How To Write A Great LinkedIn Recommendation
LinkedIn recommendations are like gold dust in the professional world. They’re endorsements, testimonials, and proof of your skills all rolled into one concise package. But simply asking for a recommendation isn’t enough; you also need to understand how to write a great LinkedIn recommendation yourself. This article will guide you through the process, from understanding what makes a stellar recommendation to crafting one that truly resonates.
The Power of a LinkedIn Recommendation: Why They Matter
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” Why are LinkedIn recommendations so valuable? They serve several crucial functions:
- Building Credibility: Recommendations are essentially word-of-mouth marketing. A positive recommendation from a colleague or supervisor instantly boosts your credibility and makes you more attractive to potential employers, clients, or collaborators.
- Showcasing Skills and Experience: Recommendations provide concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments, going beyond the bullet points on your resume. They demonstrate how you apply your skills in real-world situations.
- Networking and Relationship Building: Writing a thoughtful recommendation strengthens your relationship with the recipient. It shows that you value their contributions and are willing to support their professional growth. It can also open doors to further networking opportunities.
- Enhancing Your Online Presence: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and recommendations contribute significantly to your profile’s completeness and visibility. A profile rich with recommendations is more likely to be viewed and considered.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Great LinkedIn Recommendation
So, what separates a good LinkedIn recommendation from a truly great one? The secret lies in several key elements:
Focus on Specific Examples
Avoid generic statements. Instead, provide concrete examples of the individual’s strengths, skills, and contributions. Instead of saying “John is a great team player,” try “John consistently stepped up to help the team meet deadlines, even when faced with his own heavy workload. He was instrumental in [specific project or achievement].”
Be Authentic and Genuine
Your recommendation should sound like you are writing it. Use your own voice and perspective. Authenticity is key to making the recommendation feel genuine and impactful. Avoid overly formal or cliché language.
Highlight Key Skills and Achievements
Align your recommendation with the skills and experience listed on the recipient’s profile. Focus on the areas where they excelled and demonstrated their value. This reinforces their strengths and helps them stand out to potential employers.
Tailor to the Recipient and Their Goals
Consider the recipient’s career goals and aspirations. Tailor your recommendation to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to their desired path. This shows that you understand their ambitions and are invested in their success.
The Step-by-Step Guide: Writing a Compelling Recommendation
Now for the practical part. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a LinkedIn recommendation that will make a difference:
Step 1: Requesting Permission (And Gathering Information)
Before you start writing, always ask the recipient if they’d like a recommendation. This shows respect and allows them to provide you with information to help you write a more personalized and effective recommendation. Ask them about projects they’re proud of, skills they want to emphasize, and any specific achievements they’d like you to highlight.
Step 2: Research Their Profile
Review the recipient’s LinkedIn profile. This will help you understand their current role, skills, and experience. It will also give you context for your recommendation and ensure that you’re highlighting relevant information.
Step 3: Structure Your Recommendation
A well-structured recommendation is easier to read and more impactful. Here’s a suggested structure:
- Start with a strong opening: Briefly state your relationship with the individual and your overall impression.
- Provide specific examples: Elaborate on their skills, contributions, and achievements, using concrete examples.
- Highlight key skills and qualities: Focus on the skills and qualities that make them stand out.
- Conclude with a positive closing: Summarize your recommendation and express your confidence in their abilities.
Step 4: Write the Recommendation
Now, put your words into action. Use a conversational tone and focus on providing specific examples and highlighting their strengths. Remember to be authentic and genuine.
Step 5: Proofread and Edit
Before submitting your recommendation, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a LinkedIn Recommendation
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into common traps. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Being Too General: Avoid vague statements like “They’re a great employee.” Instead, provide specific examples.
- Focusing on the Negative: Always keep your recommendation positive. Avoid mentioning any negative aspects of their performance or character.
- Writing Too Long or Too Short: Aim for a recommendation that’s long enough to provide meaningful detail but concise enough to hold the reader’s attention.
- Not Proofreading: Always proofread your recommendation before submitting it. Errors can undermine your credibility.
- Ignoring the Recipient’s Request: If the recipient provides specific information or requests, be sure to incorporate it into your recommendation.
Tips for Writing Recommendations That Stand Out
Want to take your recommendations to the next level? Here are some advanced tips:
- Use Strong Action Verbs: Start your sentences with powerful action verbs to create a more dynamic and engaging recommendation.
- Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify their achievements. For example, instead of saying “They improved sales,” say “They increased sales by 15% in the first quarter.”
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid language and storytelling to illustrate their skills and accomplishments.
- Consider Their Career Goals: Tailor your recommendation to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to their desired career path.
- Mention Their Soft Skills: Don’t forget to mention their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
How to Ask for a Recommendation Effectively
The process isn’t just about writing; it’s also about asking for recommendations. Here’s how to make a request that gets results:
- Choose the Right Time: Ask for a recommendation when you’ve recently worked on a project with the person or when you’ve collaborated successfully.
- Personalize Your Request: Don’t send a generic request. Tailor your message to the individual and explain why you value their opinion.
- Make it Easy: Provide them with a draft or bullet points to help them get started.
- Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe, send a polite follow-up reminder.
- Offer to Reciprocate: Offer to write a recommendation for them in return.
FAQs: Unveiling More LinkedIn Recommendation Insights
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the art of LinkedIn recommendations:
What’s the Ideal Length for a Recommendation? Aim for a recommendation between 100 and 300 words. This allows you to provide enough detail without overwhelming the reader.
Should I Mention Weaknesses? No. LinkedIn recommendations are designed to highlight strengths and positive attributes. Focus on their accomplishments and positive qualities.
Can I Edit a Recommendation After It’s Published? Yes, you can edit your recommendations at any time. This allows you to update them or make any necessary corrections.
How Many Recommendations Should I Aim For? There’s no magic number, but having several recommendations from different colleagues, supervisors, and clients is generally a good strategy.
How Do I Know if Someone Has Received My Recommendation? LinkedIn will notify you when the recipient has approved and published your recommendation.
Conclusion: Crafting Recommendations for Professional Success
Writing a great LinkedIn recommendation is an investment in your professional network and in the success of others. By understanding the power of recommendations, following the step-by-step guide, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can craft recommendations that are authentic, compelling, and truly impactful. Remember to focus on specific examples, highlight key skills, and tailor your writing to the recipient’s goals. By mastering the art of the LinkedIn recommendation, you can build stronger relationships, enhance your own professional profile, and contribute to a more supportive and collaborative professional community. Now, go forth and write recommendations that make a difference!