It’s never too late to join the CCO LinkedIn Boot Camp! You can view the summary here or go back to the LinkedIn Boot Camp page of the Purdue CCO blog to get started.
Join the CCO Boot Camp subgroup on LinkedIn to be an official participant for the chance to win CCO gear and other prizes.
Asking for a recommendation can be daunting, but it can also set your LinkedIn profile apart from other job candidates more than any other section. Having recommendations on your profile is a key way to communicate your qualifications beyond a resume to potential employers looking at your profile.
You can be recommended for jobs or education listed on your profile. We recommend having at least three recommendations. Ask your supervisor or coworkers to recommend you using the “Ask for recommendations” feature on LinkedIn. If you haven’t had work experience, ask a professor to recommend your education or a classmate to write a recommendation based on a group project. There is a generic message that can be sent when you ask for a recommendation, which says:
“I’m sending this to ask you for a brief recommendation of my work that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, let me know. Thanks in advance for helping me out. -Rachel Bayless”
Don’t use the generic message, and never ask more than one person for a recommendation in the same message. A better message might include a greeting, your title, and a summary of your skills or achievements at the job to make it easier for your recommender. For example:
“Dear Joe, I hope you’re doing well. I’m currently updating my LinkedIn profile as I apply for post-graduation jobs in the marketing field. Would you please recommend me for my position as Marketing & Media Intern for the CCO? I enjoyed working there and learned a lot about social media management, writing and editing, and teamwork. I’d appreciate a short recommendation when you have a few minutes to spare. Thank you, Rachel Bayless”
This week, ask at least three people – managers, supervisors, professors, or peers – for a recommendation. Personalize each message. Writing recommendations for others is also a nice gesture that will be appreciated.
Having trouble? Visit the CCO in YONG 132 during walk-in hours – Monday-Friday 10am-4pm – to have an ambassador, intern, or career counselor take a look at your profile.
*Editor’s Note: Since this blog’s publication, the CCO has moved to Young Hall 132*
Purdue CCO Blog 
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