Have you ever received an email like this?
“I’m sending this to ask you for a brief recommendation of me that I can include in my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, let me know. Thanks in advance for helping me out”
Last week, I received this same email from two different people. The generic request came as somewhat of a shock given that I’ve never worked with either of the senders on any type of a project – directly or indirectly – and have minimal knowledge of their abilities and work ethic.
I didn’t reply to the request. I felt uncomfortable writing, posting and attaching my name to an endorsement of praise for someone I genuinely couldn’t “vouch” for. Like a compliment, shouldn’t an endorsement come without solicitation? I have posted several recommendations on LinkedIn because I had great experiences working with those particular people. They didn’t have to ask me.
Is the “can you endorse me” email becoming common practice? Do you feel roused by the idea of someone sending this type of aloof request?