Table of Contents

1. The Importance
2. Who?
3. When & How?
4. Basic Tips
5. An Example

Did you know that the more complete your LinkedIn profile is, the more LinkedIn makes you visible in the algorithm? Part of that is the LinkedIn recommendations, and LinkedIn rewards those who have more than three recommendations. So then who should you ask for a recommendation? and when? And how? Not to worry, we will give succinct answers to these questions and show you how to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation in hospitality.

LinkedIn is now one of the most preferred hiring tools, used by over 87% of recruiters. So, it is no surprise that creating a great LinkedIn profile for yourself can form an integral part of your job search process. While optimizing your profile generally only involves your own time and effort, there’s one section that requires some help from others – recommendations. You might think a recommendation typically needs to come from your boss, but the truth is that it does not necessarily have to come from your boss. Some people are really hesitant to ask someone at their work for a recommendation, in case it is perceived they are looking like they are job searching, but it’s all in the approach and context of how you ask.

The Importance

LinkedIn recommendations make prospective employers analyze the performance of potential employees. Giving them an idea of how the candidate in question will fit in with company culture. Besides this, it also shows the work ethics, values, and other aspects of the person. Profiles having strong recommendations from experienced professionals most likely will have a greater chance of being granted an interview call.

In the present day, employers and recruiters no longer rely only on the strengths highlighted on your profile because you have written it yourself. Here recommendations play a significant role; since they are given by a third party, they seem more authentic than anything you write yourself.

Who?

Peer-to-peer recommendations are great – they tell the reader a lot about what it is like to work with you, or key projects that you played a part in. They also operate really nicely to build your reputation – having said that a Hiring Manager or Recruiter will be looking for recommendations from someone you reported to or a senior colleague as it does carry weight so make sure you have or are building to a variety of recommendations.

So, who could you ask?

• A senior colleague that you worked closely with
• A customer or client that you delivered exceptional service to
• A team member that reported to you
• Someone you mentored (your mentee)
• Your Mentor

When & How?

Ideally you should ask for recommendations when you are fresh in that person’s mind, but if a bit of time has passed that is OK too!

It’s best to ask for recommendations in these scenarios:

• When you complete a gig or leave a job
• When you’re looking for a new job
• When your manager leaves the company
• When you see great success with a client

You can adopt these 2 approaches or strategies when asking for a recommendation:

• Reach out with a bit of a refresher, maybe on a project you did together, and a graceful message asking for some feedback on how you positively contributed – It is rare for someone to decline this request! You can offer to return the favor!
• Directly after a positive project, reach out requesting a recommendation using the section in your profile, again ask gracefully and always offer to return the favor.

Basic Tips

• Do not ask for a recommendation from just anyone: Select the person who has a good designation. Recommendations from highly-ranked professionals are of more value than those of average and lower-ranked individuals.
• Think about the relevant skills that you want to showcase: These skills must match with the next hospitality job you are interested in; therefore, ask the appropriate person for a recommendation.
• Using the letter provided by LinkedIn for recommendation requests is a big mistake: Make the other person feel how important it is for you to get the recommendation. Therefore, spend some time creating a customized request letter.
• Start giving recommendations to others: Please do not consider it a waste of time because LinkedIn prompts the recipient to give back recommendations when you give them to others. In this way, you get more recommendations too.

An Example

Hello _______ (insert the first name)

I had a great time working with you on <project>. I felt that our work styles matched up and made the process much easier.

Given that we’ve been able to produce some great results together, I was wondering if you’d be open to sending me a LinkedIn recommendation highlighting my skills in _______ (areas of expertise).

If you’re busy, I’d be happy to send you a rough draft that you can edit before sharing. I’d also love to send across a recommendation for you as well. Apart from your impeccable skills with _______ (skills, and skills), if there’s anything you’d like me to put in, do let me know.

Also, I just wanted to add that this is totally optional and I’d understand if you’d say no. I will still be sending a recommendation for you irrespective.

Best Regards,

____________ (Your Name).

Times are changing, thus, you need to adopt the latest tactics to improve your employability in the hospitality industry. Employers will look to authenticate your skill set by relying on recommendations on your professional profile. Leverage the goodness of LinkedIn recommendations to display your talents and let others know who you are.