Get and give strong recommendations

Learn how to write and request recommendations that build credibility and trust.

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Checklist

✅ Follow the “give to get” approach
✅ Write thoughtful drafts to make it easy for others
✅ Use warm, personalized messages instead of cold requests

How optimize and get LinkedIn recommendations

Recommendations appear near the end of your profile, supposudly not much visited. But the people who scroll down that far are the decision makers who really consider working with you.

Follow the “give to get” 4 step framework

This simple workflow helps you consistently collect high quality recommendations:

Step 1: Choose 5–10 people

Pick individuals who can speak to your skills, impact, teamwork, or leadership.

Linkedin allow you to recommend people based on variety types ofrelationships:

Build a list of colleagues, managers, employees, clients, servoce providers, collaboators and volunteers you worked with

Step 2: Write a short, genuine recommendation for them

Be specific about your shared experience. Mention projects, results, or qualities.

Use this prompt:

Your task is to help me write a LinkedIn recommendation for [full name]. 
The length should be 12 paragraphs, and it should refer to our mutual experience at [company/project].
Additional context: [insert details about your shared experience].

A recommendation to the COO of a company both sides worked at


Step 3: Send a warm, personal message

Avoid using LinkedIn’s default “request recommendation” feature.
Use their real communication channel (WhatsApp, iMessage, email) instead.

Message template:


“Hi, good evening! 😊 I hope you're doing well. I’ve written you a recommendation on LinkedIn based on our work together. Feel free to approve it, and it will be added to your profile.
If you have a moment to write one for my profile, it would really help me in finding new clients or job opportunities. 🙏
If it’s easier, I can draft a version for you that reflects our professional relationship.”

Messaging the COO after leaving the recommendation, he answered "OK" and as a follow up a draft was sent (and used!)

Step 4: Send a draft if they agree

People often want to help, but don’t have the time or confidence to write from scratch.
A thoughtful draft helps them follow through.

AI prompt for writing a draft they can leave for you:

Draft a recommendation which [name] can leave on my profile based on our mutual experience. 
Consider these aspects I’d like to highlight: [insert your strengths]. 
Keep it professional and avoid overly promotional language.


A recommendation received using the give-to-get 4 steps framework

Make sure your recommenders are in your network

To message them on LinkedIn, you need them to be connected to you. Optimize your connections

Optimize the profile picture for them to recognize you and make sure your name is visible (use the opportunity to optimize all your visibility settings and consider verifying your identity or workplace to increase trust)

Feature a recommendation (LinkeIn Premium feature)

The featured posts section allow users with a Premium subscription to feature a recommendation in their featured posts section. If you did not yet start posting on LinkedIn it already gives you one more type of content to feature.

The featured post in the middle is a recommendation

What to optimize next

Next, optimize the Interests section