Want to get noticed in tech jobs? Learn 9 simple and smart ways to use LinkedIn recommendations to build trust, show your skills, and land your dream job faster!
In today’s fast-moving tech world, just having a strong resume isn’t always enough. Yes, your LinkedIn profile matters but there’s one tool many people don’t use enough: LinkedIn recommendations.
These are short, honest reviews from people you’ve worked with like your boss, coworkers, or even clients. Think of them like digital shout-outs that prove how great you are at your job. When used the right way, LinkedIn recommendations can help you stand out, build trust, and speed up your job search.
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In this guide, you’ll discover the top 9 ways to use LinkedIn recommendations to get ahead and impress hiring managers in the tech world.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Are So Important in Tech Jobs
Before we dive into the tips, let’s quickly look at why these recommendations matter so much:
- They Make You Look Trustworthy: It’s one thing to say you’re good at coding or teamwork, but it’s way better when someone else says it for you.
- They Show Off Your Skills: Whether it’s Python, Java, cloud tech, or problem-solving, recommendations give clear examples of how you used your skills in real life.
- They Help You Show Up More on LinkedIn: LinkedIn shows more complete and active profiles to recruiters. Having recommendations can help your profile rank higher.
- They Give You Social Proof: When others praise your work, it builds trust. It shows employers you’re the real deal.
- They Strengthen Your Connections: Asking for a recommendation can bring you closer to old coworkers or managers. It’s a great way to reconnect.
- They Back Up Your Resume: Recommendations can support what you say in your resume and cover letter. They help tell your career story more clearly.
9 Best Ways to Use LinkedIn Recommendations in Your Tech Job Search
1. Ask the Right People for Recommendations
Don’t just ask anyone. Think about who knows your work best—like:
- Your Manager: They can talk about your work ethic and your role in team success.
- Project Leaders: They can explain how you solved problems or used your tech skills.
- Clients or Users: They can say how you helped solve their issues or added value.
- Mentors or Senior Team Members: They can talk about your growth, learning, and potential.
Quick Tip: Always personalize your message when asking. Here’s a sample:
“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working with you on the [Project Name] project. I’m currently exploring tech roles in [Area], and I’d really appreciate a short LinkedIn recommendation. If you could mention how I used [Skill] or [Soft Skill] during that time, that would be awesome!”
2. Give Recommendations First
When you give someone a thoughtful recommendation, they’ll often return the favor. Plus, it shows you’re kind and professional.
Quick Tip: Be honest and detailed. Don’t just say “They’re great to work with.” Instead, say what they did well, how they helped the team, and why you’d work with them again.
3. Make Sure Your Recommendations Are Visible
Check your LinkedIn settings to ensure all the recommendations you’ve received are showing on your profile. Put the most impressive ones at the top to catch attention right away.
4. Use the Right Words From Recommendations in Your Profile
Pay attention to the skills or phrases people use in their recommendations. If someone says you’re “a great cloud engineer,” consider adding that term to your headline or summary. These keywords can help recruiters find you more easily.
5. Use Recommendations in Resumes, Cover Letters & Interviews
Don’t just leave your recommendations sitting on LinkedIn. You can use them to strengthen your job applications. For example:
- In a Cover Letter:
“As my former manager wrote on LinkedIn, ‘Ali consistently led our team with focus and strong technical skills during the data migration project.’” - During an Interview:
“One of my coworkers praised my leadership on LinkedIn, saying I helped the team meet tough deadlines without stress. I think that shows my commitment to collaboration.”
6. Use Recommendations to Grow Your Network
The people who recommended you may have connections in companies you’d love to work for. Don’t be shy—send them a message and ask if they can introduce you to someone or help you learn more about that company.
7. Ask for Recommendations Right After a Project Ends
The best time to ask is when the work is still fresh in everyone’s mind. After a big project or successful assignment, reach out and ask for a quick recommendation while the good vibes are still there.
8. Say Thank You and Stay in Touch
If someone gives you a recommendation, don’t forget to thank them! A short thank-you message can go a long way. You can even offer to write one back for them. Staying in touch keeps your professional relationships strong.
9. Keep a Backup of Your Best Recommendations
You never know when you’ll need a great quote about your work. Save your top recommendations in a document. That way, you can easily copy and paste parts into your resume, emails, or job applications when needed.
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How to Ask for a Strong Recommendation (Made Simple)
Here’s how to ask without making it awkward:
- Use Their Name: “Hi Sarah,” sounds much better than “Hi.”
- Be Clear About What You Want: Let them know what kind of job you’re aiming for.
- Remind Them of Your Work Together: Mention the project or task.
- Make It Easy: You can even offer to send them a few points to help them write.
- Say Thank You: Always thank them for their time and help.
Quick Recap – What You Learned
- LinkedIn recommendations can help you get noticed by tech recruiters.
- Ask people who really know your work.
- Write recommendations for others—it builds good relationships.
- Keep recommendations visible on your profile.
- Use quotes from them in your resume, cover letters, and interviews.
- Use them to connect with new people and grow your network.
- Ask for them after big wins at work.
- Always say thank you.
- Save the best ones in a file for later.
FAQs
1. How many LinkedIn recommendations should I aim for?
Try to get at least 3 to 5 strong recommendations. It’s better to have a few detailed ones than many short, generic ones.
2. Whom should I ask for a recommendation if I’m new to the tech industry?
Ask teachers, project leaders, or internship supervisors—anyone who has seen your work and knows your skills.
3. What if someone declines my recommendation request?
Don’t worry! They might be busy or unsure about what to write. Just thank them kindly and move on to someone else.
4. How often should I seek new recommendations?
Get new ones whenever you finish a big project, complete an internship, or achieve something worth sharing.
5. Can I edit a recommendation someone has written for me?
You can’t change what they wrote, but you can ask them nicely if they’d like to update or fix something.
Final Words
Finding the perfect tech job can be hard—but LinkedIn recommendations give you an extra edge. They prove you’re reliable, skilled, and a great teammate.
By following these 9 easy strategies, you’ll turn your LinkedIn profile into a trust-building tool that helps you shine. Start today, and let others help tell your story!