How To Write A LinkedIn Recommendation: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
LinkedIn recommendations are powerful tools. They act as digital testimonials, offering social proof and enhancing your professional profile. They can significantly boost your credibility and open doors to new opportunities. But how do you craft a recommendation that truly resonates and makes a positive impact? This guide will walk you through the process, from requesting recommendations to writing compelling ones that stand out.
Understanding the Importance of LinkedIn Recommendations
Before diving into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” LinkedIn recommendations are more than just nice words; they’re verifiable endorsements that potential employers, clients, and collaborators can easily access. They offer insights into your skills, work ethic, and overall character that a resume or cover letter alone can’t convey. They are also a fantastic way to build and nurture your professional network.
Requesting a LinkedIn Recommendation: The Right Way
Asking for a recommendation can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to be strategic and considerate.
Identifying the Right Person
Think about who you’ve worked with who can speak to your strengths. Consider:
- Supervisors: They can attest to your performance and contributions.
- Colleagues: They can offer insights into your teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Clients/Customers: They can highlight your ability to deliver results and provide excellent service.
- Mentors/Professors: If applicable, they can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
Crafting a Personalized Request
Avoid generic requests. Instead, personalize your message. Mention specific projects or experiences you shared with the person you’re asking. Here’s a template you can adapt:
“Hi [Name], I hope this message finds you well. I’m updating my LinkedIn profile and would be incredibly grateful if you’d consider writing me a recommendation. I particularly valued our collaboration on [Project Name/Specific Task]. I’d be especially grateful if you could highlight my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], as well as my contributions to [Specific Outcome]. Please let me know if you’re open to writing one, and if so, if there’s anything specific you’d like me to provide to help you.”
Timing is Key
Ask for a recommendation after a successful project, a positive performance review, or a significant achievement. This makes it easier for the person to recall specific examples to include in their recommendation.
Writing a Stellar LinkedIn Recommendation: The Art of Persuasion
Writing a great recommendation is a skill in itself. It’s about crafting a narrative that’s both informative and engaging.
Understanding the Recipient’s Needs
Before you start writing, consider who will be reading the recommendation. Tailor your language and focus to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to their goals.
Gathering Information
If you’re writing a recommendation for someone, ask them for a brief summary of their career goals, the skills they want to highlight, and some examples of their work. This will help you to write a tailored and impactful recommendation.
Structuring Your Recommendation: A Winning Formula
A well-structured recommendation follows a logical flow:
- Start with a strong introduction: Briefly state your relationship to the person and how long you’ve known them.
- Highlight key skills and accomplishments: Provide specific examples that demonstrate their skills and achievements. Quantify their accomplishments whenever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 15%”).
- Share a personal anecdote: A short story or observation can make the recommendation more memorable and authentic.
- Offer a strong conclusion: Reiterate your overall assessment and clearly state your recommendation.
Using Powerful Language
Avoid clichés and generic phrases. Use action verbs and descriptive language to bring your recommendation to life. Instead of saying “John is a hard worker,” try “John consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.”
Examples of Great Recommendation Starters
Here are some strong opening lines to get you started:
- “I had the pleasure of working with [Name] at [Company] for [Duration]. During that time…”
- “I highly recommend [Name]. I worked with them on [Project] and was consistently impressed by…”
- “I’ve had the privilege of mentoring [Name] for the past [Duration]. I’ve been consistently impressed by their…”
Optimizing Your Recommendations for Maximum Impact
While the core of a recommendation lies in its content, there are a few things you can do to make them even more effective.
Keywords Matter
Think about the keywords that recruiters and hiring managers might use when searching for candidates. Incorporate these relevant keywords naturally within your recommendation. This can help the recommendation appear higher in search results. Don’t force it; the focus should always be on authenticity.
Proofread Thoroughly
Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your credibility. Always proofread your recommendation carefully before submitting it.
The Power of Reciprocity
When you receive a recommendation, consider reciprocating by writing one for the person who wrote it for you. This strengthens your professional relationships and can lead to more recommendations in the future.
Troubleshooting Common Recommendation Challenges
Even with the best intentions, you might run into some roadblocks.
What if Someone Doesn’t Respond to Your Request?
Don’t take it personally. People are busy. Send a polite follow-up email a week or two later. If you still don’t hear back, it’s best to move on and ask someone else.
Dealing with a Negative Recommendation
LinkedIn allows you to delete recommendations you don’t want. If you receive a negative recommendation, consider whether it is accurate and fair. If not, you can contact LinkedIn to dispute it. But always try to resolve the issue with the recommender first.
Maintaining Professionalism
Always be professional in your requests and responses. Even if you’re not close to the person, maintain a polite and respectful tone.
Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Recommendations
Here are some additional insights to further solidify your understanding of LinkedIn recommendations.
What is the ideal length for a LinkedIn recommendation?
There’s no set length, but aim for a recommendation that is approximately 50-200 words. This allows you to provide enough detail without being overly verbose. The quality of the content is always more important than the quantity.
How many recommendations should I aim for?
There’s no magic number. However, having at least 3-5 recommendations on your profile is generally considered a good starting point. The more, the better, provided they are all high-quality and relevant.
Can I edit a recommendation I receive?
No, you cannot directly edit a recommendation someone has written for you. However, you can ask the recommender to revise it, if necessary.
How do I know if someone has viewed my recommendations?
LinkedIn does not provide a feature that lets you see who has viewed your recommendations.
Should I recommend someone even if I’m not their direct supervisor?
Absolutely! Recommendations can come from colleagues, clients, mentors, or anyone who can speak to your skills and experience. The key is to have a genuine and positive relationship with the person.
Conclusion: Unleashing the Power of LinkedIn Recommendations
Writing and receiving effective LinkedIn recommendations is a key element of building a strong professional profile. By understanding their importance, crafting personalized requests, writing compelling recommendations, and optimizing your approach, you can leverage this powerful tool to enhance your credibility, build your network, and unlock new opportunities. Remember to be specific, provide examples, and focus on the positive impact that the individual has made. Through the careful application of these strategies, you can make sure your LinkedIn profile is as effective as possible.