Heather over at One Louder posted yesterday about Facebook and the silliness that takes place - a beer here a beer there, friend invites from people who have nothing in their profile, dating stalkers, who's hot who's not, etc. I posted about this a few months ago too.

She has inspired me to post about LinkedIn recommendation requests. What is the protocol here?

I asked my former boss to write a recommendation for me - he was also on my reference list when I applied for and was offered this position. That seems like a reasonable request, don't you think? I will one day ask my current boss for a recommendation - I'm still new with the company - maybe at 6 months I'll ask. There are several co-workers that I have started to draft a recommendation for not because they have asked but because I have been impressed with them. I think this is a reasonable approach to the LinkedIn recommendations - don't you?

So here is my question. Is LinkedIn just for professional references or can it also be for personal references?

For example, last month I received a recommendation request from a friend. I've never worked with this person and although I consider her a friend, we don't reach out to each other and really only see each other on occasion. So what do I say in my recommendation?

"Sally" is a lovely person, who is always well dressed, well spoken, organized, and eager to volunteer. Her children are very well behaved and very polite which is a direct reflection of their mother. The articles she has written for our local community magazine are always very entertaining and informative. Although I have never worked with Sally, I would welcome the opportunity.

It just doesn't seem right, does it? Or does it? Again, I have to ask the question is LinkedIn just for professional references or can it also be for personal references?

And for those who ask people they really do not know, have never even met, and probably will never meet for a recommendation... I would love to ask them if they are joking! Now, I know THAT is just not right.

Courtesy of Sodexo Careers Blog Making every day a better day.