How To Write LinkedIn Recommendations

How To Write A LinkedIn Recommendation (With 10 Examples)

By JimSchubert | July 6, 2023

Understanding how to write a LinkedIn recommendation is crucial for anyone looking to build valuable connections and ultimately boost their revenues. These recommendations serve as social proof of your professional relationships and can significantly enhance your own LinkedIn profile.

In this post, we’ll delve into the process of publishing an impactful LinkedIn recommendation. We’ll discuss optimal length, how to highlight someone’s strengths and accomplishments, showcase their client connection skills, demonstrate commitment to excellence, and provide examples of professionalism and integrity.

We also present ten comprehensive LinkedIn recommendation samples that you can draw inspiration from when crafting your own endorsements. The power lies in knowing how to write a LinkedIn recommendation that is compelling – let us guide you through it.

Table Of Contents:

LinkedIn Recommendations: Why They Matter

LinkedIn recommendations are like gold. By giving more of them to those you know, you’ll naturally receive them from people in return. LinkedIn recommendations are endorsements for colleagues, clients, or partners that highlight their professional abilities and achievements. Think of them as word-of-mouth marketing on steroids.

They Act As Testimonials

A well-written recommendation serves as a powerful testimonial for your skills and expertise. It provides insights into how you operate professionally – whether it’s through demonstrating superior knowledge about insurance products or showcasing excellent customer service skills. And when you write recommendations for other people, you’re seen as a passionate advocate for others.

They Build Trust

In business, trust is everything. Positive recommendations on LinkedIn can significantly boost your prospects. When potential clients see glowing reviews about you, they’re more likely to consider doing business with you.

They Can Boost Your Own Profile Visibility

LinkedIn’s algorithm favors profiles with numerous high-quality recommendations, both given and received. This pushes your profile higher up in search results and makes it more visible to potential clients. So, having a solid collection of positive recommendations you’ve given out and gotten from others can help increase your profile’s visibility.

They Can Give You A Competitive Advantage

In today’s competitive business landscape, having strong recommendations gives one a distinct edge over competitors without such backing from their network. This could help you tremendously if you’re trying to build visibility for recruiting purposes. So, don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn recommendations.

By following these steps and understanding how to write a LinkedIn recommendation that is effective, you can more quickly gain that competitive advantage.

How to Recommend Someone on LinkedIn

how to recommend someone on linkedin

Want to show support for your colleagues and establish credibility in any industry? Write a LinkedIn recommendation. Here’s how:

Step 1: Find Their Profile

Locate the profile of the individual you wish to suggest, be it a colleague, customer or professional associate who has made an impact on you in some way. This could be a coworker, client, or business partner who has impressed you with their skills, knowledge or ability to drive results.

Step 2: Click “More”

Once you’re on their profile, click the “More” button and select “Recommend.”

Step 3: Select Your “Relationship”

Once the Recommendation window pops up, choose how you know the person from the “Relationship” dropdown menu.

Step 4: Select How You Know Them

Next, click the “Position At The Time” dropdown menu and choose what position the person your recommending holds or held at the time you knew them. If there are multiple positions listed that represent how you know them, just choose the one that makes the most sense.

Step 5: Write Your Recommendation

Highlight their strengths, accomplishments, and professionalism. Be honest and specific, but keep it concise. Aim for two or three short paragraphs at most.

Step 4: Review and Send

Review your recommendation for spelling errors or typos, then hit “Send”. Note that the recipient can make changes or hide it from their profile. But if it’s a flattering recommendation (which it should be), they will most likely accept it on their end. This will publish it both that person’s LinkedIn profile and on yours in the Recommendations section under either “Received” or “Given”.

How Long Should My LinkedIn Recommendation Be?

When it comes to learning how to write a LinkedIn recommendation that gets noticed, shorter is sweeter. Keep it concise, but detailed enough to showcase the person’s strengths and accomplishments. For an effective recommendation, it is best to keep the length brief – aim for 5-10 sentences; however, if you have a close relationship with the individual being recommended, feel free to expand further.

How To Write A LinkedIn Recommendation Someone Will Be Proud To Receive

linkedin recommendation examples

Don’t be basic, be specific. When learning how to write a LinkedIn recommendation, focus on their unique strengths that make them stand out in their role. Avoid overused phrases like “hard-working” and “team player.”

Identify Their Strengths

Think about what this person does exceptionally well. Do they have excellent communication skills or are they a problem-solving pro? Maybe their analytical abilities allow them to assess risk accurately and provide sound advice? Once you’ve identified their strengths, illustrate how they benefit clients.

Use Examples! – They Speak Louder Than Words

Show, don’t tell. Use examples to demonstrate how this person’s strengths have positively impacted clients. For instance, “John’s exceptional communication skills helped him resolve a complex claim issue, resulting in a satisfied client.”

