How to Create And Respond To Recommendations On LinkedIn

Recommendations can help you find a new job or help you hire employees. They can also be useful in finding prospective clients for your business. Above all, recommendations expand your LinkedIn network and can help strengthen your business. You can also use your network to create and respond to recommendations to help colleagues or former employees.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• LinkedIn account

Create Recommendations

1. Visit the LinkedIn Web site to start (see Resources below).

2. Sign up for an account if you do not already have one by clicking on the "Join Now" button.

3. Log on to your account if you are already a member by clicking on the "Sign In" button.

4. Find the site map and locate the "My Profile" category. Here you will find the link for "Recommendations." Simply click on it.

5. Enter the first and last name of the person for whom you plan to create a recommendation. Include his or her email address, too.

6. Select the category under which this person is linked to you: Colleague, Service Provider or "Business Partner."

7. Click on the "Continue" button.

Make Your Recommendation Come to Fruition

8. Make a selection that best describes the relationship between you and the person you are recommending.

9. Choose 1 provided from the drop-down menu.

10. Fill in the "Title" and "Company" of the person being recommended.

11. Write your recommendation in the space provided for you.

12. Review your recommendation by clicking on the "View/Edit" link.

13. Complete your recommendation by pressing the "Send" button.

Respond to Recommendations

14. Locate the "Inbox" by accessing your site map.

15. Find the "Inmail and Invitations" link and click on it.

16. Locate the "Recommendations" section and check for pending recommendations that require a response.

17. Click on the "Received" link to check any pending "Recommendations."

18. Decide whether to "Accept" or "Decline" a recommendation. It is highly recommended that you accept recommendations, but you should respond to them either way.

Tips & Warnings

• LinkedIn members who use recommendations are more likely to receive inquiries through searches on LinkedIn. Be proactive and ask your connections to recommend you.
• The best recommendations to pursue those from co-workers, clients and managers from previous jobs.
• Always keep your security settings up to date. Keep your privacy in check and visit the 'Account and Settings' link found within the site map.