How to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations (and What to Say)

Practical guidance for resumes, LinkedIn, and cover letters. Written for 2026 hiring realities.

How to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations (and What to Say) is less about fancy design and more about making your value instantly readable. In 2026, most employers see your resume through an ATS (applicant tracking system) first, so clarity and structure win.

Below is a practical, step-by-step approach you can use today. It focuses on simple formatting, strong keywords, and accomplishment-first bullet points so your resume passes scans and still reads well to a human.

Lead with a headline that explains the value you bring

Instead of a job title only, use a value headline: what you do, who you help, and a proof point. Example: “Mechanical Designer | DFM + Prototyping | Reduced scrap 12%.”

Then make your About section a short story: what you do, the problems you solve, your strongest skills, and what you are looking for next.

Turn experience into outcomes

For each role, add 3–6 bullets with action + impact. Treat LinkedIn like a portfolio, not a timeline. Attach work samples where possible: decks, screenshots, or published links.

Ask for recommendations the easy way

When requesting recommendations, send a specific prompt. Mention the project, what you contributed, and the skill you want highlighted. People respond faster when you make it simple.

Finally, keep your profile active. A quick weekly post, a few comments, and thoughtful DMs signal that you are engaged and can increase inbound opportunities.

Quick checklist before you apply

Keep formatting simple, align keywords with proof, and remove anything that an ATS cannot parse. Then do a 10-second skim test: can someone understand your target role and top strengths without effort?

If you want to speed this up, use the tools on the site to check keyword match and strengthen bullet points. Then review one of the related articles below to refine the part you are working on most.

Sources: This guide reflects common ATS and recruiting best practices (formatting clarity, keyword alignment, and proof-first bullet writing) adapted for 2026 hiring workflows.

Next step: Want to apply this fast? Try the free tools on ResumeBoosted Tools to scan keywords, tighten bullet points, and draft a strong cover letter opener.