How to Get Strong LinkedIn Recommendations That Help You Land Your Next Job
Job seekers: Want to make your LinkedIn profile stand out to recruiters? Learn how to get high-impact recommendations that boost your credibility and help you land interviews faster.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter for Job Seekers
If you're actively applying to jobs, a strong LinkedIn profile can be just as important as your resume. Over 60 million people search for jobs on LinkedIn every week, and 117 applications are submitted every second. Standing out is no longer optional—it’s essential.
That’s why it’s important to take advantage of LinkedIn's Recommendations section. A few well-written testimonials from former colleagues or managers can give your profile the credibility and social proof that recruiters look for.
“LinkedIn recommendations are an opportunity to reinforce what you’re saying about your skills and qualities,” says career coach Angelina Darrisaw. “They validate that what you're saying about yourself is actually true.”
Who Should You Ask for a Recommendation?
When you're trying to boost your LinkedIn profile for job searches, quality matters more than quantity. That starts with choosing the right people to ask.
Here’s who you should consider:
Managers, team leads, or coworkers you've worked with closely
Clients or collaborators who can speak to your professionalism
People with credible LinkedIn profiles, especially if they have strong titles or work at well-known companies
“The best recommendations come from someone who can speak specifically about how competent, committed, and compatible you are,” says Gorick Ng, Harvard career advisor.
And yes—job titles matter. Recommendations from someone in a leadership role or at a recognizable company can carry more weight.
How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation (the Right Way)
Timing and context are key.
Ask shortly after completing a project or wrapping up a role—while your work is still fresh in the person’s mind. When reaching out:
Be specific about the work you did together
Mention accomplishments they witnessed firsthand
Give them an easy out in case they’re too busy
Example script:
“Hi [Name], I’m updating my LinkedIn profile to better reflect my experience and would love to include a brief recommendation. You were my supervisor during the [six-month XYZ project], and I appreciated your feedback as I led [A, B, and C]. If you’re open to it, even a quick sentence or two would mean a lot!”
This gives them a clear direction while respecting their time.
How Many Recommendations Do You Really Need?
You don’t need a wall of testimonials to impress recruiters. In fact, too many can feel redundant.
“It’s quality over quantity,” Ng says. “Up to three really strong recommendations is more than enough.”
So focus on relevance and impact. Ask people who saw you in action, can speak to key skills, and whose names or titles boost your credibility.
Make Your LinkedIn Work Harder for You
If you're actively job searching—or even just preparing to make a move—your LinkedIn profile should reflect your best, most hireable self. High-quality recommendations are a powerful way to show off your strengths, build trust with hiring managers, and stand out in a crowded applicant pool.
Take the time to request two or three meaningful recommendations from people who genuinely know your work. It’s one of the easiest ways to increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
Need help polishing your LinkedIn profile, resume, or interview strategy? Reach out to our team or check out our advice section to stay ahead in today’s hiring market.