You have to deposit in order to withdraw. 

LinkedIn.com

Have you left any recommendations for former bosses or coworkers on LinkedIn.com?  No?  Well go do that now.  I’m telling y’all to do it when I know I haven’t done it nearly enough.  *Goes to check* Oh sh’t!  I’ve only done one on LinkedIn. I need to practice what I preach.

Anyway, there are tons of examples out there.  Basically, letters should be focused on the person and not you or what great things they’ve done for you.  Resist the urge and focus on what they could offer potential business contacts.  Even if you haven’t had a long career, you should still write recommendations for bosses and coworkers.  Why?  One day you may need them to provide a written recommendation or a reference for a specific opportunity.  This unsolicited LinkedIn recommendation serves as your deposit.  People are much more likely to do the same for you when called upon because, subconsciously, they feel like it’s owed.

A good recommendation must include the following:

• Capacity in which  you know the person. Was she a boss, coworker, subordinate, client, etc.
• The skills and accomplishments that make the worth a second look from a potential employer.  If this person a skilled salesperson who can sell water to a whale and exceed sales goals?
• Any personal characteristics (that aren’t listed in their profile), that help show they have the soft skills to be an asset.  These could be things like a boss who thoughtfully assigns projects so that each member of the team is constantly learning.
• Summary of the previous points to show, in brief, why you’re recommending this person.

Changing Positions

I’ve worked my share of jobs and have been downsized (NOT FIRED), from two.  By the second time, I’d learned to ALWAYS ask for a letter of recommendation on the way out.  This worked because I’d been a great employee.  In cases where I quit on my own, I still asked for letters from bosses and coworkers alike.  Not only that, I have been known to leave jobs and send Thank You emails/cards/notes to coworkers.  I included or attached unsolicited recommendations.

Keep In Touch

Of the jobs I have gotten in the last few years, many have come through my having left a good impression on projects and having kept in touch with bosses and coworkers.  Don’t leave a job without sharing and collecting contact information.  Connect with them on social media (LinkedIn.com, Twitter–not Black Twitter, etc.)  Occasionally, log into those sites and share their posts, retweet information, etc.