LinkedIn Recommendations Section: Give a Powerful Recommendation

Modified on Wed, 19 Jun at 3:26 PM

Writing a recommendation on LinkedIn is a great way to support your colleagues, friends, or former classmates in their professional journeys. A well-written recommendation can showcase someone's skills and experience to potential employers or clients.

Here's a breakdown on how to craft a strong recommendation:

Personalize Your Message: A generic recommendation won't stand out. Briefly mention how you know the person and for how long.
Highlight Specific Strengths: Focus on 2-3 key strengths or skills that you admire about the person. Use specific examples from your experience working with them to illustrate these strengths.
Quantify Achievements (Optional): If possible, mention any quantifiable achievements they made while you knew them. Did they increase sales by a certain percentage? Did they spearhead a successful project?
Show Impact: Explain how the person's work benefited you, the team, or the company.
Enthusiastic Endorsement: End your recommendation with a strong endorsement. Recommend them for specific types of roles or projects if relevant.
Keep it Professional: Maintain a professional tone throughout your recommendation, even if you know the person well.

Bonus Tips:

Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can leave a bad impression. Double-check your recommendation before sending it.
Keep it Concise: Aim for a short and impactful message. A few sentences are usually enough.

Recommendation Examples: Highlighting Strengths and Impact

Here are some examples of LinkedIn recommendations showcasing different scenarios:

Example 1: Highlighting Skills and Teamwork (For a Former Colleague)

"I had the pleasure of working with Sarah at [Company Name] for two years. Sarah is a highly skilled [Job Title] with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. She consistently impressed me with her ability to [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2]. I particularly remember a time when [Brief Example of Teamwork Project] - Sarah's [Specific Skill] and collaborative spirit were instrumental in our success. I highly recommend Sarah for any role that requires a talented and reliable [Job Title]."

Example 2: Quantifying Achievements (For a Direct Report)

"I've had the privilege of being David's manager at [Company Name] for the past year. David is a quick learner and a dedicated team player. He exceeded expectations in his role as [Job Title] by [Quantifiable Achievement 1] and [Quantifiable Achievement 2]. David's ability to [Specific Skill] has significantly improved our team's efficiency. He is a valuable asset and I highly recommend him for opportunities in [Industry] seeking a results-oriented [Job Title]."

Example 3: Leadership and Impact (For a Mentor)

"I've been fortunate to have [Name] as a mentor for the past few years. [Name] is a true leader with a wealth of experience in [Industry]. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me develop my skills in [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2]. [Name]'s [Specific Leadership Quality] approach has not only boosted my confidence but also helped me navigate challenges in my career. I'm incredibly grateful for their mentorship and highly recommend them to anyone seeking guidance from an experienced and supportive leader."