How To Write A Recommendation On LinkedIn: The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Network

LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, is more than just a digital resume; it’s a place where you can build relationships, showcase your expertise, and validate your professional journey. One of the most powerful tools for doing this is the LinkedIn recommendation. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about crafting compelling recommendations, whether you’re requesting one or writing one for someone else. Let’s dive in!

1. Understanding the Power of LinkedIn Recommendations

Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” LinkedIn recommendations act as social proof, vouching for a person’s skills, character, and contributions. They are essentially testimonials that validate the claims made on a profile. A well-written recommendation can significantly impact a profile visitor’s perception, leading to increased opportunities for connection, collaboration, and career advancement. Think of it as a digital word-of-mouth referral.

2. Identifying Who to Recommend (and Who to Ask)

Not everyone warrants a recommendation. Consider only those individuals with whom you’ve had a substantial professional interaction. This could be a colleague, a former supervisor, a client, or even a mentor. The key is to have had enough experience with their work to provide genuine and specific insights.

When asking for a recommendation, think about who can best speak to your strengths. Consider the following:

• Who knows your work ethic?
• Who has witnessed your successes firsthand?
• Who can highlight specific skills or projects?

3. Crafting the Perfect Recommendation: A Step-by-Step Approach

Writing a great recommendation requires more than just a few generic compliments. It demands thoughtful consideration and a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

3.1. Start with Context: The Relationship and Timeframe

Begin by clearly stating your relationship with the person. Be specific. Instead of saying “I worked with John,” say, “I worked with John as his direct supervisor at Acme Corp from 2018-2020.” This immediately provides context and credibility.

3.2. Highlight Key Skills and Accomplishments

This is where you get to the good stuff. Mention specific skills and accomplishments that you observed firsthand. Don’t just say “John is a great communicator.” Instead, say, “John consistently delivered compelling presentations that effectively communicated complex technical information to non-technical audiences, resulting in a 20% increase in project understanding within the team.”

3.3. Provide Concrete Examples

Back up your claims with concrete examples. This is the most crucial element. Examples make your recommendation believable and memorable. If possible, quantify the impact of their contributions. Did they save the company money? Increase efficiency? Improve team morale? The more specific the better.

3.4. Focus on the Individual’s Character

While skills are important, don’t forget to highlight the individual’s character. Are they a team player? Are they reliable? Do they go the extra mile? This adds a human element to the recommendation and paints a more complete picture.

3.5. End with a Strong Conclusion

Conclude with a concise and impactful summary. Reiterate your overall impression of the person and offer a strong endorsement. For example, “I wholeheartedly recommend John for any role that requires [specific skill] and [another skill]. He is a valuable asset, and I have no hesitation in recommending him.”

4. Requesting a Recommendation: The Art of Asking

Asking for a recommendation should be approached with courtesy and strategy. Here’s how to do it effectively:

4.1. Identify the Right Person

As mentioned earlier, choose someone who knows your work well and can speak to your strengths. Consider their seniority and their role within your professional network.

4.2. Personalize Your Request

Don’t just send a generic request. Personalize your request by referencing a specific project or interaction you had with the person. Remind them of the context of your working relationship.

4.3. Make It Easy for Them

Provide them with a draft, or at least a list of bullet points highlighting your key skills and accomplishments. This makes it easier for them to write a recommendation and ensures they have the information they need.

4.4. Set a Realistic Timeline

Give the person ample time to respond. Don’t expect a recommendation overnight. Allow at least a week or two, and follow up politely if you haven’t heard back.

4.5. Express Your Gratitude

Always thank the person for their time and effort. A sincere thank you goes a long way in fostering positive professional relationships.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Recommendations

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your recommendations are effective:

• Being too generic: Generic recommendations are meaningless. Focus on specific examples.
• Using overly flattering language: While enthusiasm is good, avoid hyperbole.
• Focusing solely on the person’s personality: While character matters, skills and accomplishments are more important.
• Failing to proofread: Typos and grammatical errors undermine your credibility.
• Writing a recommendation for someone you don’t know well: Authenticity is key.

6. Formatting and Style: Making Your Recommendation Shine

Your recommendation should be easy to read and visually appealing. Consider the following:

• Use short paragraphs and clear sentences.
• Emphasize key points with bold text.
• Keep it concise and to the point.
• Use a professional tone.
• Proofread carefully for errors.

7. Leveraging Recommendations to Boost Your Profile

Recommendations are more than just words on a page; they’re a powerful tool for profile optimization.

• Prioritize your recommendations: Request recommendations from people who can highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to your career goals.
• Respond to recommendations: If someone recommends you, thank them publicly.
• Review and refresh your recommendations regularly: Ensure your recommendations are current and reflect your evolving career path.

8. How Recommendations Impact Your LinkedIn Algorithm

Recommendations, like endorsements, play a role in the LinkedIn algorithm. They contribute to your profile’s overall score, which influences visibility and search ranking. The more high-quality recommendations you have, the better your profile will perform.

9. The Power of Reciprocity: Recommending Others

Don’t just receive recommendations; give them. Recommending others strengthens your network and demonstrates your willingness to support your colleagues. It also encourages reciprocity, increasing the likelihood that you’ll receive recommendations in return.

10. Examples of Excellent LinkedIn Recommendations

Let’s look at a few examples of effective recommendations:

• Example 1 (For a Project Manager): “I had the pleasure of working with Sarah on the X project. Sarah consistently demonstrated exceptional project management skills, keeping our team on track and within budget. Her ability to anticipate potential roadblocks and proactively address them was invaluable. She is highly organized, a strong communicator, and a true asset to any team. I highly recommend her.”
• Example 2 (For a Software Engineer): “I worked with David on multiple software development projects. David is a highly skilled software engineer with a deep understanding of [specific technologies]. He consistently delivers high-quality code, is a proactive problem-solver, and a great team player. He is a pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend him.”

Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Recommendations

What if I don’t know the person well enough to write a detailed recommendation?

If you don’t have enough experience to write a detailed recommendation, it’s best to politely decline. A generic recommendation is worse than no recommendation at all. It is better to wait until you have a good experience.

How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be?

Aim for a recommendation that is between 50 and 200 words. The length should be sufficient to provide valuable context and examples.

Can I edit a recommendation I receive?

No, you cannot directly edit the content of a recommendation you receive. However, you can hide or delete it if necessary.

What if someone writes a negative recommendation?

You have the option to hide or delete a negative recommendation. However, it’s generally better to address the issue directly with the person who wrote the recommendation, if possible.

How do I request a recommendation on LinkedIn?

Go to the person’s profile, click on “More,” and select “Request a Recommendation.” LinkedIn will then guide you through the process, allowing you to specify your relationship and the specific role or skills you want the recommendation to focus on.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of LinkedIn Recommendations

LinkedIn recommendations are a powerful tool for showcasing your skills, building your professional brand, and fostering meaningful connections. By understanding their value, crafting compelling recommendations, and approaching the process with thoughtfulness and strategy, you can significantly enhance your LinkedIn profile and unlock new opportunities for career growth and professional success. Whether you’re requesting or writing a recommendation, remember to be specific, provide concrete examples, and focus on the individual’s impact. By following these guidelines, you can transform your LinkedIn profile into a compelling testament to your professional journey and help others do the same.