LinkedIn is a social networking platform for professionals, where users can connect with colleagues, business partners, and potential employers. One of the unique features of LinkedIn is its recommendation system, which allows users to endorse and recommend their connections. In this article, we will discuss how to write a LinkedIn recommendation, why it is important, and provide tips for creating effective recommendations.
What is a LinkedIn Recommendation?
A LinkedIn recommendation is a written endorsement of a user’s professional skills and accomplishments, given by one of their connections on the platform. It is a way to publicly acknowledge and appreciate someone’s work, and it can be seen by other users in their network. Recommendations can be given for specific skills or for an overall performance review.
The purpose of a LinkedIn recommendation is to provide credibility and validation to the user’s profile. It is a form of social proof that can help in building a positive reputation and increasing visibility. Additionally, LinkedIn recommendations can also help in job searching and career advancement.
Why are LinkedIn Recommendations Important?
LinkedIn recommendations are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they help build credibility and trust with potential employers or clients. A recommendation from a supervisor or colleague can help validate an individual’s skills and expertise, making them more desirable as a candidate or potential hire. Recommendations also offer a more comprehensive view of an individual’s work ethics, style, and skills, which can be hard to gauge from a traditional resume or cover letter.
Secondly, LinkedIn recommendations increase visibility and help individuals stand out in a crowded job market. With millions of users on LinkedIn, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. However, a recommendation can help individuals differentiate themselves from other candidates and increase their chances of being noticed by potential employers or clients. Recommendations also provide a platform for individuals to showcase their unique strengths and experiences, which can help them stand out even more.
Thirdly, LinkedIn recommendations provide an opportunity to build and strengthen professional connections. When a recommendation is given, the individual who wrote it will be alerted, creating an opportunity to reconnect and stay in touch. By building and nurturing these relationships, individuals can expand their network and open up new opportunities for themselves and others.
How to Request a LinkedIn Recommendation?
Requesting a LinkedIn recommendation is relatively simple. First, individuals should identify the connections they want to request recommendations from. They should select those who have worked closely with them, know their strengths and weaknesses, and are willing to write a recommendation. After identifying the connections, individuals should send them a personalized message, explaining why they are requesting a recommendation and what they hope to achieve. The message should be concise and professional, and individuals should be specific about the type of recommendation they are seeking.
For example, if an individual is looking for a recommendation to showcase their project management skills, they should ask the connection to highlight their ability to manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively with cross-functional teams. This specificity will help the connection write a more focused and relevant recommendation that showcases the individual’s strengths.
Who Can You Recommend on LinkedIn
LinkedIn recommendations can be given to any user in your network, including colleagues, clients, vendors, and even friends. However, it is important to only recommend those whom you have worked with or have a professional relationship with. Recommending someone without knowing their work can harm your credibility and the credibility of the person you are recommending.
When choosing whom to recommend on LinkedIn, it is important to consider the quality of their work and their contributions. It is also a good idea to ask for their permission before writing a recommendation.
How to Publish a Recommendation for a LinkedIn Connection
Publishing a recommendation on LinkedIn is easy and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Go to the user’s profile whom you want to recommend
- Click on the “More” button under their profile picture
- Select “Recommend” from the dropdown menu
- Choose the relationship you have with the user (colleague, service provider, etc.) and the position they held when you worked with them.
- Select the skills and areas of expertise you want to endorse.
- Write your recommendation, making sure to highlight specific accomplishments and skills.
- Edit and proofread your recommendation before publishing.
Click “Send” to publish your recommendation.
How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation?
When writing a LinkedIn recommendation, it is important to keep in mind the purpose and audience of the recommendation. Here are some tips for writing an effective LinkedIn recommendation:
- Be specific: Focus on the user’s specific accomplishments and skills that you have witnessed. Avoid general statements that can be applied to anyone.
- Use examples: Provide concrete examples of the user’s work and contributions. This can help in illustrating their skills and achievements.
- Highlight strengths: Emphasize the user’s strengths and unique qualities that make them stand out. This can help in creating a memorable impression.
- Be concise: Keep the recommendation short and to the point. Avoid unnecessary fluff or repetition.
- Use a professional tone: Use a professional and respectful tone in your recommendation. Avoid using informal or colloquial language.
It is also important to avoid certain pitfalls when writing a LinkedIn recommendation. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Be honest and sincere in your recommendation
- Ask for the user’s permission before writing a recommendation
- Use a descriptive headline for your recommendation
- Highlight specific skills and accomplishments
Don’ts:
- Write a generic or vague recommendation
- Exaggerate or lie about the user’s accomplishments
- Use a casual or unprofessional tone
- Write a recommendation for someone you have not worked with
How to Write a Killer LinkedIn Recommendation in Under 3 Min
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some time-saving tips for writing a killer LinkedIn recommendation in under 3 minutes:
- Use a template: Create a template for your recommendations that you can modify and reuse for different users. This can save time and make the process more efficient.
- Focus on specific skills: Instead of writing a lengthy recommendation, focus on a few specific skills or accomplishments that you can speak to in detail.
- Use bullet points: Break down your recommendation into bullet points that are easy to read and highlight key points.
- Be concise: Keep your recommendation short and to the point, while still highlighting the user’s strengths and accomplishments.
Here are some example templates for quick and effective recommendations:
Template 1: [Name] is a [job title] with exceptional [skill/quality]. They have [example of accomplishment or work]. I highly recommend [Name] for their [skill/quality].
Template 2: I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] on [project/task] and have been impressed with their [skill/quality]. They have [example of accomplishment or work]. I strongly recommend [Name] for their [skill/quality].
3 Best LinkedIn Recommendation Examples
Here are three sample LinkedIn recommendations for different scenarios:
- For a colleague: “I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [duration]. During this time, I have witnessed their exceptional [skill/quality] and ability to [example of accomplishment or work]. [Name] is a valuable asset to any team and I strongly recommend them for their [skill/quality].”
- For a service provider: “I recently hired [Name] for [service provided] and was blown away by their [skill/quality]. They [example of accomplishment or work]. [Name] is professional, reliable, and easy to work with. I highly recommend their services.”
- For a job seeker: “I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [duration] and was impressed by their [skill/quality]. [Name] has a strong work ethic and is dedicated to producing quality work. They would make a valuable addition to any team and I highly recommend them for their [skill/quality].”
FAQs
Here are some common questions about LinkedIn recommendations:
Q: How many LinkedIn recommendations should I have? A: There is no set number of LinkedIn recommendations you should have. However, it is important to have quality recommendations from people you have worked with or have a professional relationship with.
Q: Can I ask for a recommendation on LinkedIn? A: Yes, you can ask your connections for a recommendation on LinkedIn. However, it is important to do so politely and to provide them with specific examples of your work or accomplishments.
Q: Can I edit or delete a LinkedIn recommendation? A: Yes, you can edit or delete a LinkedIn recommendation that you have written. However, it is important to communicate with the user whom you have recommended before doing so.
Q: Can I recommend someone anonymously on LinkedIn? A: No, LinkedIn recommendations are not anonymous. Your name and profile picture will be attached to any recommendation you write.
LinkedIn recommendations are a powerful tool for building credibility, trust, and visibility on the platform. By writing effective recommendations, users can showcase their skills and accomplishments, attract potential employers and clients, and expand their professional network. With the tips and templates provided in this article, anyone can write a killer LinkedIn recommendation in under 3 minutes.