Asking for a LinkedIn Recommendation

I think it can be a bit awkward to ask someone on the spot for a referral in the future without knowing the specifics. There might also be other factors they might not know about referrals in the future job. It also depends on how close you are.

My suggestion is to keep a close relationship with them. If they switch roles or make any updates on LinkedIn, be sure to reach out and congratulate them. Then when you need a referral, just ask on LinkedIn and send the JD and the link and ask if theyre open. Tell me them its totally fine if they dont want to refer you! It eases the burden on them.

I don't have any objection to getting a recommendation on LinkedIn, but I just want to warn you that a mediocre review from a colleague won't really help you (and may even hurt).

Something generic/informal like "John works pretty hard" doesn't make you a more attractive candidate. So if you ask for a recommendation, I'd seed the ask with some things they can talk about. (This is similar to our advice when you ask for peer/manager reviews.)

EDIT: The question initially asked about referrals and not recommendations, so here's my new advice: I think it's totally fine to ask for LinkedIn recommendations at any time really for a coworker you got along with. If they're currently leaving for a better job, I imagine they have a lot of positive energy, so that seems like a good time to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation to me.

I'm confused - When you say LinkedIn referral, do you mean one of those testimonial/recommendation thingies?

At first I thought it was a referral into a new job, but then you mentioned that if you were leaving your current company (presumably for a better job), you would ask your current coworkers for a referral. But I don't get why you would need a referral if you have a new job lined up?

Maybe I can't read, haha. 🤔

Apologies @Tarodactly and @Alex, I meant LinkedIn Recommendation, not Referral. I've updated the question