LinkedIn Recommendation Request Templates: 15 Copy-Paste Messages That Get Yes

Asking for a LinkedIn recommendation feels awkward. You're essentially saying "please take 15 minutes to write nice things about me" to someone who probably has 47 unread emails.

Most people either never ask (leaving their profile bare) or ask so generically that they get ignored. The fix is simple: make it easy for them to say yes.

A good recommendation request does three things: reminds them why you worked well together, gives them a clear starting point, and shows respect for their time. Here are 15 templates that do exactly that.

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Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter More Than You Think

Before diving into templates, here's why this is worth your time:

For job seekers: Recruiters scan profiles in 7 seconds. Recommendations are social proof that you're not just making up your skills.

For founders and business owners: Client recommendations build trust faster than any marketing copy. A prospect reading "Working with Sarah increased our revenue by 40%" hits differently than your homepage saying "we drive results."

For career advancement: Internal promotions often involve people who don't know you directly checking your profile. Recommendations from multiple relationship types (managers, peers, reports) paint a complete picture.

The compounding effect: Each recommendation makes the next one easier to get. People see you have 5 recommendations and think "others have vouched for them, I should too."

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The Anatomy of a Great Recommendation Request

Every effective request includes four elements:

1. Context reminder - Quickly jog their memory about your work together
2. Specific ask - What you want them to highlight
3. Escape hatch - Make it easy to say no without awkwardness
4. Time respect - Acknowledge this takes effort

The critical mistake: Generic requests like "Would you write me a recommendation?" put all the cognitive work on them. They have to remember what you did, figure out what to say, and find time to write. Most people bail on step one.

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Templates by Relationship Type

For Former Managers

Your manager has context on your performance, growth, and impact. Their recommendations carry significant weight because they directly supervised your work.

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Template 1: The Project Win

Use after completing a successful project or initiative.

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I've been updating my LinkedIn profile and was hoping you might write me a brief recommendation.

If you're open to it, I'd especially appreciate if you could mention [specific project or result - e.g., "the Q3 product launch" or "how I handled the customer escalation process overhaul"]. That work is really relevant to roles I'm exploring.

Totally understand if you're swamped - no pressure at all. And I'm happy to draft some bullet points if that would help.

Thanks for considering it!

Why it works: You're specific about what to mention, offer to reduce their effort, and give them an easy out.

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Template 2: The Skills Focus

Use when you want to highlight specific competencies.

Hi [Name],

Quick favor to ask - I'm building out my LinkedIn presence and would love a recommendation from you if you have a few minutes.

Given your perspective on my work at [Company], would you be comfortable speaking to [specific skill - e.g., "my ability to manage cross-functional teams" or "how I approached problem-solving on complex technical issues"]? Those are areas I'm looking to highlight.

No worries if the timing doesn't work. Let me know if I can send you a few talking points to make it easier.

Why it works: Gives them a clear angle to write from instead of a blank page.

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Template 3: The Departure Ask

Use when leaving a job on good terms.

Hi [Name],

As I wrap up my time here, I wanted to ask if you'd be willing to write a LinkedIn recommendation for me.

Your perspective on my growth from [starting point] to [ending achievement] would mean a lot. If you're open to it, I could share a few highlights that might jog your memory.

Either way, I've really appreciated working with you and learning from you over the past [timeframe].

Why it works: Timing is perfect - the relationship is fresh, and leaving creates natural closure for reflection.

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For Colleagues and Peers

Peer recommendations show you're good to work with, not just good at your job. They demonstrate collaboration, teamwork, and how you treat people at your level.

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Template 4: The Collaboration Callback

Use when you worked closely on something together.

Hey [Name],

Random ask - would you be up for writing me a LinkedIn recommendation?

I was thinking about our work on [specific project] and how well we collaborated. If you could speak to what it was like working together from your perspective, that would be awesome.

Totally understand if you're busy. Happy to return the favor too - I'd be glad to write one for you if you'd like.

Why it works: Offers reciprocity upfront and references shared experience.

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Template 5: The Mutual Value Exchange

Use when you want to offer something in return.

