How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation (10 Examples)

Want your LinkedIn profile to look like this?

A wall of glowing feedback from clients, colleagues, or mentors? That’s the kind of social proof recruiters stop for.

If you’re job hunting, freelancing, or building a personal brand, requesting recommendations is a no-brainer, but most people overthink it.

This guide shows you exactly:

• How to request one
• What to write (with templates)
• And how to follow up without being pushy

Let’s dive in.

Do you want to see what LinkedIn recommendations look like? Here we have gathered the best LinkedIn Recommendation Examples.

How to Request a Recommendation on LinkedIn?

If you’ve never asked for a recommendation before, don’t worry, it’s simple and only takes a few clicks.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the LinkedIn profile of the person you want a recommendation from.

2. Click the “More” button (next to the Message button).

3. Select “Request a recommendation” from the dropdown.

4. Choose your relationship and the position you held when you worked together.

5. Write a short, personalized message to explain your request. (See examples below.)

6. After you hit “Send,” LinkedIn will send them a message with all the details and a link, just like the example below:

10 LinkedIn Recommendation Request Examples

Here are message templates you can paste into the LinkedIn request box, matched with the relationship options LinkedIn gives you:

1. If they managed you directly:

Hi [Name], I really appreciated your support and guidance while working on [project/team] at [company].

I’m updating my LinkedIn and would love to include a short recommendation from you.

If you’re open to it, something about how I handled [task/result] would be super helpful. No pressure at all, and happy to return the favor if needed!

2. If you managed them directly:

Hi [Name], it was a pleasure leading the team with you on [project] at [company].

I’m updating my LinkedIn and would really appreciate a quick recommendation from your perspective.

Feel free to mention anything about how we worked together or how I supported the team—totally up to you!

3. If you worked in the same group:

Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working with you on [team/project] at [company]. 

I’m polishing my LinkedIn and it would mean a lot to have a short recommendation from you.

Maybe something about how we collaborated on [specific task/project] if that comes to mind!

4. If you worked together in different groups or companies:

Hi [Name], I’ve always appreciated our collaboration between [your role] and [their role] during [project/client work]. 

I’m currently refreshing my LinkedIn and would love to include a short recommendation.

If you’re open to it, a note about our partnership on [project or result] would be great.

5. If they taught or mentored you:

Hi [Name], I’m grateful for the mentorship you offered during [timeframe or program].

As I update my LinkedIn profile, I’d be honored to feature a short recommendation about what you observed in my work or growth.

Totally understand if you’re busy, just thought I’d ask!

6. If they were a client:

Hi [Name], thank you again for trusting me with [project/service].

I’m currently refining my LinkedIn profile and would love to include a short recommendation about our work together.

If you’re open to it, something about the results or experience from your side would be really helpful!

7. If you were their client:

Hi [Name], I appreciated the work you did for me on [project/service].

As I’m updating my LinkedIn profile, I’d love to include a short recommendation reflecting your expertise and professionalism.

Just a few lines would mean a lot, thank you in advance!

8. If they were senior to you but didn’t manage you:

Hi [Name], I always appreciated your leadership and insights while we worked together on [project/team].

I’m updating my LinkedIn and it would mean a lot to include a short recommendation from you, especially about how I contributed to [specific responsibility/project].

Thanks in advance if you’re open to it!

9. If you were senior to them but didn’t manage them directly:

Hi [Name], it was great working with you on [project] while I was at [company].

I’m refreshing my LinkedIn and would really appreciate a short recommendation, perhaps on how we collaborated or tackled [specific task].

No worries if you’re swamped, I just thought I’d ask!

10. If you were students together:

Hi [Name], I’m working on polishing up my LinkedIn profile and thought I’d reach out.

I really appreciated the chance to study and collaborate with you during [course/program/university].

If you’re open to it, a short recommendation about our group work or shared projects would be awesome.

Let me know either way, thank you!

‍

Next Step: When to Follow Up and Say Thank You?

You sent your LinkedIn recommendation request… but now what?

If you haven’t heard back after a week or so, don’t stress, it’s normal. People get busy. A polite follow-up message shows professionalism, not pressure.

Wait at least 5–7 business days before following up. A short message works best:

“Hey [Name], just checking in to see if you had a chance to view my request. I know things get busy, no rush at all, I just wanted to follow up. Hope all’s well!”

Keep it light. If you feel comfortable, follow up via email or Slack if that’s where you usually connect.

How to Say Thank You (With Confidence)

Once someone writes you a strong recommendation on LinkedIn, don’t just move on, say thank you.

You can send a quick thank-you note like this:

“Thank you so much, [Name]! I really appreciate you taking the time. Your recommendation means a lot during my job search, and I’m truly grateful we got to work together.”

You can also offer to return the favor. If they’re open to receiving a recommendation too, it’s a thoughtful way to maintain the relationship.

“If there’s anything I can do to support you, whether it’s writing one in return or making a connection, just let me know!”

A simple thank-you goes a long way in building long-term professional relationships. 

It shows consideration, maturity, and genuine appreciation, qualities any hiring manager would respect.

Stand Out with Every LinkedIn Post

A strong LinkedIn recommendation builds trust, but it’s only part of your profile.

To truly stand out during your job search, you need consistent visibility, engaging posts, and a smart content strategy.

That’s where Podawaa helps.

Get real engagement (more likes and comments) from LinkedIn users and build a profile that hiring managers notice.

Try Podawaa for Free and give your next opportunity a better chance to find you.

FAQs About LinkedIn Recommendations

How do I request a recommendation on LinkedIn?

Go to your LinkedIn homepage, visit the person’s profile, click “More,” then select ‘Request a recommendation’. You’ll choose your position and relationship, then send a short message.

What should I say to a former manager or colleague?

Keep it polite and simple. Mention your shared project or role, and suggest 1–2 specific things they could mention. A short email with context makes it easy for them to write a great recommendation.

What makes a recommendation valuable to hiring managers?

Honest reviews that include measurable impact or strong work ethic stand out. Avoid generic praise—ask your contact to include insights or results that show you're truly qualified.