LinkedIn Recommendations: How to Ask Without Being Awkward

I used to avoid asking for LinkedIn recommendations. It felt like begging for compliments.

Then I realized: I was making it awkward by overthinking it.

The truth? Most people are happy to write recommendations—if you make it easy for them.

"Would you be comfortable writing a brief LinkedIn recommendation about our work on the Q3 product launch? Specifically, how we collaborated on the user research phase would be great to highlight."

After coaching hundreds of professionals through this, I've learned exactly what works (and what makes people cringe). For comprehensive strategies on optimizing your resume and building your professional brand, our career pitch mastery guide covers the complete approach.

Here's how to ask for LinkedIn recommendations without the awkwardness.

Why LinkedIn Recommendations Actually Matter

The skeptic's view: "Recommendations are just mutual back-patting."

The reality: Recruiters and hiring managers DO read them—especially when they're specific and credible.

What recommendations signal:

When recommendations matter most:

• Career transitions (proving transferable skills)
• Freelancing or consulting (building trust with clients)
• Leadership roles (demonstrating team impact)
• Competitive job markets (standing out from similar candidates)

The 3 Golden Rules for Asking

Rule #1: Make It Specific

Don't do this:

"Hey, would you mind writing me a LinkedIn recommendation?"

Why it fails: Too vague. They don't know what to write about.

Do this instead:

Why it works: You've given them a clear focus and made it easy to write.

Rule #2: Give Them an Out

Don't do this:

"I really need a LinkedIn recommendation from you. Can you write one this week?"

Why it fails: Feels like pressure and obligation.

Do this instead:

"No pressure at all if you're swamped, but I'd really value your perspective on our collaboration."

Why it works: Removes guilt and makes it feel like a choice, not a demand.

Rule #3: Explain Why Their Voice Matters

Don't do this:

"Can you write me a recommendation? Thanks!"

Why it fails: Feels transactional and generic.

Do this instead:

"Your perspective as the project lead would be incredibly valuable, especially since you saw firsthand how I managed the client relationship."

Why it works: Shows you value their specific insight, not just any recommendation.

Word-for-Word Scripts That Work

Script #1: The Former Manager

When to use: Asking a previous boss or supervisor.

The message:

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would really value your perspective on our time working together at [Company].

Would you be comfortable writing a brief recommendation highlighting my work on [specific project/skill]? I know you had great insight into how I [specific achievement or skill], and your perspective as [their role] would mean a lot.

Totally understand if you're swamped—no pressure at all. Either way, I really appreciated working with you and learning from your leadership.

Thanks for considering! [Your name]

Why it works:

• Specific about what you want highlighted
• Acknowledges their unique perspective
• Gives them an out
• Ends with appreciation regardless

Script #2: The Colleague/Peer

When to use: Asking someone you worked closely with.

The message:

Hey [Name],

Quick ask: I'm building out my LinkedIn profile and thought of you because of our work together on [project].

Would you be up for writing a short recommendation about our collaboration? Specifically, anything about [skill/quality] would be awesome since you saw that side of my work.

No worries if you're too busy—I know things are crazy right now. And if you'd like one from me as well, I'd be happy to return the favor!

Thanks! [Your name]

Why it works:

• Casual tone (appropriate for peer relationship)
• Specific focus area
• Offers reciprocity (but doesn't demand it)
• Acknowledges their time

Script #3: The Client

When to use: Asking a client or customer you worked with.

The message:

Hi [Name],

I hope [project/deliverable] is still serving you well! I've been reflecting on our collaboration and how much I enjoyed working with you on [specific aspect].

I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would be honored if you'd consider writing a brief recommendation about our work together. Your perspective as a client would be incredibly valuable, especially regarding [specific outcome or skill].

I completely understand if you're too busy—no pressure at all. Either way, I really appreciated the opportunity to work with you.

Best, [Your name]

Why it works:

• References the positive outcome
• Positions it as an honor (not a favor)
• Emphasizes the value of their client perspective
• Professional but warm tone

Script #4: The Mentor/Senior Leader

When to use: Asking someone more senior who mentored you.

The message:

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I've been thinking about how much I learned from you during my time at [Company], particularly around [specific skill or lesson].

I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would be deeply grateful if you'd consider writing a recommendation about my work. Your mentorship had such an impact on my career, and your perspective would mean a great deal.

I know you're incredibly busy, so no pressure at all if the timing isn't right.