Hey [Name],

I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and gathering a few recommendations. Would you be interested in a recommendation swap?

I'd write one for you highlighting [specific thing you admire about their work], and if you're up for it, I'd love one from you touching on [what you'd like them to mention].

Let me know if you're interested - I think it could be a good use of 20 minutes for both of us.

Why it works: Frames it as mutual benefit, not a favor. You're offering value, not just asking for it.

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Template 6: The Fresh Perspective

Use when you want their unique viewpoint.

Hi [Name],

I'm working on my LinkedIn profile and would love your perspective as someone who's worked alongside me.

Specifically, I'm wondering if you'd be comfortable writing a few sentences about [specific aspect - e.g., "how I handle stakeholder communication" or "my approach to deadline pressure"]. You've seen that side of my work more than most.

No pressure at all - just figured I'd ask. Let me know if you'd want some bullet points to work from.

Why it works: Highlights why their perspective is specifically valuable.

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For Clients and Customers

Client recommendations are gold for founders, freelancers, and anyone in client-facing roles. They're third-party validation that you deliver results.

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Template 7: The Results-Based Ask

Use after delivering measurable outcomes.

Hi [Name],

I hope things are going well! I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and was wondering if you'd be willing to write a brief recommendation about our work together.

If you're open to it, I'd especially appreciate if you could mention [specific result - e.g., "the 3x improvement in conversion rate" or "how the project came in under budget"]. That kind of outcome is something I'm looking to highlight for future opportunities.

Completely understand if you're busy or if company policy makes this tricky. Either way, I've really enjoyed working with your team.

Why it works: Reminds them of the value you delivered and acknowledges potential corporate restrictions.

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Template 8: The Partnership Highlight

Use for long-term client relationships.

Hi [Name],

We've been working together for [timeframe] now, and I've really valued our partnership.

Would you be open to writing a LinkedIn recommendation about our work? I'm particularly hoping to highlight [specific aspect - e.g., "responsive client communication" or "strategic thinking in complex situations"] since that's core to how I approach every engagement.

No pressure - I know you're busy. And I'm happy to draft some bullet points if that would help speed things up.

Why it works: Leverages the established relationship and offers to reduce friction.

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Template 9: The Testimonial Reframe

Use when you already have positive feedback from them.

Hi [Name],

You mentioned last month that you were happy with how [specific deliverable] turned out. Would you be willing to share that feedback as a LinkedIn recommendation?

I could even draft something based on what you said if that's easier - you could edit it however you'd like. Would probably only take 5 minutes on your end.

Let me know if that works for you!

Why it works: They've already given you the content - you're just asking to formalize it.

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For Vendors and Service Providers

These feel unusual, but if you've worked closely with a vendor who saw your professionalism, their recommendation adds a different dimension to your profile.

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Template 10: The Working Relationship

Use when you've been a great client to work with.

Hi [Name],

I know this might be a bit unconventional, but I was wondering if you'd be willing to write me a LinkedIn recommendation from your perspective as a vendor/partner.

Given how much we've worked together on [specific project], you've seen how I operate as a client - clear communication, timely feedback, etc. If you could speak to what it's like working with me from that angle, I think it would add a unique dimension to my profile.

Totally understand if that's not something you typically do. Appreciate you considering it either way.

Why it works: Acknowledges the unusual nature upfront while explaining why it's valuable.

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For Direct Reports (If You're a Manager)

If you managed someone and they excelled, their recommendation shows you're good at developing people.

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Template 11: The Leadership Ask

Use when you want to highlight your management style.

Hi [Name],

I'm updating my LinkedIn and gathering recommendations from people I've worked with. I was hoping you might be willing to write one about your experience reporting to me.

If you're comfortable, I'd appreciate any thoughts on [specific aspect - e.g., "my approach to feedback" or "how I supported your growth"]. That perspective is valuable for showcasing leadership skills.

No pressure at all - I know it can feel awkward asking someone who reported to you. And I'm happy to write one for you in return.

Why it works: Acknowledges the power dynamic and makes it clear there's no expectation.

