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Trust and credibility are crucial when it comes to remote work. Hiring managers want to know they’re hiring someone who can work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively without supervision.
How do you prove that when you’re just a profile on a screen? LinkedIn recommendations can bridge that gap. They provide real testimonials from people you’ve worked with, offering a layer of validation that’s hard to ignore. For remote job seekers, recommendations can be the difference between getting overlooked and getting that first interview.
This guide will show you how to turn LinkedIn recommendations into a powerful tool for landing remote jobs.
Whether you’re just starting in remote work or you’ve been doing it for years, you’ll learn how to make recommendations work for you.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter for Remote Job Seekers
Remote work relies heavily on trust, and trust is hard to establish when you’ve never met someone in person.
LinkedIn recommendations help fill that gap by showing potential employers what others think of your work. They’re more than just compliments; they’re specific, public endorsements highlighting your skills, work ethic, and collaboration ability.
When recruiters or hiring managers browse profiles, they look for signs of reliability. A well-written recommendation from a former manager or colleague can provide exactly that.
For example, if someone describes how you consistently delivered results, it signals to potential employers that you’re a safe bet. The more personalized and detailed the recommendations are, the more powerful they become.
For remote roles, recommendations focusing on your ability to communicate, manage time, and stay self-motivated carry extra weight. They don’t just say you’re good at your job—they prove you can thrive in a remote environment.
How to Get the Right Kind of Recommendations
Not all recommendations are created equal. Generic statements like “John is great to work with” or “Sarah is a hard worker” won’t do much to set you apart. You need recommendations that tell a story about your strengths, especially regarding remote work.
Start by identifying the right people to ask.
Reach out to former managers, colleagues, or clients who have seen you excel in relevant situations. If you’ve worked remotely before, prioritize people who can speak to your ability to collaborate across time zones, handle deadlines without direct oversight, or use tools like Slack and Google Meet effectively.
When you ask for a recommendation, make it personal. Instead of sending a generic request, explain why you’re asking and what you’d like your ex-colleague to focus on. For instance, you might say:
“I’m currently applying for remote roles and thought of the time we worked together on [specific project]. If you’re comfortable, could you highlight how I managed [specific task] or how we communicated remotely?”
The more specific your request, the better the recommendation will be. Don’t hesitate to remind them of particular achievements or moments that stood out while working together. This strategy helps them craft a thoughtful response that genuinely reflects your skills.
How to Use Recommendations Strategically on LinkedIn
Once you’ve collected a few strong recommendations, it’s time to let them shine. Position your recommendations near the top of your profile so they’re easy for recruiters to spot. You can edit your profile settings to prioritize sections like recommendations over less relevant areas.
Don’t stop there. Highlight key quotes from your recommendations in other parts of your profile. For instance, if someone praised your ability to lead a remote team, you can weave that into your LinkedIn summary or even your headline.
This strategy creates a consistent narrative across your profile, reinforcing that you’re an ideal candidate for remote roles.
When applying for specific jobs, you can share links to your LinkedIn profile directly with hiring managers. Mention your recommendations in your cover letter or email to encourage them to take a closer look.
Recommendations are most effective when they’re actively part of your job search strategy, not just sitting passively on your profile.
Building a Strong Foundation of Trust
The role of LinkedIn recommendations in landing remote jobs goes beyond mere endorsements. They build a foundation of trust, proving you’re more than just another name in the applicant pool.
Each recommendation tells a recruiter that someone else believes in your abilities, and that belief is often the deciding factor for remote roles.
The more intentional you are about collecting and showcasing these recommendations, the more they’ll work in your favor.
A strong recommendation doesn’t just speak to your skills—it shows you’re dependable, adaptable, and ready to succeed.
How to Follow Up on LinkedIn Recommendations
Following up effectively with someone who hasn’t responded to your LinkedIn recommendation request requires professionalism, respect for their time, and a clear purpose. Here’s how you can do it tactfully:
1. Wait an Appropriate Amount of Time
Give the person some time to respond before following up. A week to 10 days is generally a reasonable waiting period. They might be busy or simply haven’t seen your request yet.
2. Use a Polite and Professional Tone
When following up, maintain a friendly, respectful tone. Avoid making the ex-colleague feel guilty for not responding. This message is light and understanding while gently reminding them of your request. For example:
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on the recommendation request I sent recently. I completely understand if you’ve been busy, but I’d truly value your feedback and kind words if you have the time.”
3. Provide Context (Again)
If it’s been a while since you sent the original request, briefly remind them why you requested the recommendation. This message shows that your request is thoughtful and relevant to your professional goals. For example:
“As I mentioned in my initial request, I want to highlight my skills and accomplishments in [specific area or role]. Your recommendation would mean a lot, especially because of the great work we’ve done together on [specific project or experience].”
4. Acknowledge Their Time Constraints
Recognize that they might have other commitments. This message makes it easier for them to decline if they can’t write a recommendation politely.
5. Know When to Move On
If you still don’t get a response after a second follow-up, it’s best to leave it. Some people might feel uncomfortable writing a recommendation or simply be too busy. Thank them anyway for their time.
The Role of LinkedIn Recommendations in Landing Remote Jobs
Take a moment to look at your LinkedIn recommendations today.
What story do they tell about you? If someone only had those testimonials to judge your career, would they feel confident hiring you for a remote role?
If the answer is no—or if you don’t have any recommendations yet—consider how to start building that story.
After all, in remote work, trust isn’t optional; it’s essential. How will you show potential employers that you’re the person they can trust?
