How to Get linkedin endorsements and recommendations
Follow this step-by-step guide to get linkedin endorsements and recommendations. Each step builds on the previous one – complete them in order for best results.
Step 1: Add the right skills to your profile first
You can only receive endorsements for skills you have listed. Go to your Skills section and add the 5-10 skills you most want to be known for. Prioritize skills that match recruiter searches in your target role or industry. Skills with endorsements appear higher in linkedin search results.
Step 2: Endorse your connections’ skills first
The most effective way to get endorsements is to give them first. Go through your connections’ profiles and endorse them for 3-5 skills you genuinely believe they have. Many will visit your profile and reciprocate. This works best with connections you have worked with directly who can vouch for your work in return.
Step 3: Reach out to former colleagues and managers
Send personalized messages to former colleagues, managers, clients, or collaborators asking them to endorse specific skills. Keep the message brief: mention the specific skill, remind them briefly of the context in which you used it, and make it easy to say yes. Example: ‘Hey [Name], I am working on updating my linkedin profile and was hoping you might endorse me for [specific skill] – I know you saw me use it when we worked together on [project]. No pressure at all, but I would really appreciate it.’
Step 4: Request written recommendations strategically
For written recommendations (more valuable than endorsements), request them right after a successful project, promotion, or milestone when the experience is fresh. Go to your profile, scroll to Recommendations, click Ask for a recommendation, select the relationship and position, and write a personalized note. In the note, mention one or two specific things you’d love them to highlight and offer to reciprocate.
Step 5: Give recommendations proactively
Write thoughtful recommendations for colleagues and clients without being asked. Mention a specific situation, skill, or achievement and explain the impact. People who receive unprompted recommendations often write one in return. It also builds goodwill and visibility on LinkedIn – when you write a recommendation, both parties are notified and it appears in the feed of shared connections.
Step 6: Follow up politely if needed
If someone agreed to write you a recommendation but has not done so after 2-3 weeks, a gentle follow-up is appropriate. Send a short message thanking them again for agreeing and noting that you wanted to check in in case the request got buried. One follow-up is acceptable; more than that risks damaging the relationship. Make it easy by including a direct link to the recommendation request.
