How do you ask for and give recommendations on online networking platforms?

1 Why recommendations matter

Recommendations are testimonials from people who know you and your work well, and who can vouch for your abilities, achievements, and character. They can be written or video-based, and they usually appear on your profile or portfolio. Recommendations can help you stand out from the crowd, showcase your value proposition, and attract new opportunities. They can also strengthen your existing connections, as you express your gratitude and appreciation for their support.

2 How to ask for recommendations

Asking for recommendations can be tricky, as it's important to avoid sounding needy, pushy, or presumptuous. To make the process easier and more comfortable for both parties, here are some tips to consider when asking for recommendations on online networking platforms. Firstly, be selective and only ask people who know you well enough to provide specific and relevant feedback. Secondly, be specific by explaining why you are asking for a recommendation, what kind of recommendation you are looking for, and what aspects of your work or personality you want them to highlight. It may also help to provide some examples or prompts. Additionally, be polite by expressing your appreciation for their time and expertise, and acknowledge their contribution to your success. Lastly, offer them the option to decline or postpone your request and consider providing a recommendation in return if appropriate.

3 How to give recommendations

Giving recommendations is a smart way to build your online reputation and network. It can demonstrate your expertise, generosity, and credibility, as well as strengthen your relationships with your contacts. When giving recommendations on online networking platforms, it's important to be sincere. Only endorse people you genuinely admire and respect, and provide specific examples or stories to back up your claims. Keep it concise; aim for one or two paragraphs, or a few sentences if you are using a video format. Use simple and direct language without jargon or slang. Additionally, be timely when giving recommendations; don't wait too long or give them too frequently. Give them when they are most appropriate and meaningful, such as after completing a project, achieving a milestone, or receiving an award.

4 How to manage recommendations

Once you have requested and received recommendations, it is essential to manage them effectively on your online networking platforms. This means that you should review, edit, and display them in a way that will positively impact your personal brand and online presence. To do this, read the recommendations carefully and check for any errors or inaccuracies. If you find any, kindly ask the person who gave it to you to correct them. Additionally, depending on the platform, you may be able to customize your recommendations by choosing which ones to show or hide, reordering them, adding keywords or tags, and adding your own comments or responses. Furthermore, make sure your recommendations are visible and accessible on your profile or portfolio, and that they are consistent with your goals and audience. You can also share them on other platforms such as your website or social media; however, always remember to respect the privacy and preferences of the people who gave them to you and ask for their permission before doing so.

5 How to improve your recommendations

Finally, you can always improve your recommendations by following some best practices and learning from feedback. To start, you should ask for feedback from those who gave you recommendations. This will help you understand their honest opinion and suggestions on how to improve your work or performance. It is also important to give constructive and respectful feedback to those who asked you for recommendations. Additionally, it is essential to keep learning and developing your skills, knowledge, and experience in order to showcase your achievements and value. The more you grow and develop, the more likely you are to receive and give positive and powerful recommendations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?