When looking for a new job, a strong network of connections who can help you out will make your life that much easier and, naturally, you should return the favor. One of the best ways to do that is to write thoughtful LinkedIn recommendations for your friends and colleagues.
But writing a good recommendation can be tricky, especially if you don't want to throw too much praise around. After all, you don't want to come across as insincere. Luckily, if you want to learn how to write a recommendation on LinkedIn that is meaningful and helpful, there are a few tips you can follow. Take a look!
How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation in 5 Simple Steps
With 810 million users and over 57 million companies listed, LinkedIn is not only the largest professional network, but it’s also the best way to get your name out there and make professional connections. One key aspect of making a good impression on others is being able to write great recommendations for your friends and colleagues. Here are some guidelines for you to follow when you write a recommendation on LinkedIn:
1. Open with a catchy line.
Always start with a bang—this will ensure your recommendation will get read. An attention-grabbing line will not only pique any readers' interest but will also make it more difficult for them to scroll past your recommendation.
The goal here is to point out the awesomeness of the person you are recommending, so phrases like "Diana is the best" or "John is an essential member of the team" will simply not work. They are uninteresting and way too common. Instead, open with something that makes the person you are recommending unique. This could be anything from a thought-provoking question to a compelling fact.
Example:
"A standout talent like Jane is hard to come by."
"In a sea of applicants, John's resume always rises to the top."
2. Get personal by explaining the nature of your professional connection.
When writing a LinkedIn recommendation, context is a must. Whether it's a colleague you've known for years, a superior, direct report, or someone you've mentored, providing details about your professional relationship will give your recommendation more weight. Context is also important for the reader to understand why you're offering this endorsement. So, explain how you know the person and for how long you have been acquainted.
Example:
"I had the pleasure of working with Alex for two years as his direct report."
"For just over a year, Sarah has expertly handled the responsibilities of social media coordinator for my firm's marketing staff.”
3. Share a distinguishing quality about them.
Having a strong professional connection or relationship is one thing, but backing up these claims with specific stories and examples will help to make your LinkedIn recommendation more believable and impactful. Whatever you do, don't just say that someone has great leadership skills or is an excellent communicator—instead, explain how the person has impressed you to support your claims. Doing so will not only help paint a clearer picture for the recipient of your recommendation but will also make your praise more believable and compelling.
Example:
"I've seen firsthand how Jane excels in managing cross-functional projects."
"As John's superior, I saw him consistently deliver on even the most challenging deadlines."
4. Highlight their biggest accomplishments in the company or organization.
The key to writing a LinkedIn recommendation that screams genuine is to be able to highlight an individual's unique talents and achievements in a way that truly paints them in a positive light. After all, productive employees could bring 21% more profits to the company, so it's important to point out what makes this person stand out from others and how they can be relied upon to go above and beyond. Use specific examples of times when the person has proven themselves as a valuable member of their organization or team.
Example:
"Throughout her time in our marketing department, Diana always maintained an outstanding work ethic."
"John's consistently stellar performance on deadline-driven projects is what made him such an essential member of our team."
5. Conclude with a thoughtful closing line.
Finally, end your LinkedIn recommendation by putting a positive spin on your thoughts and leaving the person you are recommending feeling motivated to keep up the good work. One simple way to do this is to point out how much you value their contributions or perhaps express admiration for their skills or talents.
Example:
"It has been a pleasure working with Jane, and I look forward to seeing her future accomplishments."
"John is truly an asset to our team, and I'm confident that he will continue to succeed in all of his future endeavors."
So there you have it, five key steps for writing a recommendation on LinkedIn that is powerful and will help boost the professional reputation of your fellow colleagues. By being genuine and using specific examples, you can write thoughtful LinkedIn recommendations that are sure to leave a positive impression on those they are intended for. And just in case you need to see what a recommendation for an employee, former co-worker, or manager looks like, feel free to check out the ones below.
Best LinkedIn Recommendations Examples
When it comes to giving a recommendation on LinkedIn, authenticity is key. In other words, providing an accurate portrayal of the person you are recommending and their skills is imperative. Also, always focus on the positive aspects of the person’s character and work ethic and try to accentuate the qualities that make them a valuable member of their team or organization.
Sample LinkedIn Recommendation for an Employee
Giving a recommendation on LinkedIn to one of your employees can be a great way to show your appreciation for their excellent work. And if you're not sure where to start, simply use the five steps outlined above as a guide.
Here's an example of a strong LinkedIn recommendation for an event management firm employee:
“Alex is one of the most talented and hardworking event planners I have had the pleasure of working with. He always goes above and beyond to ensure that each and every event is a success. His attention to detail is impeccable, and he has a unique ability to think outside the box to come up with creative solutions to problems.
I have seen firsthand how Alex is able to handle even the most challenging of situations with ease. He always keeps a cool head and remains calm under pressure. And this is just one of the many reasons why he is so successful in his role as an event planner.
Alex has played a pivotal role in the success of our events department. His tireless efforts and dedication have made him an invaluable member of our team, and I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in the future. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and can't thank him enough for everything he has done. Thank you, Alex!”
Sample LinkedIn Recommendation for a Former Colleague
When writing a LinkedIn recommendation for a former colleague, it's important to focus on their skills and achievements while they were working with you. Use examples and highlight the ways in which they added value to your team or organization.
This is a sample recommendation for a former employee at a PR agency.
“Alice is not only a gifted writer but also a strategic thinker. Always putting the needs of her clients first, she was able to provide the finest possible service to each and every customer. She was detail-oriented and had a knack for finding innovative answers to challenges that others were hesitant to try.
I had the pleasure of working with Alice on a number of high-profile projects, and she was always a true professional. Alice is truly a gifted individual, and I am confident that she will continue to excel in all of her future endeavors. She’ll surely be an asset to any other organization she joins.”
Sample LinkedIn Recommendation for a Manager
So, how to write a LinkedIn recommendation for your boss? It's important to highlight the ways in which your boss was an effective leader and supported you as an employee. Be specific and provide examples of their accomplishments or key strengths.
Here's an example:
“Jane has not only been a tremendous boss but also a great friend over the past five years. She always put the needs of her team first and was constantly going out of her way to provide support and guidance to everyone. Jane was genuinely interested in assisting my professional development and helping me get acquainted with the business.
Her compassion endeared her to everyone on our staff. Her leadership skills are truly second to none, and she has played an instrumental role in the success of our organization. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her career, and I wish her all the best going forward. Thank you, Jane!”
The Bottom Line
Giving a recommendation on LinkedIn is a great way to show your support and appreciation for someone's hard work. By following these steps, you will not only know how to write a recommendation on LinkedIn that is good, but you will be able to craft one that is compelling and inspiring. And, you'll have no problem making sure the person you are recommending stands out from all those other folks who aren't as committed or talented as them.
