3 Persuasive Ways To Use LinkedIn Recommendations

by Ryan Niessen

Everyone knows you should get recommendations on LinkedIn, but few are aware of the most persuasive ways to use them to get your dream job. After all, that’s what it really comes down to… getting a job that excites you, with a company that you feel proud to be a part of.

And if you look at LinkedIn recommendations from a slightly different perspective, you’ll see that they might just help you out even more than you thought possible… when used correctly.

So, just for a second…

Let’s Look At Them From The Perspective Of A Marketer

See, what you’re really doing when seeking your dream job is marketing yourself to an employer. They’re in the marketplace looking for the best candidate, and you’re in the marketplace looking for the best position. Now, LinkedIn recommendations are essentially testimonials to your character and ability.

And to marketers, testimonials are GOLD… especially focused ones that highlight the areas most important to your prospect (your future employer, in this case). A marketer will tell you that you can make any claim you want, but it’s not believable or effective unless you have solid proof.

And testimonials are the proof you need. They’re a testament from a credible source saying that you’re able to do what you claim you can.

3 Types Of Testimonials You Need

Here are the three kinds of testimonials you need:

1. Expert testimonial – This can be from a mentor, boss, or teacher. Try to get one from a leader in your field if possible, since they’ll be easily recognizable as an authority to your future employer.

2. Character testimonial - Read more about #2, #3, and the full Careerealism article