Endorsements and Recommendations: the Trust Currency of Your Profile

The Importance of Skills Endorsements on LinkedIn from Your Colleagues

Skill endorsements on LinkedIn serve as quick validations for your listed abilities. They can be easily granted by colleagues, supervisors, or clients with a simple click on the skill you've listed. When it comes to augmenting your LinkedIn profile's credibility, these endorsements are more than just a feather in your cap; they are affirmations of your professional capabilities.

Quality Over Quantity: How Many Endorsements Do You Really Need on Linkedin?

It's a common misconception that more endorsements automatically equate to a stronger profile. In reality, it's not about amassing an arbitrary number, but about obtaining endorsements from individuals who can authentically vouch for you. A couple of significant endorsements from colleagues who know your work well often carry more weight than dozens from distant contacts who are less familiar with your expertise. Focus on cultivating a rounded LinkedIn persona that stands out for its depth and substance, not just for its numbers.

The Power of Reviews from Colleagues on LinkedIn

Recommendations offer another level of depth to your LinkedIn profile. Unlike endorsements, which are quick clicks, recommendations are written testimonials from your colleagues, bosses, or clients that offer a narrative of your professional qualities, skills, and accomplishments. This lends a greater level of authenticity and detail to your profile, strengthening your professional reputation.

Don't Hesitate to Request Recommendations on LinkedIn

You might think it awkward to ask for recommendations, but most colleagues, especially those with whom you've had a strong working relationship, are generally willing to write one. Often, people are simply unaware that they can leave recommendations; a courteous request can act as a prompt.

How to Request Recommendations on LinkedIn

To initiate a recommendation request, navigate to the profile of the person from whom you wish to receive it. Click on the "More" button (represented by three dots), and select "Request a recommendation" from the dropdown menu. You can then customize the message, indicating what specific skills or projects you'd like them to focus on. This not only makes it easier for them to write the recommendation but also ensures that the result aligns closely with your professional objectives.

When requesting a recommendation, you can gently steer the focus towards specific areas where you want emphasis. For example, you could say, "Would you mind highlighting my skills in project management and my ability to lead cross-functional teams? Your perspective on these aspects would be invaluable." or "I'd be thankful if you could emphasize my abilities in leadership, communication, and collaboration. Your input on these aspects would mean a lot to me."

Managing Incoming Recommendations on LinkedIn

Upon receiving a recommendation, LinkedIn will notify you. You then have the choice of accepting or politely declining it. If you accept, the recommendation appears prominently under the "Recommendations" section of your LinkedIn profile. If you find the recommendation off-mark or not adequately representative of your skills, you have the option to decline it without causing offense.

By actively managing your endorsements and recommendations, you're not just padding your profile; you're fortifying it with trusted validations that can significantly enhance your professional standing. It's more than just social proof—it's a testament to your capabilities and contributions in the professional arena.