catherine-harris-career-draft

The Power of LinkedIn Recommendations

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:03:03 GMT

If you’re not asking for recommendations on LinkedIn, you’re missing one of the simplest ways to boost your credibility and stand out to recruiters .

Why?

Because recommendations act as social proof . Recruiters read them like informal reference checks . They’re quick, personal, and powerful.

But here’s the catch: most people either don’t ask, or ask the wrong way.

How to Ask for Recommendations

Not asking at all. Many professionals wait until they’re job hunting. By then, it feels rushed or transactional.
Being too vague. “Could you write me a recommendation?” doesn’t give the other person any direction. Result? A generic, forgettable blurb…or worse, the person doesn’t know what to write so they awkwardly don’t do it.
Only asking in transition. Recommendations aren’t just for when you’ve left a job. They’re a career-long habit that strengthens your profile and builds authority.

✨ Pro Tip

Top 3 Mistakes People Make

Here are 3 scenarios where you should absolutely be asking for them - and how to phrase the ask.

1. When you’re in a current role (asking internally)

When to ask: After completing a major project, hitting a big milestone, or receiving great feedback.

Script:
Hi [Name], I’ve really valued collaborating with you on [Project/Initiative]. I’d love if you’d be open to writing me a short LinkedIn recommendation highlighting [specific strength/outcome, e.g. how I managed stakeholders, or how our team delivered ahead of schedule]. It would mean a lot to have your perspective captured on my profile.

2. When you’ve been made redundant (the most important time)

Why it matters: People want to help you in this moment, but they need to know how . A recommendation is a quick, tangible way.

Script:
Hi [Name], as you know, my role at [Company] has just been made redundant. While I’m navigating my next step, I’d be so grateful if you’d write me a LinkedIn recommendation. It could focus on [your key contributions, e.g. how I led the […] initiative, built strong client relationships, or drove cost savings]. It would help showcase my strengths to recruiters as I explore new opportunities.

3. When you’re quietly job searching (without your company knowing)

When to ask: Reach out to trusted colleagues, ex-managers, or clients who aren’t connected to your current company’s leadership.

Script:
Hi [Name], I’m working on keeping my LinkedIn profile current and would love if you could write me a short recommendation based on our work together on [specific project]. It doesn’t have to be long - just a few sentences about [your collaboration/impact]. I’m trying to strengthen my profile, and your perspective would be really valuable.

(Notice this doesn’t mention job searching outright, it frames it as profile maintenance, which is safe if you’re keeping things discreet).

Not asking at all. Many professionals wait until they’re job hunting. By then, it feels rushed or transactional.
Being too vague. “Could you write me a recommendation?” doesn’t give the other person any direction. Result? A generic, forgettable blurb…or worse, the person doesn’t know what to write so they awkwardly don’t do it.
Only asking in transition. Recommendations aren’t just for when you’ve left a job. They’re a career-long habit that strengthens your profile and builds authority.

When you ask, always make it specific and easy . Tell them what you’d like highlighted (skills, outcomes, impact). Most people want to help, they just don’t know what to write unless you guide them.

And remember:

Recommendations don’t need to be long. 3-5 sentences is plenty.
They build over time. Aim for at least 1 new recommendation per quarter.
They aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re career insurance .

�� Takeaway

Your LinkedIn recommendations are one of the strongest forms of social proofing you have. They elevate your credibility, strengthen your personal brand, and give recruiters the confidence you are a high performer.

So don’t wait. Pick 1 person today and ask.

The Imposter Within: Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 03:52:38 GMT

I remember walking to my car one day on my way to work. I was dressed in a suit, had my high heels on and

was carrying my handbag. Nothing really out of the ordinary, except on this particular day I felt different. I

remember distinctly feeling like I was wearing my mum’s clothes. Like I wasn’t really as experienced as people

thought and that I wasn’t really capable to perform my job.

What I didn’t know at the time, is that’s called “imposter syndrome”, something that up to 70% of knowledge

workers experience at some point of their career.

Technically speaking, Imposter Syndrome is a sense of self-doubt related to work accomplishments. You might

have feelings of being a fraud, despite evidence of your competence and success. People who experience

imposter syndrome may attribute their achievements to luck, timing, or other external factors, rather than

their own abilities, and often fear being exposed as an imposter.

This can lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and inadequacy, and fear of failing your team.

Symptoms of imposter syndrome

9 ways to overcome imposter syndrome

Symptoms of impostor syndrome include:

Crediting luck for your success.
Downplaying your own accomplishments.
Fear of being seen as a failure.
Holding yourself back from reaching attainable goals.
Not wanting to speak up in fear of seeming silly.
Feeling that overworking is the only way to meet expectations.

The most important thing to do is remember you’re not alone—and these feelings aren’t abnormal.

When you want to succeed, it’s common to feel like you aren’t doing a good enough job. Over time,

those feelings can turn into imposter syndrome..

If you’re experiencing imposter syndrome, there are actions you can take to reduce those feelings.

Recognize your strengths: Take time to identify your strengths and achievements. Focus on what you do well

and celebrate your successes.

Normalise how you are feeling: It’s really important to recognise that other people also suffer from imposter syndrome at various points of their career. Although it can sometimes feel like it, you are not alone.
Focus on the facts: Separate how you are feeling from the facts. Your feelings are likely based on fear whilst the facts are based on reality.
Be kind to yourself: Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Ask yourself “what would a friend say to me right now?”. If they are a true friend, chances are they would say “you are amazing so don’t be so hard on yourself”.
Practice self-affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your worth. Writing down what you are grateful for in a journal can be helpful.
Prepare ahead of time: If you're feeling out of your depth or nervous about a situation, meeting or conversation, prepare your thoughts prior. Being prepared can increase your confidence.
Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues, family or friends to help reinforce your strengths, capabilities and competencies.
Embrace your mistakes: Consider your mistakes as opportunities to grow and learn. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and it’s a natural part of learning.
Focus on learning: Reposition your focus from one of perfection to one of learning. Adopting a growth mindset is helpful too.
Celebrate your successes: No matter how big or small your successes are, find time to celebrate them. Writing your successes down in a journal can be a great way to cement them, recognise them and recall them for times you need to be reminded of them.

Remember, although imposter syndrome can be a challenging experience, it is a common one that many

people experience at some points in their career. The feelings of self-doubt, anxiety and decreased self-esteem

can feel isolating and debilitating. By using these tips and practicing self-compassion, you can overcome

imposter syndrome and regain your career confidence.