The Power of Public Recommendations for Job Seekers

Person in orange t-shirt giving a thumbs up with right hand

Do you look up reviews when buying a product to see if it is worth it? Many people do, as they give additional information about how users have experienced the product. This information is beyond what the manufacturer tells you (or wants you to know).

Are public recommendations any different for hiring teams? They are interested in how others have experienced working with you beyond what you write on your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Regrettably, many job seekers are not seizing this valuable opportunity. But why not? It's a chance to stand out and showcase your skills in a way that a resume or LinkedIn profile can't.

Building Authenticity and Trust

One of the main benefits of public recommendations is that they lend credence to a job seeker's work history, skills, and abilities. When others vouch for you publicly, it carries weight. This is especially true when the recommender is known in the field or has been your supervisor. They are putting their credibility on the line.

Now, put yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager. You're sifting through candidates with similar experience. One stands out with multiple public recommendations on their LinkedIn profile, each praising their skills and achievements. The weight of these endorsements can significantly influence your decision to move this candidate forward in the process. This is the power of public recommendations in your hands.

For example, I currently have 45 recommendations on my LinkedIn profile. When people are interested in working with me, the recommendations help potential clients understand that what I say I do is backed up by former clients who can attest to it.

Working With An External Recruiter? Recommendation Boost Candidate Appeal to Hiring Managers

If you are working with an external recruiter or third-party recruiter, one of the activities they will have to do is "sell" you to the hiring team. Just because they submit your resume to the hiring team does not mean an immediate interview invitation. That team has to see value in what you can bring to them. Public recommendations can help because they can supply social proof.

Social proof refers to the idea that people will follow the actions of others. If several colleagues publicly endorse a candidate, it signals to the hiring team that the candidate is capable and truthfully speaking to their qualifications. For instance, a candidate with five recommendations from colleagues who worked with them for three years presents compelling evidence of their abilities and reliability. Hiring managers are more likely to feel confident in their decisions when a candidate has strong public recommendations. 

How to Request and Optimize Public Recommendations

For job seekers who want to enhance job search opportunities with public recommendations, here are some tips:

1. Choose the Right Recommenders: Select people who have worked closely with you and can speak specifically about your skills and accomplishments. The best are from supervisors, but clients or vendors can also be helpful.

2. Timing is Key: Ask for recommendations soon after completing a successful project or receiving positive feedback. This ensures that the details are fresh in the recommender's mind.

3. Make It Easy: Provide your recommender with specific points or achievements you'd like them to mention. For instance, you could ask them to highlight a successful project you led, a skill you excel at, or a specific instance where you demonstrated your reliability. This can make it easier for them to write a meaningful recommendation.

4. Be Gracious: Always thank your recommenders and offer to reciprocate the favor if they need your recommendation. If you've had a positive experience working with someone, consider writing a recommendation for them. This shows your appreciation and helps build a network of professionals who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

Requesting a Recommendation on LinkedIn

Here are the steps to ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn (on mobile):

1. Navigate to your profile: Tap on your profile picture on the top left. Tap on your name. This will open up your profile.

2. Find the Recommendations section: Scroll down your profile until you see the "Recommendations" section.

3. Click to request a recommendation: You'll see a plus sign (+). Tap on this. You will see two options. Choose "Ask for a recommendation." 

4. Choose who to request from: Start typing in the name. It will display a list of your first-degree connections with those letters. Tap on the name of the person.

5. Additional Information: You will be asked to identify your relationship (a drop-down will give options) and the position (with another drop-down). 

6. Personalize your message (important): Don't rely on LinkedIn's generic message. Instead, write a personalized message that reminds the person who you are, how you know them, and why you value their recommendation. You can also provide information on what you would like them to speak to in your recommendation.

7. Notification: You will receive a notification when the recommendation has been written. You then can choose to publish it or ask the individual to make suggested edits.

Conclusion

You need a LinkedIn profile with recommendations to be more competitive in the job market. Recruiters and hiring teams like to see recommendations, especially those made recently. They build credibility and provide social proof that can sway hiring managers. By strategically requesting and showcasing public recommendations, you can significantly improve your chances of landing your next job.

If you haven't already, start requesting public recommendations. It's a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your job search. Take advantage of this opportunity to stand out in the competitive job market.

Shelley Piedmont is a Career Coach who focuses on understanding your unique skills, interests, and aspirations and provides personalized coaching to guide you toward roles where you can truly thrive. Whether you are stuck as to what your next career move should be or need help with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or interview preparation, Shelley is here to help you. Please set up an exploratory call to find out how she can help you reach your career goals.