile based on our work together on \[name a project\].

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In particular, it would be helpful to potential employers if you could mention my role in leading the team to achieve \[quantified project results\] and what it was like to work with me.

In particular, it would be helpful to potential employers if you could mention my role in leading the team to achieve \[quantified project results\] and what it was like to work with me.

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Let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to connect and catch up! And provide you with a LinkedIn recommendation too.

Let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to connect and catch up! And provide you with a LinkedIn recommendation too.

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Many thanks in advance for recommending me,

Many thanks in advance for recommending me,

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\[your name\]

\[your name\]

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When you’re specific with your request, you’ll receive much stronger LinkedIn recommendations .

When you’re specific with your request, you’ll receive much stronger LinkedIn recommendations.

3. When to ask

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Ask for recommendations well before you need them. Make it a habit and schedule your time each month to get a recommendation for your performance. This will pay off, not only for upcoming performance evaluations while you’re employed, but also for your job search and beyond.

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If you’ve not done this regularly, start now. You’ll want at least three to five recommendations in your LinkedIn profile (or in other forms) before upcoming interviews.

4. Where to highlight them

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I encourage getting recommendations on LinkedIn. According to JobScan , 87 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet candidates. Your recommendations serve as instant vetting because you can’t edit LinkedIn recommendations, and the recommender’s information is readily available for easy verification. Plus, the LinkedIn recommendations show how the person knows you, as it’s part of the recommendation process.

I encourage getting recommendations on LinkedIn. According to JobScan, 87 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet candidates. Your recommendations serve as instant vetting because you can’t edit LinkedIn recommendations, and the recommender’s information is readily available for easy verification. Plus, the LinkedIn recommendations show how the person knows you, as it’s part of the recommendation process.

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Depending on the job post or application process, you may be able to include recommendations when you apply online. And if you’re using LinkedIn’s Easy Apply, your profile, which includes recommendations, is shared.

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You can also bring recommendation letters (or screenshots of your best LinkedIn recommendations) to your in-person interviews as a leave-behind.

5. Share your results with those who’ve recommended you

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No matter the outcome, keep your recommenders in the loop on whatever happens during your job search. They’re already in your corner and want to see you succeed.

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Plus, depending on your update, they may have more advice, ideas, or referrals for you.

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By knowing how to ask for recommendations, you’ll create more opportunities for yourself, enhance your online presence, and have better results to land your next big gig faster.

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I’m in your corner! If you’d like more help with your career search, check out my free “ Get Hired Faster” job search guide and action plan.

I’m in your corner! If you’d like more help with your career search, check out my free “Get Hired Faster” job search guide and action plan.

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