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As a recruiter you need "social proof" - people in your network who think that you're ace and are prepared to recommend that others work with you. You need candidates telling other candidates, and clients telling other clients:

that recruiter is really trustworthy
that recruiter was really helpful and made sure I was kept in the loop at every stage of the interview process
that recruiter sent me some great candidates - candidates that I could not have found myself

Gold dust!

Getting a recommendation! Easy peasy - getting the right ones that will elevate your LinkedIn profile to the top of searches, get your profile looked at by more of your ideal clients and candidates - that's what this blog is about.

Recruiter! Get Recommended!

You may think you have LinkedIn ‘nailed’ – lots of connections, the odd status update and countless job updates, and lots of time each day trawling for new candidates… sound familiar?

Well, it’s definitely a start but what would REALLY thrust you into the LinkedIn limelight in front of current and prospective connections (candidates and clients)?

Well how about a nice big, fat, juicy recommendation?!

LinkedIn Recommendations v Skills Endorsements

For those that don’t know, a recommendation is not one of those one-click-skills-endorsements. A LinkedIn Recommendation is found in your LinkedIn profile (below your current and previous roles) and is usually written by someone that has had a great experience of working with you – NOT a random work colleague! As nice as it sounds, the image of you sat on a colleague’s lap whilst stroking each other’s hair is all I see when you recommend each other…

A recommendation is social proof of you. It is proof that you are a good recruiter and that you deliver on everything that you promise.

Clients are commonly seen as the types of recommendations a recruiter should ask for but let’s not forget about the candidate – you did do a great thing for them too!

Think about the times you have booked a hotel. I bet you almost always go straight to Trip Advisor to see what other people’s experiences are of the hotel. Do you take their opinions into account? A LinkedIn recommendation will have the same affect.

Riddle Me This…

Two recruiters, Bill and Ben, pitch for a client’s business. They have the same experience and can demonstrate industry knowledge. Bill has several client and candidate recommendations. Ben has none. Who will win the business? The stats prove that Bill wins every time.

Recruiters Deserve Recommendations!

I speak with many recruiters who almost feel ashamed to ask for a recommendation! Seriously?!

Recruiters help clients solve a resourcing problem that helps them get their business (and possibly their social life) back on track.

Recruiters help candidates better their prospects, money and social situation. The placement part of placing a candidate with a client is the small part of the bigger picture so why shouldn’t you ask for a recommendation??

Grow a Pair and Ask, Recruiters!

You will find that most clients and candidates will say they will recommend you but then never find the time to actually do it. No problem – you write it!

I am of course not recommending that you blow your own trumpet – the client and candidate need to tell you / remind themselves of how awesome you really are! Ask them for their help (they’ll say yes!) and then ask them these 3 simple questions over the phone when they are in their happy place (normally when they have both accepted each other and have big smiley faces):

Why did you work with me?
How did I help you?
Would you be happy to work with me again?

Draft a very brief 2-3 line paragraph and email it back to the candidate/client via the ‘Ask to be Recommended’ button on their LinkedIn profile.

When they receive the LinkedIn message it will be clear that all they have to do is copy the text, hit ‘Recommend’ button, paste the text and hit ‘Send’. Simples!

Recommendations = MASSIVE Technology Explosion!

As soon as your contact adds the recommendation it is visible in their timeline, waking up the contact database of your contact (and these people are likely to be just like them…)

The recommendation also appears in your timeline (if you remember to accept it when you receive the LinkedIn message). Boom! Your contacts are woken up too! Your profile views will increase

You will have excuses to get back in touch with people, grab a phone call / coffee / job / CV
Your face will be forever on the person who has recommended you LinkedIn profile (and their face on yours!)

So recruiters. Don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation you deserve it! Promise yourself to ask for a recommendation from the candidate and client on your next placement – just do it! And then rinse and repeat.

My final tip? Timing is key – ask for it straight away!

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