How to Write the Perfect LinkedIn Recommendation (With Examples)

Written By Alex Blackburne

Latest in Tech News, Reviews & Education

LinkedIn is a social media platform for professionals. It allows users to connect with colleagues, classmates, and other business professionals. But do you know LinkedIn also allows users to make recommendations for others on the site? Yes, recommendations are a way of endorsing someone’s skills or giving them a testimonial. They can be used to show potential employers or clients that you have the skills they are looking for. So, how can you write the perfect LinkedIn recommendation? 

Continue reading this article to learn more about it! 

How can you write the Perfect LinkedIn Recommendation?

Keep it positive

When writing a recommendation, always focus on the positive. Highlight the individual’s strengths and achievements, and avoid mentioning any negative experiences. By writing a positive recommendation, you’ll help the person stand out from the competition and increase their chances of getting hired.

Be specific

When it comes to writing a LinkedIn recommendation, specificity is key. Generic recommendations don’t carry much weight, so be sure to mention specific examples of the individual’s work or achievements. 

Use your own words

A LinkedIn recommendation should be written in your own words, not copied and pasted from another source. Using your own words ensures that the recommendation is genuine and comes from a place of sincerity.

Keep it brief

A LinkedIn recommendation doesn’t need to be long and drawn out. In fact, shorter recommendations are often more impactful. Focus on highlighting the individual’s key strengths and leave it at that.

Proofread it

Before you hit submit on a LinkedIn recommendation, be sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammar errors. Nothing detracts from a well-written recommendation more than a few typos.

By following these tips, you can write a LinkedIn recommendation that is sure to impress.

Examples of LinkedIn recommendation

  1. Recommendation for an ex-colleague

“I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for two years at [Company Name]. During that time, [Name] was always one of the most driven and hard-working employees. He was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done, and his attention to detail was impeccable. [Name] would be an excellent addition to any team, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a talented and motivated employee.”

  1. Recommendation for a Manager

I had the pleasure of working with [Manager’s Name] for two years at [Company Name]. During that time, I witnessed firsthand her exceptional ability to lead and motivate her team. She is a strategic thinker with a knack for troubleshooting, and always goes the extra mile to ensure that her team is successful. I would not hesitate to recommend [Manager’s Name] to anyone looking for a top-notch leader.

  1. Recommendation for a subordinate

I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for three years, and she was an absolute star. Her attention to detail, combined with her amazing organizational skills, made her an invaluable member of our team. I often relied on her to keep things running smoothly, and she always came through. I would highly recommend [Name] to anyone looking for a reliable, hard-working employee.

  1. Recommendation for a mentor or trainer

It’s been my great pleasure to work with [Name] over the past year. He is an excellent trainer, and I have benefited greatly from his expertise. I have no hesitation in recommending [Name] to anyone who needs a trainer for their [Topic]. He is knowledgeable and experienced, and above all, he is a great motivator. I have seen [Name] in action both in the classroom and in one-on-one coaching sessions, and he is equally effective in both settings.

Related Questions

Who can write a LinkedIn recommendation?

Recommendations can be written by anyone, but they’re most useful when they come from people who have first-hand knowledge of your work. For example, if you’re a recent graduate looking for your first job, a recommendation from a professor or a past employer can carry a lot of weight. If you’re a seasoned professional, recommendations from your peers can be a great way to show off your skills and accomplishments.

What should I highlight in LinkedIn recommendations?

When writing a LinkedIn recommendation, you should highlight the individual’s skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Try to focus on specific examples of how the person has helped you or your business.

Should I write a negative LinkedIn recommendation?

No, it is not advisable to write a negative LinkedIn recommendation. Although you may have had a negative experience with the person in question, it is best to keep that to yourself. LinkedIn is a professional networking site, and as such, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and refrain from writing negative reviews.

Key Takeaway

If you’re looking for a new job or want to attract more clients, a strong LinkedIn profile is a must. One of the most important aspects of your LinkedIn profile is the recommendations you have from other professionals. A well-written recommendation can be the difference between getting hired or not.

By taking the time to write a well-crafted recommendation, you can help your connections get noticed and improve their chances of success. Last but not the least, when writing a LinkedIn recommendation, be sure to include specific examples of your colleague’s skills and accomplishments. Keep your recommendation positive and concise, and avoid using jargon.

Did You Know?

Learning valuable skills makes you...

  • 31% more likely to be promoted
  • 56% less likely to become unemployed
  • Over 2x as productive as regular employees

Try out Linkedin Learning today. Get your free trial here