ajobs Job Search Tip
LinkedIn Recommendations
Why?
Typical interview questions: “Why are you no longer with XYZ Company?” “How well did you perform at your past employer(s)?” “What are your strengths?” Although your resume will include results and accomplishments, you should back those up with recommendations, and LinkedIn is a perfect storage site. LinkedIn allows individuals to write recommendations about you, commenting on your assets and/or your excellent job performance, and to include them in your profile for anyone to read. In addition, you can copy/paste them onto a MS Word document, then print and carry to your interviews; see the sample document below.
Nearly all companies now forbid written recommendations by supervisors, but LinkedIn recommendations are often allowed. Equally good are supervisors from previous assignments or companies, clients, vendors, co-workers, even friends – anyone who can attest to your work.
Preferably, you want at least four, the number suggested by LinkedIn, but you can have as many as you like. I recommend no more than ten however; too many just dilutes the impact.
How?
(Note: If you have been a LinkedIn user for some time, then you know that LinkedIn often makes updates, additions, and changes to the site without any notice. Worse, it does not change for all users at the same time! I mention this because the method for asking for recommendations just changed recently, but if LinkedIn has not updated your version, this information may not be relevant to you just yet. Whew!)
Decide from whom you would like a recommendation – former supervisors, co-workers, major clients, or others familiar with your work.
1. From the Menu bar at the top, hover over “Profile,” then click “Edit Profile." To the right of your picture, click the blue box titled "Done Editing." The blue box changes to a grey box "Edit" with a drop-down arrow next to it. Hover over the arrow, then click "Ask to be recommended."
2. Steps 1 and 2 on this page are self-explanatory, but question 3 needs discussing. You will have much better success if you compose a suggested recommendation that your recipient can simply copy/paste. Here is a sample I recently received:
Dear Steve, Would you be kind enough to give me a recommendation? I am looking for a referral that would say something like this:
Bob is the consummate professional in whatever goals he sets in his business pursuits. With his excellent work ethics, he has the ability to monitor and improve the current work situation through his process-improvement skills, while keeping a focus on the long term goal of his job. He is highly organized, a team-builder, an excellent motivator and public speaker and as a result, Bob has the ability to create an exceptional work environment for both his internal and external customers.
3. Click “Send.” It’s really that simple!
4. When you receive the recommendation, you must choose to accept or reject before it will be posted on your site. Generally, you will accept unless the recommendation contains misspelled words or bad grammar.
Sample document to take with you to interviews:
LinkedIn Recommendations for Mary McKey
Executive Administrative Assistant, Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs
www.linkedin.com/in/marymckey
“Mary was instrumental in receiving, organizing and archiving the company’s legacy regulatory files as well as those recently acquired or licensed. She works well with all group members and functional areas, and has been a role model for professional behavior during a difficult transitional period. Her positive, can-do attitude helped the group meet many submission deadlines. Her contributions in the submissions area enabled group members to be more efficient in other critical areas. When Mary is given a task, she does everything in her power to hit target. She would be an excellent addition to any staff and I would welcome the chance to work with her again." February 13, 2013
Mary Marvin, Consultant, Regulatory Affairs Consulting
managed Mary at Alpha Pharmaceuticals
__________________________________________________
“Mary always approaches her work with a positive attitude; and her enthusiasm for both work and life is contagious in an office environment. She often worked late to complete important projects, without ever complaining. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Mary again.” February 2, 2013
Isabelle Warren, Chief Commercial Officer, EVP Sales and Marketing,
Alpha Pharmaceuticals LLC
managed Mary indirectly at Alpha Pharmaceuticals __________________________________________________
“I had the pleasure of working with Mary at Alaven Pharm. where it became obvious that she was the stabilizing factor of the regulatory and quality group. Mary is very thorough and detail oriented. She executed requests flawlessly and I would not hesitate in assigning her additional responsibility.” February 1, 2013
Bill Tanner, CQM, CQA, Sr. Manager, QA, Alpha Pharmaceuticals LLC
managed Mary indirectly at Alpha Pharmaceuticals _____________________________________________________
“Mary is a dedicated professional who went above and beyond the call of duty. She is a trustworthy and caring person who put the company first.” January 27, 2013
Bela Bartok, CEO, Alpha Pharmaceuticals LLC
managed Mary indirectly at Alpha Pharmaceuticals