Leaving a strong LinkedIn recommendation can make a significant impact on someone’s professional journey. A well-crafted recommendation can highlight a person’s skills, work ethic, and character, helping them stand out to potential employers or clients. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of writing an impactful LinkedIn recommendation and provide examples to inspire you.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter
LinkedIn recommendations serve as professional references that can boost a person’s credibility. They offer a third-party perspective on someone’s abilities and achievements, making them invaluable during job searches or business networking. A good recommendation can:
- Showcase specific skills and accomplishments.
- Highlight personal attributes and work ethic.
- Strengthen professional relationships.
- Enhance the profile’s visibility and attractiveness to recruiters.
In today’s competitive job market, a strong LinkedIn recommendation can be the differentiator that helps someone land their dream job or secure a valuable client. These recommendations are often viewed as endorsements from colleagues, managers, or mentors, providing a layer of validation that is difficult to achieve through a resume alone. Moreover, they contribute to a more dynamic and engaging LinkedIn profile, increasing the likelihood of being noticed by recruiters.
A well-written recommendation can also foster stronger professional relationships. When you take the time to acknowledge someone’s skills and contributions publicly, it can deepen the mutual respect and trust within your professional network. This can lead to more collaborative opportunities and a stronger support system in your industry.
How to Write a Strong LinkedIn Recommendation
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation involves more than just saying someone is great. Here are steps to help you craft a compelling recommendation:
1. Start with a Strong Opening
Begin with a sentence that captures the reader’s attention. Mention how you know the person and your professional relationship. This establishes context and credibility.
A strong opening sets the tone for the rest of the recommendation. For example, you might start with, “I have had the pleasure of working with Name for X years at Company.” This not only grabs attention but also immediately provides context about your relationship with the person. Establishing this context is crucial as it sets the stage for the specific examples and attributes you will discuss next.
Another effective approach is to highlight a standout moment or project you worked on together. This can pique the reader’s interest and make them want to read further. For instance, “During our collaboration on the Project Name, Name consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills.”
2. Highlight Key Skills and Accomplishments
Focus on specific skills and achievements that are relevant to the person’s career. Use concrete examples to illustrate these points. This makes the recommendation more credible and impactful.
When highlighting skills, it’s important to align them with the person’s career goals and industry standards. For example, if you are recommending a software developer, you might mention their expertise in specific programming languages, their ability to debug complex code, or their innovative approach to software solutions. Concrete examples, such as a successful project they led or a problem they solved, add weight to your claims.
Additionally, quantify achievements whenever possible. Instead of just saying, “They increased sales,” say, “They increased sales by 20% in the first quarter.” This not only makes your recommendation more credible but also more compelling to potential employers or clients who are looking for tangible results.
3. Mention Personal Attributes
Include personal qualities that make the person stand out. Attributes like reliability, creativity, and teamwork can complement their professional skills.
Personal attributes help paint a fuller picture of the individual, making them more relatable and human. For example, mentioning that someone is “reliable and always meets deadlines” or “a creative thinker who brings innovative solutions to the table” can complement their professional skills. These attributes often make a difference in team dynamics and overall work culture.
Moreover, discussing personal attributes can help potential employers or clients understand how the individual might fit into their team or company culture. For instance, “Their positive attitude and willingness to help others make them a joy to work with” can be just as important as their professional accomplishments.
4. Provide a Strong Closing
End with a strong closing statement that summarizes why you recommend this person. This leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
A strong closing reinforces the main points of your recommendation and leaves a lasting impression. For example, “I wholeheartedly recommend Name for any role that requires specific skills or qualities” is a powerful way to end. It not only summarizes your main points but also conveys your confidence in the person’s abilities.
Another effective closing might include a forward-looking statement, such as, “I am confident that Name will continue to excel and make significant contributions in their future endeavors.” This not only wraps up your recommendation neatly but also leaves the reader with a positive outlook on the person’s future.
5. Keep It Concise
While it’s important to be thorough, keep your recommendation concise and to the point. A recommendation that is too long may lose the reader’s interest.
Conciseness is key in maintaining the reader’s attention. Aim for a recommendation that is comprehensive yet succinct, ideally between 100 to 200 words. This ensures that you cover all the important points without overwhelming the reader. A concise recommendation is easier to read and more likely to be fully absorbed.
Moreover, a concise recommendation reflects your ability to communicate effectively and respect the reader’s time. Both are valuable traits in any professional setting.
Great LinkedIn Recommendation Examples
To help you get started, here are some of the best LinkedIn recommendation examples for different scenarios:
The Trusted Colleague: An Example for a Colleague
“I had the pleasure of working with Jane Doe for three years at XYZ Corporation. Jane consistently demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and a keen ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in every task she undertook. Jane’s collaborative nature and positive attitude made her a joy to work with. I highly recommend Jane for any role that requires a dedicated and talented professional.
Jane’s ability to seamlessly integrate into various project teams and consistently deliver high-quality work is truly commendable. Her proactive approach to problem-solving and her knack for innovation have significantly contributed to our project’s success. Jane’s exceptional communication skills and her ability to foster positive relationships with colleagues and clients alike make her an invaluable asset to any team.“
The Inspiring Leader: An Example for a Manager
“John Smith was my manager at ABC Inc. for two years, and his leadership skills are unparalleled. John has a unique ability to inspire and motivate his team to achieve outstanding results. His strategic thinking and clear communication helped us navigate complex projects with ease. John’s mentorship and support have been instrumental in my professional growth. I wholeheartedly recommend John to any organization seeking a visionary leader.