Include Industry-Specific Traits

Highlight relevant industry-specific traits to show that you know what makes them stand out in their industry.

Identify Their Professional Accomplishments

Consider their track record. Maybe they’ve accomplished something in sales or customer retention rates. Have they consistently met or exceeded targets? Mention this as it shows their ability to deliver results and meet client expectations. For example, “[Name] consistently surpassed sales targets by at least 20%, demonstrating exceptional skill in identifying client needs and providing tailored solutions.”

Also, mention any awards or recognitions they received within the industry. These validate their skills and expertise, making them more credible to potential clients or employers. For instance, “[Name] was recognized as ‘Insurance Agent Of The Year’ for two consecutive years due to outstanding service delivery.”

Keep It Human

When it comes to learning how to write a LinkedIn recommendation that stands out, it’s crucial that your words sound as natural and human as possible. In order for these endorsements to hold weight on someone’s LinkedIn profile, they need to come across as genuine and sincere rather than robotic or generic.

Tips for Writing Authentic Recommendations

  • Speak from Experience: When you write a LinkedIn recommendation, make sure you highlight specific instances where the person demonstrated their skills or qualities. This not only makes your endorsement more credible but also paints a vivid picture for anyone reading it.
  • Show Personality: Don’t shy away from letting some personality shine through in your writing! Remember that people connect with people – so keep the language conversational and relatable.
  • Avoid Jargon: While industry-specific terms might seem impressive, they can often alienate readers who aren’t familiar with them. Stick to clear and simple language that everyone can understand.

Along these lines, people often ask, “Can I use AI tools to help me write LinkedIn recommendations?” I would say, yes…but only as a starting point for inspiration. In other words, don’t just submit what the AI tool wrote. Consider it’s output as one of many LinkedIn recommendation examples that you can customize. Use the framework it gives you, but add personal details and your own voice.

10 Killer LinkedIn Recommendation Examples

Building a strong professional network is key to growing your professional career. Below are 10 LinkedIn Recommendation examples that will help you easily craft your next recommendation for just about anyone.

1. Recommendation For A Coworker:

“I highly recommend my coworker, John Doe, here at ABC Insurance! Over the past three years, he has demonstrated an impressive commitment to his job as a Commercial Lines Insurance Producer. He has consistently achieved outstanding sales growth and has even won the company incentive trip for 3 years in a row!

It’s clear that John goes above and beyond for his clients – As XYZ Company can attest to after the policy John put in place for them provided the entire amount of all the rental income they lost following a devastating fire to their apartment complex last year.

John’s enthusiasm for the job is infectious and it’s always a pleasure to work with him. If you are looking for someone to handle your business insurance needs – look no further than John!”

2. Recommendation For A Manager or Supervisor:

“If LinkedIn had a “Superhero” endorsement, I’d be hitting that button for Sue, our Sales Manager. With the finesse of a seasoned conductor, Sue directs our sales symphony, providing clear instructions and then stepping back to let us play our solos.

Her trust in our abilities isn’t just empowering, it’s downright liberating. I would probably not have won Salesperson of the Year without Sue at the helm.

So here’s to Sue, the Sales Manager, who knows that the secret to a great performance isn’t just about conducting, but about letting the musicians play their part. You don’t just make sales happen, Sue, you make magic happen.”

3. Recommendation For A Direct Report:

“If customer service was an Olympic sport, Brian would be standing on the top of the podium, gold medal around his neck, national anthem playing.

Brian has a magical knack for creating customer experiences that are nothing short of spectacular. He has a way of making customers feel like they’re the only ones in the room, or even the only ones in the world. It’s no surprise then that he consistently gets 10/10 on client satisfaction surveys. The way he handles customers, you’d think he was born with a headset on.

Brian is also leading the pack when it comes to client referrals. His team is currently at the top of the referral leaderboard and shows no signs of slowing down.

In short, Brian is the LeBron James of customer service – always delivering, always leading, and always making us all look good. So here’s to you, Brian, keep doing what you do best!”

4. Recommendation For A Client:

“In the manufacturing industry, speed and precision are crucial. LaShonda, owner of XYZ Manufacturing, has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver results that are not only precise but also remarkably timely. Her commitment to meeting deadlines without compromising on quality sets her apart in this competitive industry.

However, it’s not just her business acumen that deserves recognition. LaShonda’s dedication to making a positive impact in our community is truly inspiring. She has shown great compassion and leadership in serving the local homeless population, proving that her success extends far beyond the realm of business.

It’s rare to find a leader who is equally committed to excellence in their work and service to their community. LaShonda embodies these qualities perfectly, setting a shining example for us all. It is with great pride and admiration that I recommend LaShonda, a true asset to both XYZ Manufacturing and her community at large.”

5. Recommendation For A Business Partner:

“If loyalty was a currency, Frank would be a billionaire. He’s been the most steadfast partner one could ask for at our marketing company.