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For Professors or Academic Mentors

Useful for students, recent grads, or anyone pivoting from academia.

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Template 12: The Academic to Professional Bridge

Use when entering the workforce or changing fields.

Hi Professor [Name],

I hope your semester is going well! I'm building out my LinkedIn presence as I [enter the job market / transition to a new field] and was hoping you might write me a brief recommendation.

Given our work together on [specific project/class], you've seen how I approach [skill - e.g., "research and analysis" or "working through ambiguous problems"]. That perspective would help translate my academic experience for professional audiences.

I know you're incredibly busy, so no pressure at all. Happy to send some talking points if that would help.

Why it works: Connects their academic perspective to professional relevance.

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Timing Strategies That Double Your Response Rate

When you ask matters as much as how you ask.

Best Times to Ask

The 72-Hour Rule

Ask within 72 hours of any positive moment:

• Completed project
• Positive performance review
• Successful client delivery
• Public praise or shoutout
• End of engagement or job

After 72 hours, the emotional peak fades. They still like you, but the specific details that make good recommendations get fuzzy.

Holiday and Vacation Timing

Avoid:

• December 15 - January 5 (holiday chaos)
• Their company's busy season
• Right before they go on vacation (your ask gets buried)

Target:

• Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
• Morning in their timezone
• Slow periods in their industry

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Follow-Up Templates When They Don't Respond

Most people aren't ignoring you. They got busy, forgot, or meant to do it and didn't.

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Follow-Up 1: The Gentle Nudge (5-7 Days Later)

Hi [Name],

Just bumping this in case it got buried - totally understand if you're swamped. Would still love a recommendation if you get a chance, but no pressure either way.

Let me know if it would help to send some talking points!

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Follow-Up 2: The Out Offer (10-14 Days Later)

Hey [Name],

Following up one more time on the recommendation request. I know how busy things get, so if it's not doable right now, no hard feelings at all.

If you could let me know either way, I'd appreciate it - just so I know whether to follow up again or move on. Thanks for considering it!

Why this works: Gives them a graceful exit. Some people feel bad saying no, so they say nothing. This gives them permission to decline.

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Follow-Up 3: The Content Assist (14+ Days Later)

Hi [Name],

I know you're busy, so I drafted some bullet points that might make this easier if you're still open to writing a recommendation:

• [Bullet point 1 - specific project or result]
• [Bullet point 2 - skill or approach you demonstrated]
• [Bullet point 3 - outcome or impact]

Feel free to use these as-is, edit them however you'd like, or write something completely different. Whatever works for you.

And if you're too swamped, I completely understand. Thanks for considering it!

Why this works: Reduces the effort to near-zero. They can essentially copy-paste with light editing.

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How to Write Recommendations in Return

Asking for recommendations is easier when you also give them. Here's how to write one that actually helps the person.

The Structure That Works

1. Context (1 sentence) - How you know them
2. Specific observation (2-3 sentences) - What they did well
3. Result or impact (1 sentence) - Why it mattered
4. Endorsement (1 sentence) - Your bottom-line takeaway

Example: For a Peer

I worked with Sarah on the Q3 product launch at [Company]. What struck me was how she managed to keep five different stakeholders aligned without any of the usual "design by committee" chaos. Her communication was clear, her timelines were realistic, and she pushed back on scope creep in a way that people actually respected. Any team that gets her is lucky - she makes complex work look effortless.

Example: For a Manager

[Name] was my manager for two years at [Company], and he's the reason I went from individual contributor to leading a team of six. He gave me enough rope to figure things out myself but always caught problems before they became disasters. The monthly 1:1s we had weren't status updates - they were actual coaching sessions. I've worked with other managers since, and [Name] set a standard that's hard to match.

Example: For a Client

We worked with [Name]'s team on redesigning their customer onboarding flow. What I appreciated most was how clearly they communicated priorities - no scope creep, no last-minute changes, just a clear vision and fast feedback. The project came in 10% under budget and 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Working with their team was a highlight of the year.

