How To Write a LinkedIn Recommendation: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Powerful Endorsements

LinkedIn recommendations are more than just digital pats on the back; they’re powerful endorsements that can significantly boost someone’s professional profile and credibility. They offer a unique perspective on an individual’s skills, work ethic, and overall value. Understanding how to write a compelling LinkedIn recommendation is a crucial skill, whether you’re requesting one or offering your own. This guide provides a comprehensive approach, equipping you with the knowledge to craft recommendations that truly resonate.

The Importance of a Great LinkedIn Recommendation

Why should you care about writing a LinkedIn recommendation? The answer is multifaceted. A well-written recommendation can:

• Enhance Credibility: They serve as third-party validation, bolstering the recipient’s claims of expertise and experience.
• Increase Visibility: Recommendations contribute to a more complete and engaging profile, which can improve search rankings within LinkedIn and potentially in external search engines.
• Strengthen Professional Networks: Writing recommendations is a valuable networking activity, reinforcing relationships and fostering goodwill.
• Provide Valuable Context: They offer insights into an individual’s performance that a resume or profile alone cannot convey.

Identifying the Right Person and Time to Recommend

Before you even consider how to write a recommendation, you need to consider who and when.

Choosing the Right Individuals to Recommend

Think about individuals you’ve worked with closely, either as a colleague, manager, or client, and whose work you genuinely admire. The best candidates possess:

• Demonstrable Skills: Focus on individuals who have excelled in specific areas, showcasing their expertise.
• Positive Work Ethic: Look for those who demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and a willingness to go the extra mile.
• Significant Impact: Consider people who have made a tangible contribution to a project, team, or organization.

Timing is Everything: When to Offer Your Endorsement

Timing is also crucial. Consider these scenarios:

• After a Successful Project: This is an ideal time to highlight specific achievements and contributions.
• Following a Promotion or New Role: Celebrate their growth by acknowledging their skills and potential.
• Upon Leaving a Company: Provide a positive send-off and a lasting professional endorsement.
• When Asked: If someone requests a recommendation, respond promptly and positively.

Preparing to Write: Gathering Information and Planning Your Approach

Don’t rush into writing a recommendation. Proper preparation is the key to crafting something impactful.

Reviewing the Recipient’s Profile

Before you begin, carefully review the recipient’s LinkedIn profile. This allows you to:

• Understand Their Current Role: This provides context for your recommendation.
• Identify Key Skills and Achievements: This helps you tailor your recommendation to their strengths.
• Ensure Accuracy: Cross-reference their profile details to avoid any inconsistencies.

Brainstorming Key Points and Achievements

Jot down specific examples of the individual’s contributions. Think about:

• Specific Projects: Detail the projects you worked on together and their outcomes.
• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, include numbers or metrics to demonstrate their impact (e.g., “increased sales by 15%”).
• Personality Traits: Highlight their positive qualities, such as leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills.

Crafting Your LinkedIn Recommendation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get into the actual writing process.

The Introduction: Setting the Stage

Start with a clear and concise introduction. Identify your relationship to the individual and the context of your experience. For example:

“I had the pleasure of working with Sarah at Acme Corp. for three years, where I was her direct manager.”

Highlighting Key Skills and Contributions

This is the core of your recommendation. Focus on specific examples and quantifiable results. Use action verbs and strong language. For example:

“During her time as a project manager, Sarah consistently exceeded expectations. She successfully led the implementation of a new CRM system, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction. Her attention to detail and ability to motivate her team were instrumental in the project’s success.”

Showcasing Personality and Work Ethic

Go beyond skills and highlight the individual’s personality. This adds a personal touch and makes the recommendation more memorable. For example:

“Beyond her technical skills, John is an exceptional communicator and a true team player. He consistently fostered a positive and collaborative environment, making him a pleasure to work with.”

Providing a Strong Conclusion

End with a positive and definitive statement. Reiterate your overall recommendation and express your confidence in their abilities. For example:

“I wholeheartedly recommend Maria for any role that requires strategic thinking and leadership. She is a highly valuable asset, and I am confident she will continue to achieve great things.”

Formatting and Editing Your Recommendation

Once you’ve written the content, focus on presentation.

Keeping it Concise and Readable

Aim for a recommendation that is concise and easy to read. Break up long paragraphs and use bullet points where appropriate. A recommendation should be approximately 150-300 words.

Proofreading for Grammar and Spelling

Proofread carefully for any grammatical errors or typos. A polished recommendation reflects well on both you and the recipient.

Using Keywords Strategically

While the primary focus should be on genuine feedback, consider incorporating relevant keywords related to the individual’s skills and industry. This can help improve search visibility. However, avoid keyword stuffing.

Submitting Your Recommendation on LinkedIn

The submission process is straightforward.

Accessing the Recommendation Feature

Go to the recipient’s profile on LinkedIn and click the “More” button (usually represented by three dots) next to their profile picture. Select “Recommend.”

Choosing Your Relationship and Customizing the Recommendation

LinkedIn will prompt you to select your relationship to the individual (e.g., colleague, manager, client). You can also customize the subject line of your recommendation.

Sending and Reviewing Your Recommendation

Once submitted, the recommendation will be sent to the recipient for approval. They can then choose to display it on their profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing LinkedIn Recommendations

Be mindful of these pitfalls:

Generic and Vague Statements

Avoid generic statements that lack substance. Instead of “John is a great worker,” provide specific examples like, “John consistently met deadlines and exceeded expectations on the Alpha project.”

Focusing Solely on Skills Without Context

While mentioning skills is important, provide context. Explain how they used those skills and the impact they had.

Overly Exaggerated Praise

While you want to be positive, avoid hyperbole. Excessive praise can seem insincere.

Neglecting to Proofread

Always proofread your recommendation for errors. This demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions about LinkedIn Recommendations

Here are some common questions people have about crafting recommendations:

What if I don’t remember specific details about a person’s work?

If your memory is hazy, it’s better to politely decline the recommendation request. Honesty is always best, and a vague recommendation does more harm than good. You could suggest they reach out to another colleague who might have more recent or specific examples.

Can I edit a recommendation I’ve written after it’s been submitted?

Unfortunately, once submitted, you cannot directly edit a recommendation. You would need to contact the recipient and ask them to delete it, then rewrite it.

How many recommendations should I have on my profile?

There’s no magic number, but having a few well-written recommendations is generally considered beneficial. Quality is more important than quantity. Focus on getting recommendations from people who can speak to different aspects of your skills and experience.

Is it appropriate to ask someone to write a recommendation for me?

Absolutely! It’s common and perfectly acceptable to request a recommendation. However, always be specific about what you’re looking for. Provide context, and if possible, offer some talking points to help them get started.

What if I receive a recommendation that isn’t accurate or flattering?

You have control over which recommendations appear on your profile. You can choose to accept, hide, or report a recommendation if you feel it is inaccurate or inappropriate.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Professional Presence

Writing effective LinkedIn recommendations is a valuable skill that benefits both the giver and the receiver. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can craft recommendations that are genuine, insightful, and impactful. Remember to focus on specific examples, quantifiable results, and the individual’s personality. By taking the time to prepare, write, and polish your recommendations, you can help others and solidify your own professional reputation. Embrace the power of LinkedIn recommendations, and elevate your professional presence today.