Under John’s leadership, our team consistently met and exceeded our targets, even in challenging market conditions. His ability to identify and leverage each team member’s strengths created a highly productive and cohesive work environment. John’s forward-thinking approach and his emphasis on continuous improvement have left a lasting impact on our team’s performance and my own career development.“
The Innovative Team Player: An Example for a Team Member
“Working with Emily Johnson on our marketing team at DEF Ltd. was an incredible experience. Emily’s creativity and innovation brought fresh ideas to our campaigns, resulting in a significant increase in engagement and conversions. She is a proactive team player who always goes the extra mile to ensure the success of the team. Emily’s positive energy and dedication make her an asset to any team. I highly recommend her for any marketing role.
Emily’s ability to adapt to rapidly changing market trends and her skill in utilizing data-driven strategies have been key to our marketing success. Her collaborative spirit and willingness to share her knowledge have fostered a culture of learning and growth within our team. Emily’s exceptional project management skills and her ability to deliver results under tight deadlines make her an invaluable team member.“
The Creative Freelancer: An Example for a Freelancer
“I hired Michael Brown as a freelance graphic designer for several projects over the past year. Michael consistently delivered high-quality work that exceeded our expectations. His eye for design and attention to detail are exceptional. Michael is reliable, meets deadlines, and communicates effectively throughout the project. I highly recommend Michael for any freelance design work.
Michael’s ability to understand and translate our vision into visually stunning designs has been instrumental in elevating our brand. His proactive approach and willingness to iterate based on feedback have made the collaboration process smooth and enjoyable. Michael’s professionalism and commitment to excellence make him a top choice for any freelance design project.“
The Guiding Mentor: An Example for a Mentor
“Sarah Wilson has been my mentor for the past two years, and her guidance has been invaluable. Sarah’s extensive knowledge in the industry and her willingness to share her expertise have greatly contributed to my professional development. She is patient, approachable, and always provides constructive feedback. I am incredibly grateful for Sarah’s mentorship and highly recommend her to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and supportive mentor.
Sarah’s ability to tailor her mentorship to my specific career goals and challenges has been incredibly beneficial. Her insights into industry trends and her network of professional contacts have opened up numerous opportunities for me. Sarah’s unwavering support and encouragement have been a source of inspiration, and her mentorship has played a crucial role in my career progression.”
Tips for Writing an Effective LinkedIn Recommendation
Be Genuine
Authenticity is key. Write from the heart and be sincere in your praise. A genuine recommendation is more impactful and believable.
A genuine recommendation resonates more with readers because it reflects your true feelings and observations about the person. Avoid using generic phrases that could apply to anyone; instead, focus on specific experiences and interactions that highlight the person’s unique qualities. This authenticity not only makes your recommendation more impactful but also more meaningful to the person receiving it.
Use Specific Examples
General praise can seem insincere. Use specific examples to highlight the person’s skills and achievements. This adds credibility to your recommendation.
Specific examples serve as concrete evidence of the person’s abilities and accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying, “They are great at project management,” you could say, “They successfully managed a project that involved coordinating with five different departments and delivered it two weeks ahead of schedule.” These specific instances make your recommendation more believable and compelling.
Tailor to the Audience
Consider who will be reading the recommendation. Tailor your language and focus to appeal to potential employers, clients, or colleagues.
Understanding your audience can help you craft a more effective recommendation. If the person is seeking a new job, focus on skills and attributes that are valuable to employers. If they are a freelancer looking for new clients, emphasize their reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines. Tailoring your recommendation ensures it speaks directly to the needs and expectations of the reader.
Proofread
Ensure your recommendation is free from typos and grammatical errors. A well-written recommendation reflects well on both you and the person you are recommending.
Proofreading is essential to maintain the professionalism of your recommendation. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from the message and make the recommendation appear careless. Take the time to review your recommendation carefully, or even ask someone else to proofread it for you. This extra step ensures that your recommendation is polished and professional.
Ask for Feedback
If you’re unsure about your recommendation, ask the person you’re recommending if there’s anything specific they’d like you to mention. This ensures you highlight the most relevant points.
Asking for feedback can provide valuable insights and ensure that your recommendation aligns with the person’s career goals and aspirations. They might have specific achievements or skills they want to be highlighted, which you might not have considered. This collaborative approach not only makes your recommendation more relevant but also strengthens your professional relationship.
News
LinkedIn Premium offers advanced tools for job seekers and businesses, including AI-powered features and InMail messaging. While the service typically costs $39.99 per month for individuals and $69.99 for businesses, users can access it for free through a 30-day trial, military and journalism programs, or promotional codes. Other ways to get LinkedIn Premium include working for LinkedIn or subscribing to Microsoft Visual Studio, which offers free access for several months.
Conclusion
A strong LinkedIn recommendation can significantly enhance someone’s professional profile. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the provided examples, you can write a compelling recommendation that highlights the person’s skills, achievements, and personal attributes.
Invest a few minutes in crafting a thoughtful recommendation—it can make a world of difference in someone’s career. A well-written recommendation not only benefits the person you’re endorsing but also reflects positively on you as a professional. It’s a powerful way to contribute to your network and build lasting professional relationships.
LinkedIn endorsements and recommendations can open doors to new opportunities, foster professional growth, and strengthen the bonds within your professional network. So, take the time to write recommendations that are sincere, specific, and impactful. Your effort can have a lasting positive impact on someone’s career trajectory.