Quick Tips

• Be specific. "Great to work with" means nothing. What made them great?
• Include a result if possible. Numbers, outcomes, or changes that happened.
• Keep it under 150 words. Long recommendations don't get read.
• Avoid generic adjectives. "Hardworking, dedicated, passionate" - everyone uses these.
• Write like you talk. Formal language sounds fake. Be genuine.

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Good vs. Bad Request Examples

Bad Example 1: The Generic Ask

Hey, would you write me a LinkedIn recommendation? Thanks!

Why it fails: No context, no direction, all the work falls on them.

Good Version:

Hey [Name], would you be up for writing a quick recommendation? If you could mention our work on the migration project and how we handled the deadline pressure, that would be perfect. Happy to draft some bullet points if it helps.

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Bad Example 2: The Novel

Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to reach out because I'm currently in the process of updating my LinkedIn profile and I was hoping you might have a few moments to write me a recommendation. As you know, we worked together for three years at [Company] where I was responsible for managing the marketing team and you were in product. I think your perspective on how I collaborated with product would be really valuable. I remember we had some great projects together, like the launch of Product X and the rebrand in 2023. If you could write something about my communication skills, leadership abilities, attention to detail, and strategic thinking, that would be amazing...

Why it fails: Too long, too many asks, overwhelming.

Good Version:

Hey [Name], quick ask - would you write me a LinkedIn recommendation about our collaboration on the Product X launch? Your perspective on how I bridged marketing and product would be really valuable. Let me know if you'd like some bullet points to work from.

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Bad Example 3: The Demanding Ask

I need a LinkedIn recommendation from you. Can you write one this week? It should be at least 3 paragraphs and mention my leadership, communication, and strategic skills. Send it by Friday.

Why it fails: No please, no thank you, no escape hatch. Feels like an assignment.

Good Version:

Hi [Name], I'm updating my LinkedIn and would love a recommendation from you if you have time this week. No pressure at all if you're swamped - and feel free to keep it short. Even 2-3 sentences would be great. Let me know!

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Quick Reference Checklist

Before sending your request, make sure you've:

Included:

• Context reminder (how you worked together)
• Specific direction (what to mention)
• Easy out (no pressure language)
• Offer to help (bullet points, draft)
• Reciprocity option (offer to write one back)

Avoided:

• Generic "write me a recommendation" asks
• Walls of text
• Demanding language or deadlines
• Asking for too many things at once
• Sending to someone who doesn't remember you well

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FAQ

How many recommendations should I have on my profile?

3-5 is the sweet spot for most professionals. More than 10 starts looking like you're trying too hard. Zero looks like no one can vouch for you.

Mix matters more than quantity. One from a manager, one from a peer, one from a client covers more ground than three from peers.

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Should I ask people who aren't on LinkedIn actively?

Probably not. If they never log in, they won't see your request. If they accept but never write, you can't follow up effectively. Target people who are at least occasionally active.

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Can I edit or hide recommendations I don't like?

Yes. LinkedIn lets you hide recommendations on your profile without deleting them. You can also ask the writer to edit it, though that's awkward.

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What if they write something too short or vague?

Use it anyway unless it's negative or actively unhelpful. Something is better than nothing. You can always ask future recommenders to be more specific and build up your profile over time.

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Should I recommend someone before asking them for one?

Sometimes. If you genuinely have something good to say, writing first can trigger reciprocity. But don't write a fake recommendation just to extract one - that's transparent and weird.

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How do I ask someone I haven't talked to in years?

Reconnect briefly first. Send a catch-up message, reference something specific ("Saw your company raised a Series B - congrats!"), and wait for a reply before asking. Cold recommendation asks to people you haven't spoken to in years rarely work.

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Your Next Steps

1. Right now (5 min): Identify 3-5 people you could ask for recommendations
2. Today (15 min): Send requests using the templates above - customize for each relationship
3. This week: Follow up with anyone who hasn't responded
4. Next month: Write 2-3 recommendations for others to build reciprocity

Strong recommendations compound. Each one makes your profile more credible, which makes the next ask easier. Start with the person most likely to say yes, build momentum, and work your way through your list.

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