Thank you for everything you've taught me. [Your name]

Why it works:

• Acknowledges the mentorship relationship
• Specific about what you learned
• Respectful of their time and status
• Genuine appreciation

When to Ask (Timing Matters)

Best times to ask:

Worst times to ask:

The Reciprocity Strategy (Write One First)

The approach: Write a recommendation for them before asking for one.

Why it works:

• Shows genuine appreciation
• Triggers reciprocity (they'll want to return the favor)
• Demonstrates you're not just taking
• Models what you'd like to receive

How to do it:

1. Write a thoughtful, specific recommendation for them
2. Wait 1-2 weeks
3. Send a casual message: "Hey, I wrote you a recommendation because I genuinely wanted to highlight our work together. If you ever have time and feel comfortable doing the same, I'd really appreciate it. No pressure though!"

Important: Only do this if you genuinely have something positive to say. Don't make it transactional.

What to Provide to Make It Easy

Don't just ask and disappear. Make it easy for them to write a great recommendation.

Provide:

1. Specific project or timeframe

   • "Our work on the Q3 product launch"
   • "When I managed the client onboarding process"

2. Key skills or qualities to highlight

   • "My project management and stakeholder communication"
   • "How I handled the crisis situation with the vendor"

3. Context they might have forgotten

   • "Remember when we had that tight deadline and I coordinated the cross-functional team?"
   • "The campaign that increased engagement by 40%"

4. Optional: A draft or bullet points

   • Some people appreciate this, others find it awkward
   • Gauge the relationship before offering

Example of providing context:

"If it helps, here are a few things you might mention:

• How I managed the stakeholder communication during the product delay
• My ability to translate technical requirements for non-technical teams
• The process improvements I implemented that saved 10 hours/week

But feel free to focus on whatever stood out to you!"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Asking Too Many People at Once

The problem: Sending mass requests feels impersonal.

The fix: Ask 2-3 people at a time, with personalized messages.

Mistake #2: Being Too Vague

The problem: "Can you write me a recommendation?" gives them no direction.

The fix: Be specific about what you want highlighted and why their perspective matters.

Mistake #3: Making It Transactional

The problem: "I'll write you one if you write me one" feels like a trade.

The fix: Write one genuinely first, or ask without strings attached.

Mistake #4: Asking Someone Who Doesn't Know Your Work Well

The problem: Generic recommendations hurt more than they help.

The fix: Only ask people who can speak specifically about your work.

Mistake #5: Not Following Up

The problem: They forget or get busy.

The fix: Send a gentle reminder after 1-2 weeks: "Hey, just wanted to follow up on my recommendation request. No rush at all—just wanted to make sure it didn't get lost in your inbox!"

How to Handle "No" Gracefully

If they decline or ignore your request:

Don't:

• Take it personally
• Press them for reasons
• Make them feel guilty
• Complain to mutual connections

Do:

• Thank them for considering it
• Keep the relationship positive
• Move on to someone else

Response script:

"No problem at all—I totally understand! Thanks for considering it. Hope all is well with you!"

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you ask for a LinkedIn recommendation without being awkward?

Be specific about what you want them to highlight, make it easy by providing context, and give them an out. Example: "Would you be comfortable writing a brief LinkedIn recommendation about our work on the X project? No pressure if you're swamped." Personalize the request and explain why their perspective matters.

When is the best time to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation?

The best time is right after a successful project completion, before leaving a job (while the relationship is fresh), or when you've recently helped them. Avoid asking during busy periods or right after being laid off without context.

What should I say when asking for a LinkedIn recommendation?

Include: (1) Specific context about your work together, (2) What you'd like them to highlight, (3) Why their recommendation matters, (4) An easy out if they're busy. Keep it short, personalized, and appreciative.

Should I write a LinkedIn recommendation first before asking?

Yes, if you genuinely have something positive to say. Writing a recommendation first shows goodwill and often prompts reciprocation. However, don't make it transactional—only recommend people you truly endorse.

How many LinkedIn recommendations should I have?

Aim for 3-5 quality recommendations from different roles and perspectives (manager, colleague, client). Quality matters more than quantity. One detailed recommendation from a respected leader is worth more than ten generic ones.

Your Action Plan

Step 1: Identify 3-5 people who can speak specifically about your work.

Step 2: Choose the most relevant person to ask first (recent collaboration, strong relationship).

Step 3: Personalize one of the scripts above with specific details.

Step 4: Send the request and give them 1-2 weeks to respond.

Step 5: Follow up gently if needed, or move to the next person.

Remember: The key to asking without awkwardness is making it specific, easy, and optional. Most people are happy to help—you just need to ask the right way.

Now go get those recommendations!