Ever skimmed past the recommendation section on LinkedIn? It’s more powerful than you think. Think of it as the digital era’s letter of recommendation, a space where your skills and achievements get the spotlight. But crafting or receiving one that highlights a professional or colleague in the right light can be a challenge. That’s where this post comes in. I’ll teach you how to write a good LinkedIn recommendation and give you lots of LinkedIn recommendation examples to shortcut the process. Let’s dive in!
What are LinkedIn Recommendations?
Before we get started, let’s go over the basics: what ARE LinkedIn recommendations?
LinkedIn recommendations are personal testimonials written by LinkedIn users on another user’s profile to endorse your colleagues, business partners, clients, or professional peers.
LinkedIn Recommendation Examples
They provide context and background for the skills or accomplishments you’ve listed on your profile. Think of them as the modern-day letter of recommendation, digitally tailored for a network-driven world.
Unlike the skills and endorsements sections, recommendations require a more thoughtful, written assessment, offering insights into the quality of your work, soft skills, how you worked with team members, and your impact on previous roles or projects.
Related Post: How to Announce a New Job on LinkedIn
Why LinkedIn Recommendations are Important
LinkedIn recommendations act as public endorsements, boosting your professional credibility and reinforcing the strengths outlined in your profile.
I have mentioned this before and will say it again: your LinkedIn profile is more important than your resume!
Getting a few positive recommendations can really help round out your profile. For hiring managers and recruiters viewing your profile, having great LinkedIn recommendations could score you some bonus points (and potential interview invites!) when it comes to the job search process.
Tips for Writing a LinkedIn Recommendation
Crafting a meaningful LinkedIn recommendation can significantly impact a colleague’s professional standing. Here are a few general tips if you’re the one writing the recommendation:
Be Specific:
Avoid general praise (“This person is great!”). Highlight particular skills or projects where the individual excelled. Was there a time they really went above and beyond or showed exceptional abilities or talent? Mention it.
Keep it Concise:
A good recommendation is direct and to the point. Aim for a few well-articulated sentences that capture the essence of the individual’s strengths. This LinkedIn feature is not the same as writing a full length recommendation letter but closer to a testimonial.
Mention the Relationship Context:
Clearly state how you know the person. Were you their manager, a co-worker, or a client? This context adds credibility to your endorsement.
Highlight Soft Skills:
While it’s valuable to mention technical competencies, don’t forget personal attributes like problem-solving, leadership, or teamwork.
Personalize Your Message:
Give your recommendation a personal touch, and tailor it to genuinely reflect the individual’s unique strengths and your experience working with them.
Proofread:
A well-written recommendation should be free of typos and grammatical errors. This not only maintains your credibility but also reflects well on the person you’re endorsing.
LinkedIn Recommendation Examples
If you’re looking to get a better understanding of what makes for a compelling LinkedIn recommendation, examples can be super useful. Whether you’re writing one or hoping to receive one, these examples will show you specific elements you might want to include to convey credibility, expertise, and sincerity.
Let’s dig into the examples!
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Manager
“I had the pleasure of working with for four years at . are an excellent leader who knows how to set clear goals and support a team in achieving them. Always available for guidance but never micromanaging, excels in turning challenges into opportunities. Under their leadership, I felt supported and motivated to achieve my career goals. I highly recommend as a top-notch manager and would love the chance to work with them again.”
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Colleague
“I had the privilege of working alongside on several projects at . Not only is extremely skilled in , but also has a knack for clear communication and team collaboration. always brings a positive attitude to the table and has an uncanny ability to stay highly focused and organized. Any company would be lucky to have !”
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Mentor
“I had the incredible opportunity to be mentored by , and it’s been a transformative experience for me both personally and professionally. has an innate ability to guide with wisdom and grace, providing actionable advice that has consistently led to positive outcomes in my career. is not just a mentor but a driving force that pushes me to exceed my own expectations. I can’t recommend highly enough for anyone looking to take their career to the next level.”
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Client
“Working with has been an absolute pleasure. Not only are they clear and concise in their communication, but they also have a strong vision for what they want to achieve. This clarity made working together smooth and extremely productive. Their professionalism and commitment to growth were evident in every interaction, and I highly endorse working with in all their future endeavors.”
How Do You Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations?
Asking for a LinkedIn recommendation can feel a little daunting, but it’s a very helpful addition to round out your profile.
Here are some tips to help you request a recommendation without sweating it:
Choose Wisely
Opt for individuals who know your work well, will provide a positive reference, and can provide specific examples of your skills and contributions.
Reach Out Personally
While LinkedIn has a built-in feature to ask for recommendations, a personal message can make a big difference. It shows you’ve put thought into your request.
Be Specific
In your request, highlight what you’d like the recommendation to focus on. This could be a particular project you worked on together, or a specific skill set you’d like them to emphasize.
Offer a Reciprocal Recommendation
Make it a win-win situation for everyone! If you’ve worked closely with this person, offer to write them a recommendation in return.
Say Thank You
Once the recommendation is live, make sure to thank the person for taking the time to help you out. A little gratitude goes a long way in maintaining your professional relationships.
Timing is Key
One good time to ask for a recommendation is shortly after a successful project completion or performance review when your stellar work is fresh in people’s minds. Otherwise, this may be a task that you do after a layoff or the end of a contract.
Be Respectful
Understand that people are busy. If you don’t hear back immediately, it’s acceptable to send a gentle reminder, but also know when to try someone else instead.
Not sure what to say? Feel free to customize and use this template to ask for LinkedIn recommendations:
“Hi ________,
I hope this message finds you well. As I strengthen my LinkedIn profile, I was wondering if you would be open and willing to leave me a recommendation. I am seeking a position in , and I would like to highlight my strengths in .
No worries if this isn’t up your alley, but I just wanted to ask since we’ve worked together before. If I can be of any assistance or reciprocate on your end, please let me know. Hope to stay in touch!
Best,
Your Name”
In wrapping up, your LinkedIn profile is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have when it comes to job searching, and recommendations can be a strong part of that.
Whether you’re the one writing or receiving, these recommendations serve as social proof of your professional skills, character, and expertise. The best recommendations come from a place of authenticity and shared experience, so don’t hesitate to make yours as personalized and genuine as possible.
Take the time to invest in building out your LinkedIn profile, and it will serve you well in your career!
If you’re ready to find a better role for this season of your life, check out my FREE on-demand masterclass to get the freshest strategies on how to go from feeling stuck to landing more ALIGNED interviews & offers.
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