What To Write In A LinkedIn Recommendation: Crafting the Perfect Endorsement

LinkedIn recommendations are powerful. They’re the digital equivalent of a glowing personal reference, providing potential employers, clients, or collaborators with real-world evidence of your skills, work ethic, and overall value. But knowing what to write in a LinkedIn recommendation can sometimes feel daunting. This guide will break down the process, offering practical advice and examples to help you write recommendations that truly resonate.

The Importance of a Great LinkedIn Recommendation

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand why a well-crafted LinkedIn recommendation matters. In a world saturated with online profiles, recommendations provide a crucial layer of credibility. They are:

• Social Proof: They demonstrate that others have witnessed and validated your skills and experience.
• Authentic Voices: Recommendations offer perspectives that go beyond the self-promotion of a resume or profile.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Boost: They can improve your LinkedIn profile’s visibility in search results. (Important note: this applies to receiving recommendations as well!)
• Networking Powerhouse: They strengthen professional relationships and open doors to new opportunities.

A strong recommendation can be the deciding factor in securing a job, landing a client, or building your professional brand.

Understanding the Recommendation Recipient: Tailoring Your Message

Before you start typing, consider the person you’re recommending. What are their key skills and accomplishments? What role are they applying for, or what kind of work are they seeking? Tailoring your recommendation to their specific goals will make it more impactful. Think about:

• Their Strengths: What are they really good at? Don’t just list generic skills; provide concrete examples.
• Their Contributions: How did they make a positive impact on projects or teams?
• Their Professional Goals: Are they looking to move up the ladder, change industries, or start their own business?

By acknowledging their aspirations, you demonstrate that you understand and support their career journey.

Structure and Format: Building a Compelling Recommendation

The structure of your recommendation is key. A well-organized message is easier to read and more memorable. Consider this basic framework:

Introduction: Setting the Scene

Start with a clear statement of your relationship to the person you’re recommending and the context of your work together. For example: “I had the pleasure of working with Sarah at XYZ Company for three years, where she served as our lead project manager.” This immediately establishes your credibility and the basis for your observations.

Key Skills and Accomplishments: Show, Don’t Just Tell

This is the meat of your recommendation. Provide specific examples that showcase their skills and achievements. Instead of saying “John is a great communicator,” try “John consistently delivered clear and concise presentations to both internal teams and external clients, resulting in a 20% increase in client engagement.”

Impact and Value: Quantifying the Results

Whenever possible, quantify the impact of their work. Did they increase sales? Improve efficiency? Reduce costs? Using numbers and data makes your recommendation more persuasive.

Personal Qualities: Going Beyond the Technical

Highlight their soft skills and personality traits. Are they a team player? A problem-solver? A leader? These qualities are just as important as technical skills.

Conclusion: The Final Endorsement

End with a strong statement of recommendation. Reiterate your confidence in their abilities and their potential for success.

Practical Examples: Bringing Your Recommendations to Life

Let’s look at some examples to illustrate how to apply these principles:

Example 1: For a Marketing Manager

“I enthusiastically recommend Emily for any marketing role. During her time at ABC Corp, she consistently exceeded expectations in driving brand awareness and lead generation. Emily spearheaded our recent social media campaign, which resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 15% rise in qualified leads. Beyond her technical skills, Emily is a highly collaborative and results-oriented individual. She’s a pleasure to work with and I have no hesitation in recommending her for any marketing position.”

Example 2: For a Software Engineer

“I highly recommend David. I worked with David on several complex software projects at XYZ Inc. He possesses a deep understanding of coding principles and consistently delivered high-quality, bug-free code, even under tight deadlines. David’s expertise in [specific programming language] was instrumental in the successful launch of our new product. He is a dedicated and collaborative team member. I am confident that David will be an asset to any team. I wholeheartedly recommend him.”

Avoiding Common Mistakes in LinkedIn Recommendations

While crafting a great recommendation can be rewarding, there are also common pitfalls to avoid:

• Generic Language: Avoid clichés and vague statements like “hard worker” or “great team player.”
• Overly Enthusiastic Praise: While positivity is good, excessive praise can seem insincere.
• Focusing Solely on the Recipient’s Weaknesses: While providing constructive feedback is sometimes appropriate, a recommendation should primarily highlight strengths.
• Lack of Specific Examples: Always back up your statements with concrete evidence.
• Ignoring the Recipient’s Goals: As mentioned earlier, tailoring your message to their aspirations can make it more powerful.

The Art of Asking for a Recommendation (and Reciprocating!)

Don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation yourself. The best approach is to:

1. Identify who you want to ask: Choose people you’ve worked with closely and who can speak to your skills and accomplishments.
2. Personalize your request: Don’t send a generic message. Explain why you’re asking them and what you’re hoping they’ll highlight.
3. Make it easy for them: Provide them with information, such as your resume or a list of your key achievements.
4. Offer to reciprocate: If appropriate, offer to write a recommendation for them in return.

Reciprocity is key to building a strong professional network.

Maximizing Your LinkedIn Recommendation: The Final Touches

Once you’ve written a great recommendation, there are a few final steps to consider:

• Proofread Carefully: Check for grammar and spelling errors.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for a recommendation that’s informative but easy to read.
• Be Authentic: Write in your own voice and be genuine.
• Consider the Audience: Remember that your recommendation will be seen by others, so ensure it reflects well on both you and the recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I edit a recommendation after I’ve written it? Yes, you can edit recommendations you’ve written. Go to the profile of the person you recommended and click the edit icon next to your recommendation.
• How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be? There’s no set word count, but aim for a recommendation that’s between 150-300 words. Focus on quality over quantity.
• What if I don’t remember specific details about the person’s work? If your memory is hazy, it’s better to politely decline to write a recommendation than to provide inaccurate or generic feedback.
• Should I recommend someone even if I only worked with them briefly? If you worked with them long enough to form a solid opinion, even a brief collaboration can be the basis for a recommendation. Focus on the positive impact you observed.
• Can a LinkedIn recommendation be private? No, recommendations are public on LinkedIn and visible to anyone who views your profile.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Professional Brand with LinkedIn Recommendations

Writing compelling LinkedIn recommendations is a valuable skill that can significantly boost your professional network and the success of those you support. By understanding the importance of recommendations, tailoring your message to the recipient, structuring your writing effectively, and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft endorsements that truly resonate. Remember to focus on specific examples, quantify results whenever possible, and highlight both technical skills and personal qualities. By consistently providing thoughtful and insightful recommendations, you not only help others but also strengthen your own professional brand and contribute to a more supportive and collaborative online environment.