How To Write A Good LinkedIn Recommendation: A Comprehensive Guide

LinkedIn recommendations are gold. They’re powerful social proof, showcasing your skills and character to potential employers, colleagues, and clients. But crafting a truly impactful recommendation isn’t just about saying nice things. It’s about providing specific, actionable insights that demonstrate the value of the person you’re recommending. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to write a good LinkedIn recommendation, one that stands out and makes a real difference.

The Anatomy of a Stellar LinkedIn Recommendation

Writing a strong recommendation is like building a solid foundation. It needs the right components to stand the test of time. Before you start typing, consider the key elements that make a recommendation truly effective:

• Relationship: What is your relationship to the person you’re recommending? How long have you known them, and in what capacity? This context is crucial.
• Specific Examples: General praise falls flat. Provide concrete examples of the individual’s skills, achievements, and positive attributes.
• Impact: What was the impact of their work? How did they contribute to the team, project, or company? Show, don’t just tell.
• Authenticity: Let your genuine admiration shine through. Your recommendation should sound like you, not a generic template.
• Call to Action (Optional): In some cases, you might subtly encourage others to connect with the person or consider them for opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting the Perfect Recommendation

This section provides a structured approach to help you write a recommendation that hits all the right notes.

1. Start with a Strong Opening

The opening should immediately grab the reader’s attention and set the tone. Instead of a generic “I highly recommend,” try something more engaging:

• “I had the pleasure of working with [Name] at [Company] for [duration], and I was consistently impressed by…”
• “[Name] is, without a doubt, one of the most [positive adjective, e.g., dedicated, creative, strategic] professionals I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with.”
• “I’m delighted to recommend [Name]. Their contributions to [project/team/company] were invaluable.”

2. Describe Your Relationship and Context

Briefly explain your relationship with the person you’re recommending. This provides crucial context for your assessment. Were you their manager, colleague, mentor, or client? How long did you work together? This helps the reader understand the basis of your opinion.

3. Highlight Key Skills and Strengths

Identify the specific skills and strengths that make the individual exceptional. This is where your specific examples come into play. Consider these categories:

• Technical Skills: Programming languages, software proficiency, data analysis, etc.
• Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, etc.
• Industry Knowledge: Specific industry expertise, trends, and best practices.

4. Provide Concrete Examples: The Heart of the Recommendation

This is the most crucial part. Instead of saying “They’re a great problem-solver,” provide a specific example:

• “During the [Project Name] project, [Name] faced a significant challenge with [specific problem]. They not only identified the root cause quickly but also implemented a creative solution that [positive outcome, e.g., saved the company X dollars, improved efficiency by Y percent].”
• “I was consistently impressed by [Name]’s ability to [specific skill]. For example, when we were faced with [situation], they [specific action] which resulted in [positive outcome].”
• “Their leadership during the [project name] was exceptional. They consistently motivated the team, fostered a collaborative environment, and ensured that we remained on track to meet our goals.”

5. Quantify Achievements Whenever Possible

Using numbers adds credibility and impact. Instead of “They improved sales,” say “They increased sales by 20% in the first quarter.” Quantifiable results make your recommendation much more compelling.

6. Showcase Personality and Character

Don’t forget the human element. Include a few sentences about the person’s personality and character. Are they a team player? Are they reliable? Do they have a positive attitude?

7. Conclude with a Strong Closing Statement

End your recommendation on a positive and memorable note. Reiterate your overall assessment and express your confidence in the person’s abilities.

• “I wholeheartedly recommend [Name] to anyone seeking a [job title/role]. They are a true asset.”
• “I have no hesitation in recommending [Name]. They are a highly skilled and dedicated professional who will be a valuable addition to any team.”
• “If you’re looking for a [positive adjective] and [another positive adjective] individual, look no further than [Name]. They are a star.”

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: What to Avoid in a LinkedIn Recommendation

While crafting a good recommendation is important, knowing what not to do is equally crucial.

• Vagueness: Avoid generic statements that lack specific examples.
• Overly Flattering Language: While praise is good, excessive flattery can diminish credibility.
• Irrelevant Information: Stick to the professional context and avoid personal details that aren’t relevant to the individual’s work.
• Typos and Grammatical Errors: Proofread carefully! Errors detract from your credibility and professionalism.
• Negative Comments: Focus on the positive. If you have concerns, address them privately or politely omit them.

Tailoring Your Recommendation to Different Roles and Experiences

The approach you take should be adjusted depending on the person’s career stage and the type of role they’re seeking.

Recommending a Junior Professional or Recent Graduate

• Focus on their potential, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
• Highlight their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Provide examples of their ability to adapt and grow.

Recommending a Mid-Career Professional

• Emphasize their experience, expertise, and accomplishments.
• Showcase their leadership skills and contributions to the team or company.
• Provide quantifiable results whenever possible.

Recommending a Senior Leader or Executive

• Focus on their strategic thinking, vision, and leadership abilities.
• Highlight their impact on the organization and their ability to drive results.
• Mention their ability to mentor and develop others.

Leveraging LinkedIn Features: Making Your Recommendation Stand Out

LinkedIn offers features that can enhance your recommendation and make it more visible.

• Tagging Skills: When you mention a skill, tag it using LinkedIn’s built-in skill tagging feature. This helps the recommendation be more searchable.
• Adding Multimedia: Consider including a link to a relevant project or portfolio.
• Requesting a Recommendation: Don’t be afraid to ask someone for a recommendation for yourself.

FAQs About Writing LinkedIn Recommendations

Here are some frequently asked questions about writing LinkedIn recommendations to further enhance your understanding.

What if I don’t know the person very well?

If your interaction was limited, focus on the specific interactions you did have. For example, “I had the opportunity to collaborate with [Name] on [project]. During that time, I was impressed by…” Honesty and specificity are key.

How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be?

Aim for a recommendation that is between 150-300 words. This length allows you to provide enough detail without overwhelming the reader.

Can I edit a recommendation I’ve written?

Yes, you can edit your recommendations at any time by going to the person’s profile and clicking on the edit button next to the recommendation.

Is it okay to refuse to write a recommendation?

Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to decline a request if you don’t feel you can write a genuine and positive recommendation. Politely explain that you don’t feel qualified to do so.

How can I find someone I want to recommend?

Use the search bar on LinkedIn, search for their name, and then navigate to their profile. From there, you can select the option to “Recommend.”

Conclusion: The Power of a Well-Crafted Recommendation

Writing a good LinkedIn recommendation requires more than just a few kind words. It requires a thoughtful approach, specific examples, and a genuine appreciation for the individual’s skills and contributions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can craft recommendations that are not only impactful but also help build your professional network and reputation. Remember to be specific, authentic, and honest. Your efforts will not only benefit the person you’re recommending but also strengthen your own professional standing. A well-written recommendation is a gift that keeps on giving, so take the time to craft one that truly shines.