LinkedIn recommendations are more than simply professional politeness; they’re an effective way to enhance credibility and stand out in a competitive employment market. Knowing how to write an impressive recommendation for a colleague, manager, or freelancer may help them advance their careers tremendously.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter
Building Professional Relationships
LinkedIn endorsements improve professional relationships by demonstrating mutual respect and trust. When you suggest someone, you are not just recognizing their abilities but also emphasizing your professional relationship, whether as a colleague, client, or mentor.
Enhancing Credibility
A well-crafted recommendation serves as third-party endorsement of someone’s skills. It is not simply the individual who claims to be good at their profession; it is their colleagues, bosses, or clients who speak well of them.
Increasing visibility on LinkedIn.
The more recommendations someone has, the more LinkedIn algorithms prioritize their profile in searches. A great profile with recommendations from others is likely to rank higher, which can lead to additional chances, such as job offers or networking contacts.
Impact on Career Growth
LinkedIn recommendations frequently play an important role in job progress. A strong recommendation from a renowned leader or peer may make the difference for a hiring manager or recruiter, making recommendations an essential component of long-term professional success.
Tips for Writing Effective LinkedIn Recommendations
Be specific
Rather than making a broad, general suggestion, concentrate on specific accomplishments or occasions when the individual actually shined. This paints a deeper, more meaningful picture of their ability.
Use a professional but personal tone.
Although LinkedIn is a professional network, recommendations should still be personal. To make your comments more interesting, strike a balance between professionalism and a welcoming tone.
Highlight Key Strengths.
Choose two or three notable characteristics or talents to highlight in your suggestion. Focusing on essential abilities, such as leadership, creativity, or cooperation, enhances the recommendation’s impact.
Mention the Impact
Illustrate the person’s contributions by showcasing how they positively impacted a project, team, or company. Did they streamline processes, lead a successful project, or bring in new clients? Mentioning this impact adds weight to your recommendation.
Keep it Concise
An ideal recommendation should be between 3 to 5 sentences. Keep it concise, impactful, and focused on the most important qualities. Short, meaningful recommendations are more likely to be read and appreciated.
Encourage Reciprocity
If appropriate, feel free to ask for a recommendation in return. It’s a common practice on LinkedIn, and mutual recommendations can help both parties enhance their profiles.
LinkedIn Recommendation Templates
Here are some templates to help you craft the perfect LinkedIn recommendation. You can adapt these for different roles and professional relationships.
General Template
“I had the pleasure of working with [Name] at [Company] for [X years]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated [key strength] and contributed significantly to [specific project/task]. [Name] is always [positive trait] and approaches every challenge with [another key trait]. I highly recommend [Name] for any role that requires [specific skills or qualities].”
Leadership/Managerial Role Template
“[Name] is an exceptional leader who consistently inspires and motivates the team to achieve their best. I worked under [Name] for [X years], during which time [he/she/they] led [specific project] to great success. [His/Her/Their] ability to communicate a clear vision and provide guidance is unparalleled, making [him/her/them] a true asset to any organization.”
Colleague or Peer Template
“Working with [Name] at [Company] has been an amazing experience. [He/She/They] always brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to collaborate. I’ve learned a great deal from [Name], particularly in [specific skill or task], and I would highly recommend [him/her/them] for any role where teamwork and expertise are valued.”
Client or Partner Template
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with [Name] on several projects, and [his/her/their] professionalism and dedication are second to none. [Name] consistently delivers high-quality work on time, and their insights have been invaluable to our business. If you’re looking for someone reliable and results-driven, [Name] is the person to go to.”
Direct Report Template
“As [Name]’s manager for [X years], I had the privilege of watching [him/her/them] grow and excel in their role. [Name] consistently delivered excellent results and went above and beyond to help the team succeed. [His/Her/Their] initiative and attention to detail were key to our success in [specific task/project]. I highly recommend [Name] for any leadership or expert role.”
Academic/Student Template
“[Name] was a student in my [course name] class, and [he/she/they] stood out for [his/her/their] curiosity and dedication. [Name] has a unique ability to absorb new concepts and apply them effectively. [He/She/They] consistently produced top-quality work and collaborated well with peers. I am confident that [Name] will thrive in any professional environment.”
Freelancer/Consultant Template
“I’ve worked with [Name] on multiple freelance projects, and [he/she/they] never fails to impress. [Name] delivers exceptional results with every project, always on time and within budget. [His/Her/Their] creativity and attention to detail make [him/her/them] a standout professional. I would highly recommend [Name] for any project requiring a top-tier freelancer.”
Career Change Template
“I had the pleasure of working with [Name] in [previous industry], and I’m confident [he/she/they] will bring the same dedication and success to [new industry]. [Name] is incredibly adaptable and quick to learn, making [him/her/them] a valuable asset in any role. I wholeheartedly recommend [Name] for anyone considering [him/her/them] for a position in [new field].”
LinkedIn Recommendation Examples
Leadership Roles
- “[Name]’s leadership on [specific project] was truly inspiring. [He/She/They] not only motivated the team but also led us to exceed all targets.”
- “[Name]’s strategic thinking and ability to manage complex situations make [him/her/them] a standout leader.”
Team Members and Colleagues
- “[Name] is a phenomenal team player who is always willing to lend a helping hand.”
- “[Name]’s ability to collaborate effectively made [our project] a success.”
Clients or Partners
- “I worked with [Name] on [specific project], and [he/she/they] delivered exceptional results every time.”
- “[Name] always brings innovative ideas and a professional attitude to our partnerships.”
Freelancers or Consultants
- “[Name]’s freelance work exceeded our expectations. [He/She/They] was efficient and incredibly creative.”
- “I highly recommend [Name] for any freelance project—[he/she/they] consistently delivers great results.”
Mentorship/Direct Reports
- “Under [Name]’s mentorship, I grew professionally and personally. [His/Her/Their] guidance was invaluable.”
- “[Name] fostered an environment of learning and growth that made a real difference in my career.”
Academic/Student Roles
- “[Name] excelled in my course, showing not only academic excellence but also a passion for [subject].”
Miscellaneous Examples
- “[Name] is one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in LinkedIn Recommendations
Being Too Vague
Avoid recommendations that only say, “They were great to work with.” Always include details about what made the person great, such as specific projects or achievements.
Writing Too Much or Too Little
A good recommendation is between 3-5 sentences. Anything shorter may seem superficial, while long recommendations can lose focus.
Overusing Buzzwords
Words like “hardworking” and “dedicated” are common, but without context, they mean little. Be specific about how the person demonstrated these traits.
Focusing Only on Soft Skills
While soft skills are important, make sure to highlight concrete skills or results as well. Mention technical abilities, strategic thinking, or project outcomes.
Neglecting Personalization
A generic recommendation feels impersonal. Tailor your recommendation by referencing the individual’s unique strengths and contributions.
How to Request a LinkedIn Recommendation
Crafting the Perfect Request Message
When requesting a referral, be polite and offer context. Like the following: “I’d appreciate it if you could write a recommendation based on our work together on [specific project].”
Timing the request
Make your request when the recommender is most likely to be available and eager to reflect on your cooperation or project—shortly after completing it is optimal.
Provide guidance to the recommender by highlighting specific talents or achievements.
Following up and expressing gratitude.
Thank the person who gave you the suggestion. You may even offer to repay the favor by writing one for them! Read more about the LinkedIn message template.
Conclusion
LinkedIn recommendations can be a game-changer for professional growth, offering a way to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.
