Having endorsements on your LinkedIn profile can be a great way to showcase your skills and build your professional brand. However, it can feel awkward or pushy to directly ask someone to endorse you. Here are some tips for tactfully getting endorsements from your connections.
Why LinkedIn Endorsements Matter
LinkedIn endorsements allow your connections to vouch for your skills and expertise. When people endorse you, it appears as a small icon below your name and headline. Endorsements serve multiple purposes:
- They validate the skills you list on your profile
- They increase your credibility and trustworthiness
- They help you stand out in search results
- They can spark new conversations and opportunities
In a job search, endorsements act as social proof and could give you a competitive edge. According to LinkedIn, members with at least 5 endorsements are 27% more likely to be contacted by recruiters.
Who Should You Ask for Endorsements?
Focus on getting endorsements from people who can genuinely vouch for your abilities. Avoid asking random connections for blanket endorsements. The best endorsers are:
- Former managers or supervisors
- Colleagues you’ve worked closely with
- Clients, customers, or vendors
- College professors or advisors
- Group or team members
These people have firsthand experience of your work and professionalism. Their endorsements hold more weight than those from distant connections.
How to Ask for Endorsements
Here are some polite, low-pressure ways to request endorsements:
1. Endorse Others Generously
The best way to get endorsements is to give them. Look for opportunities to endorse your connections for skills and accomplishments you can authentically validate. This establishes reciprocity and motivates people to return the favor.
2. Share Updates Sparking Conversation
Post updates showcasing your latest projects, accomplishments, speaking engagements, etc. This gives openings for connections to endorse the relevant skills.
3. Message Individuals Privately
Send a personalized message to connections asking them to endorse you if they feel your work warrants it. Explain how it would help your career prospects.
4. Follow Up After Interacting
If you speak at an event, collaborate on a project, or have another chance to demonstrate skills, follow up with people afterward asking them to endorse you if they feel inclined.
5. Add a Note When Accepting Invites
When accepting connection invites, include a line that you’d appreciate their endorsement if they’re comfortable doing so after learning more about your background.
What to Include in an Endorsement Request
Making an endorsement request feels less awkward and self-promotional if you follow these guidelines:
- Thank them for being a connection
- Note your shared experience working together
- Mention the specific skill(s) you’d appreciate an endorsement for
- Explain how it would help your career or job search
- Assure them it’s fine if they’d prefer not to endorse you
This shows you appreciate any endorsement they’re willing to give, rather than expecting it.
When NOT to Ask for Endorsements
Avoid seeking endorsements in these scenarios:
- Right after connecting with someone you don’t know well
- From connections outside your industry who can’t credibly vouch for your skills
- Repeatedly from the same people, which comes across as desperate
- For exaggerated or inaccurate skill claims
- In a demanding, entitled, or guilt-tripping manner
This type of behavior damages your reputation and defeats the purpose of meaningful endorsements.
Following Up Politely
It’s fine to follow up if you haven’t received a response to your endorsement request. However, avoid hounding people or sounding aggrieved. Send a simple, polite reminder explaining that you’re seeking endorsements to better convey your skills to potential employers and would still appreciate their endorsement if willing.
Building Your Endorser Base
Getting quality endorsements takes time. Be patient and focus on nurturing genuine relationships. As you progress through your career, you’ll keep crossing paths with new colleagues to endorse and be endorsed by.
Conclusion
By strategically requesting endorsements from your strongest connections, you can assemble credible skill endorsements. This enhances your LinkedIn profile and credibility. Politely ask people who’ve worked with you to vouch for the skills they’ve seen you demonstrate. Endorse generously, keep requests low-pressure, and remember endorsements should reflect actual skills versus exaggerations. With an authentic endorser base, your LinkedIn profile will make the right impression.
Key Takeaways
Focus on getting endorsements from people who’ve directly witnessed your skills in action |
Endorse others freely to encourage reciprocity |
When requesting endorsements, be polite and low-pressure |
Link endorsement requests to recent displays of relevant skills |
Follow up politely if needed, but avoid hounding people |