How do I correctly ask for a LinkedIn endorsement or recommendation letter?

Anonymous

October 24,2022 at 8:28AM UTC

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How do I correctly ask for a LinkedIn endorsement or recommendation letter? I recently got hired as a PM (new career path, I was previously Acc exec/ AM) for a company, the contract was supposed to be perm, but because they needed someone fast, to shortcut the onboarding process I accepted the 3months freelance contract which is not being renewed. I am past the disappointment stage now and looking forward to taking some time off before I jump on another project. While my line manager couldn't give me a real reason for non-renewal, everyone else on the team and especially the client side has expressed multiple times how happy they are to be working with me. One of the important higher-up managers/clients said it is sad to see me go and they cannot offer me anything at the moment but wish they could and will reach out in the future. I want those positive comments to be turned into written LinkedIn feedback or some kind of record for my next contract. How can I ask for this in a simple polite, casual way? I am shy when it comes to receiving positive feedback but I know it will serve me a long way especially since the PM path is new to me, and I am considering staying on short-term contracts. Thank you

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Nicole DupuisOctober 24,2022 at 11:45AM UTC
I think you can pretty much just ask. Something along the lines of: "I want to thank you again for the positive feedback and the opportunity for us to work together. As I move into my next opportunity, I wanted to ask if you be willing to leave an endorsement on my LinkedIn. Every encouraging and positive word helps. Thank you in advance."
Shelly EdwardsOctober 24,2022 at 1:40PM UTC
I would just ask. Let people know that you will be updating your LinkedIn profile for you new job search and that you would really appreciate a good endorsement of your skills, if they wouldn't mind. I don't see any harm in that.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterOctober 24,2022 at 2:01PM UTC
I wouldn't worry about asking them for an endorsement...just a recommendation. Be sure to do it through the system...if you just send someone an email asking for a recommendation, they probably won't know how to go about it.
As for wording, I encourage my clients to ask specifically for what they want the recommender to say, such as "I am hoping you will comment on the project management skills I demonstrated in project X..."
Debra SesholtzOctober 24,2022 at 9:03PM UTC
I agree with the others that if you want a recommendation, you should just ask for one and guide them in what specifically you'd like them to say in the recommendation.
As far as LinkedIn, under Recommendations in your profile, there is "+" sign. If you click on it, it will allow you to ask for a recommendation from a specific contact. Good luck!
AnonymousOctober 25,2022 at 10:11AM UTC
Thank you all! I will check out the LinkedIn options then :)
AnonymousOctober 25,2022 at 12:46PM UTC
Just ask, and as everyone said, give guidance on what you'd like it to say. I had a former co-worker ask me for a recommendation, then asked me to edit it TWICE because it didn't say exactly what she wanted it to say - so best to write it up beforehand to make it easier on the person.