How To Write Recommendations On LinkedIn: A Guide to Boosting Your Network’s Success

Writing LinkedIn recommendations is a powerful way to support your connections, enhance your own professional brand, and contribute positively to the platform. However, simply writing a few words isn’t enough. Crafting a truly impactful recommendation requires thought, consideration, and a genuine understanding of the individual and their contributions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the benefits to writing stellar recommendations that get noticed.

The Power of LinkedIn Recommendations: Why They Matter

Before diving into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand the “why.” LinkedIn recommendations are more than just digital pats on the back. They are endorsements that carry weight with potential employers, recruiters, and even future clients. They provide social proof, validating the skills and experience listed on a profile. Think of them as personal testimonials that add credibility and build trust.

• Enhancing Credibility: Recommendations act as third-party validation, confirming the skills and experience listed on a profile.
• Boosting Search Visibility: A profile with numerous, well-written recommendations is more likely to appear higher in LinkedIn search results.
• Strengthening Your Network: Offering recommendations strengthens your relationships and fosters a sense of community within your network.
• Creating Reciprocity: Providing recommendations often encourages others to reciprocate, further boosting your own profile.

Identifying the Right People to Recommend

Choosing the right individuals to recommend is essential. Focus on people you’ve worked with directly, where you’ve witnessed their skills and contributions firsthand. Think about colleagues, supervisors, subordinates, clients, or collaborators. The strongest recommendations come from those who can speak to specific examples of the individual’s abilities.

Consider the following:

• Direct Work Experience: Have you worked with this person on a project, team, or in a client relationship?
• Specific Achievements: Can you highlight concrete examples of their accomplishments?
• Demonstrated Skills: What specific skills have you witnessed them using effectively?
• Professional Relationship: What is the nature of your professional relationship with this person?

Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Recommendation: The Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a recommendation isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft recommendations that truly shine.

Step 1: Start with a Personalized Greeting

Begin by addressing the person by name. This simple step shows you’ve taken the time to personalize your recommendation. Avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.”

Step 2: Establish Your Relationship

Briefly explain your relationship with the individual. How do you know them? What was your role in relation to theirs? This provides context for your recommendation. For example: “I had the pleasure of working with Sarah as her project manager on the Alpha project…”

Step 3: Highlight Specific Skills and Contributions

This is the heart of your recommendation. Focus on specific skills and contributions that you observed. Use concrete examples and avoid vague generalizations. Instead of saying “John is a great communicator,” say “John consistently delivered clear and concise presentations, effectively communicating complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.”

Step 4: Provide Concrete Examples

Support your claims with tangible examples. Describe a specific project, task, or situation where the individual excelled. This adds credibility and demonstrates the impact of their abilities. For instance, “During the launch of our new website, Maria was instrumental in coordinating the marketing efforts. She expertly managed the social media campaign, which resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic within the first month.”

Step 5: Showcase Their Strengths and Personality

Go beyond skills and highlight the individual’s strengths and personality traits. What makes them unique? Are they a strong leader, a collaborative team player, or particularly creative? This adds depth and makes your recommendation more memorable.

Step 6: Summarize and Conclude with a Strong Closing

Wrap up your recommendation with a concise summary of your overall impression. Reiterate your positive assessment and end with a strong closing statement. For example: “In conclusion, I highly recommend Michael. He is a dedicated and talented professional, and I have no hesitation in recommending him for future opportunities.”

Step 7: Proofread and Edit Carefully

Before submitting your recommendation, proofread it meticulously. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A polished recommendation reflects well on both you and the person you are recommending.

Avoiding Common Recommendation Pitfalls

While writing recommendations is beneficial, there are common mistakes to avoid.

• Being Too Generic: Avoid vague praise. Focus on specific examples.
• Exaggerating or Overstating: Be honest and authentic. Don’t make claims you can’t back up.
• Using Negative Language: Focus on positive attributes. Avoid mentioning weaknesses or shortcomings.
• Writing a Recommendation for Someone You Don’t Know Well: Only recommend individuals you have a genuine relationship with.
• Writing a Recommendation Without Permission: While not always necessary, it’s courteous to let the person know you are writing a recommendation.

Requesting a Recommendation on LinkedIn: A Guide for the Recipient

If you’re on the receiving end of a recommendation request, it’s important to make it as easy as possible for the person to write a compelling one.

Preparing Your Profile

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and accurately reflects your skills and experience. The recommender will likely review your profile for context.

Providing Context for the Recommender

When requesting a recommendation, provide context. Remind the person of your relationship and any specific projects or accomplishments you’d like them to highlight.

Offering Specific Suggestions

Suggest specific skills or experiences you’d like the recommender to focus on. This can help them write a more targeted and impactful recommendation.

Expressing Gratitude

Always express your gratitude for their time and effort. A simple thank you goes a long way.

Maximizing the Impact of Your Recommendations: A Strategic Approach

Writing excellent recommendations is just the first step. Here’s how to maximize their impact:

• Target Your Audience: Consider the audience that will see your recommendations and tailor them accordingly.
• Focus on Relevance: Ensure your recommendations align with the person’s career goals and target industry.
• Be Proactive: Don’t wait to be asked. Offer recommendations to deserving colleagues and connections.
• Review and Update: Periodically review your recommendations to ensure they are still relevant and accurate.

How to Find People to Recommend

LinkedIn provides several tools to help you identify individuals you can recommend.

• Review Your Connections: Scroll through your connections list and consider who you’ve worked with.
• Check Your Past Projects: Reflect on past projects and collaborations to identify potential recommendees.
• Look at Your Endorsements: Consider who has endorsed you for skills and then review your interactions with those individuals.
• Search for Specific Skills: Search LinkedIn for individuals with specific skills that you have experience with.

FAQs: Unpacking the Nuances of LinkedIn Recommendations

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of writing LinkedIn recommendations.

What is the Ideal Length for a LinkedIn Recommendation?

While there isn’t a strict word count, aim for a recommendation that is between 150 and 300 words. This allows you to provide sufficient detail without being overly verbose. The focus should be on quality over quantity.

Can I Edit a LinkedIn Recommendation After I’ve Written It?

Yes, you can edit a LinkedIn recommendation after you’ve written it. Go to the profile of the person you recommended, scroll down to the “Recommendations” section, and select the edit option. This is valuable if you need to update information or clarify points.

How Many Recommendations Should I Aim to Have on My Profile?

There is no magic number, but having a diverse range of well-written recommendations is ideal. Aim for recommendations from different types of people, such as former managers, colleagues, and clients, to showcase a variety of skills and experiences.

What if I Disagree with a Request for a Recommendation?

It’s perfectly acceptable to decline a recommendation request if you don’t feel comfortable writing one. Be polite but firm in your response. You can simply explain that you don’t feel you know the person well enough to provide an informed recommendation.

How Does a Recommendation Impact My Profile’s SEO?

Well-written recommendations, especially those containing relevant keywords and phrases, can positively impact your profile’s visibility in LinkedIn search results. This is because LinkedIn’s algorithm considers recommendations as a signal of credibility and expertise.

Conclusion: Becoming a LinkedIn Recommendation Champion

Writing impactful LinkedIn recommendations is a valuable skill that benefits both the recommender and the recipient. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can craft compelling recommendations that highlight specific skills, provide concrete examples, and contribute to a stronger professional network. Remember to focus on authenticity, clarity, and the power of positive reinforcement. By consistently offering thoughtful and well-written recommendations, you can elevate your own professional brand while helping others succeed. Ultimately, becoming a LinkedIn recommendation champion is about building strong relationships and fostering a supportive professional community.