When they view your LinkedIn Profile, they will see an online version of your resume, complete with references, if you have recommendations in your profile.
Here's advice on how to get LinkedIn recommendations, who to ask for references, and how to manage the recommendations you've received.
LinkedIn Recommendations - References in Advance
Take the time to request recommendations from your LinkedIn connections. Recommendations from people you have worked with carry a lot of weight. To a potential employer, a LinkedIn recommendation is a reference in advance and can help you secure an interview.
How to Request a LinkedIn Recommendation
The best way to get recommendations on LinkedIn is to give them. When you recommend a LinkedIn member you are attesting to their qualifications and people love being recommended. They will probably reciprocate if you take the time to recommend them.
Or, you can ask for a recommendation. It's easy to request a recommendation via LinkedIn's messaging system. When you request a recommendation, ask the person to recommend you if they can and if they have the time. This way they have an out if they aren't interested in giving you a reference, are precluded by company policy from giving references, or don't feel they know you well enough to recommend your work.
Click on:
- Profile
- Recommendations
- Request Recommendations
How to Manage LinkedIn Recommendations
You'll be able manage recommendations you’ve received and ask colleagues, clients, managers, and employees, and others who can recommend your work for a reference.
When you receive a recommendation, you'll get notified via email, you'll be able to view the recommendation and request a revision, if necessary. If for some reason you don't want the recommendation on your profile, you don't have to publish it.
How to Not to Get a Reference On LinkedIn
One important note - don't ask people you don't know for recommendations. I received an email message recently that said "I wouldn't mind a few words of recommendation if any of you know me." That's not how to ask for a recommendation, even if you know someone. I didn't know the person, so there was no way I could recommend them. But even if I did know him, I wouldn't spend my time composing a recommendation for someone who didn't have the courtesy to ask me personally to recommend them.
How to Use LinkedIn