But let’s not forget his knack for reeling in the big fish. Remember the story about the one that got away? Well, in Frank’s case, they never do. He singlehandedly landed our biggest client, a feat worthy of a standing ovation and a parade down Main Street.

Here’s to you, Frank, my partner in crime, captain of industry, and the best darn business partner a person could ask for. You’re not just a colleague, you’re a rock star. Rock on, Frank, rock on.”

6. Recommendation For A Business Vendor:

“In the realm of payroll management, swift and accurate responses are paramount. Latoya, from ABC Payroll Company, exemplifies these traits in every aspect of her work. Her promptness in responding to the many questions I ask her each month is not just commendable, but a benchmark for others in the industry.

There was an instance when our company was on the precipice of a significant payroll mishap. Latoya’s expertise and quick thinking were instrumental in averting this potential disaster. She not only rectified the issue at hand but also ensured that we had processes in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Latoya’s professionalism, combined with her deep understanding of payroll management, makes her an invaluable asset for our company. Her ability to navigate through complex situations with ease and efficiency is truly impressive. I wholeheartedly recommend Latoya for her exceptional service in the payroll sector.”

7. Recommendation For A Mentor:

“I have had the privilege of having Steve as my mentor in the real estate industry, and let me tell you, his guidance is akin to finding a compass when you’re lost in the woods.

Steve embodies patience and wisdom, two qualities that are vital in the rollercoaster world of real estate. He has a knack for simplifying complex concepts, breaking them down into digestible insights. This, combined with his unwavering patience, makes learning from him an enriching experience.

Steve steps up when it matters the most. I vividly remember the time when I was on the brink of closing my first real estate deal. Steve guided me through each step, ensuring I didn’t just stumble across the finish line, but rather, crossed it with confidence.

Steve is the kind of mentor who doesn’t just show the path but walks it with you. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career in real estate. For those seeking a mentor who goes above and beyond, look no further than Steve.”

8. Recommendation For A Freelancer:

“Since Sia took the reins of video editing for my YouTube channel, things have been on an uphill climb. My videos went from “meh” to “wow”, and the subscribers just keep rolling in like they’re catching a wave. I mean, who knew transitions could be so smooth? Or that color grading could make such a difference? Well, Sia did.

And let’s not forget the time she turned around a video overnight for a last-minute upload. Talk about dedication!

So here’s a shout out to Sia, the video editing wizard who’s been the secret sauce behind my YouTube success. If there were Oscars for video editing, I’d be her biggest campaigner. Keep rocking, Sia!”

9. Recommendation For A Friend:

“Building an insurance agency from the ground up is no easy feat. It requires a blend of determination, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. My friend, Carl, embodies all these qualities and more.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Carl’s journey from the start. From his first client to the thriving agency he runs today, his hard work and dedication have been nothing short of inspirational.

He has an uncanny ability to foresee market trends and adapt accordingly, a skill that has undoubtedly contributed to his success. But what sets Carl apart is his genuine care for his clients. He’s not just selling insurance; he’s providing peace of mind, and that makes all the difference.

If you’re looking for someone who knows insurance like the back of their hand and cares deeply about their clients, look no further than Carl.”

10. Recommendation For A Student:

“In her time as a college intern with us at the law firm, Jenny demonstrated a level of professionalism and diligence that is rare to find, even amongst seasoned professionals.

One of Jenny’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to take initiative. She does not shy away from challenges but rather embraces them with a problem-solving mindset. Her intellectual curiosity coupled with her commitment to deliver high-quality work makes her an asset in any team.

A testament to Jenny’s capabilities was when she single-handedly tackled the daunting task of digitizing our extensive file system. Not only did she execute the project with minimal guidance, but she also completed it two weeks ahead of the scheduled deadline. This feat not only saved us time but also significantly improved our operational efficiency.

Jenny’s exemplary performance as an intern has left a lasting impression on all of us at the firm. If you are looking for a dedicated, proficient, and proactive professional, I cannot recommend Jenny enough.”

Click to Tweet

FAQs For How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation

How to write a great LinkedIn recommendation:

Highlight the person’s strengths and professional accomplishments, and provide examples of their professionalism and integrity.

How to write a simple LinkedIn recommendation:

Introduce the person, discuss their skills and achievements, and endorse them for their profession.

What’s a good knockout line for a LinkedIn recommendation?

End with a strong statement like “Their dedication to excellence sets them apart in our industry.”

Example of a recommendation:

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with [Name] who consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment, and their ability to connect with clients was remarkable.”

Conclusion

Want to help your colleagues and partners while also bolstering your own credibility? Learn how to write a LinkedIn recommendation that showcases their skills and makes you look good too.

Highlight their strengths, accomplishments, and commitment to excellence in a personalized message that will make them stand out from the crowd.

With these tips, you’ll be a LinkedIn recommendation pro in no time.

Posted in LinkedIn