How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation: Tips & Examples

Learn how to write impactful LinkedIn recommendations with tips, examples, and best practices to boost your professional credibility.
How to write a Great Linkedin Recommendation

LinkedIn recommendations are important for creating professional profiles. They provide testimonials that highlight a person's skills and qualities. These recommendations act as proof of someone's abilities and character, giving insights into their professional behavior. Writing compelling LinkedIn recommendations is not just about showcasing someone's strengths, but also about building credibility and trust within your network.

However, there may be times when you need to block someone on LinkedIn for reasons like inappropriate behavior or spammy interactions. This action can help keep your professional network intact and ensure that your profile stays focused on your strengths.

On the other hand, if you want to take a break from LinkedIn, you might want to consider deactivating your account. This process allows you to temporarily step back from the platform while still keeping your data for future use.

Key takeaway: Well-crafted recommendations can greatly impact your professional reputation and increase your chances of being recognized for your talents. They provide a glimpse into your work ethic, expertise, and interpersonal skills, making them an essential part of a strong LinkedIn profile.

Understanding LinkedIn Recommendations

LinkedIn recommendations are personalized testimonials written by one user to endorse another’s professional skills, character, or work ethic. They serve as more detailed and meaningful endorsements compared to the simple skill endorsements on LinkedIn, which only require a click to confirm a particular skill.

Definition and Purpose

  • Definition: A LinkedIn recommendation is a written statement that highlights specific experiences or qualities of a professional connection. It reflects your direct knowledge or experience working with the person.
  • Purpose: These recommendations act as social proof on your profile, showcasing real-world examples of your abilities and professionalism. They contribute to building your credibility by providing insights beyond what resumes or endorsements can offer.

How Recommendations Differ from Endorsements

  • Endorsements focus on validating skills listed on a profile through quick confirmations by connections.
  • Recommendations provide context, stories, and personalized praise that explain why those skills matter.
  • Recommendations require thoughtful writing, making them more impactful in demonstrating trustworthiness and expertise.

The Role of Recommendations in Building Credibility

People browsing profiles look for authentic evidence of someone’s talents and work style. Well-written recommendations:

  1. Increase trust among potential employers, clients, or collaborators.
  2. Highlight soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in action.
  3. Provide nuanced perspectives that resonate better than generic endorsements.

How to Recommend People on LinkedIn

To write an effective recommendation or learn how to write a good LinkedIn recommendation, consider these steps:

  1. Go to the profile of the person you want to recommend.
  2. Click on the “More” button (…).
  3. Select “Recommend.”
  4. Choose your relationship and position at the time you worked together.
  5. Write a personalized message focusing on their strengths and your experience.

This process not only helps others understand what makes this person stand out but also boosts their professional reputation.

Examples and Best Practices

Looking at best LinkedIn recommendations examples reveals common traits:

  • Clear identification of how you know the person.
  • Specific achievements or qualities highlighted.
  • Concise yet expressive language.

These elements help craft genuine recommendations that get noticed.

Knowing how to add recommendation on LinkedIn is just the start; knowing what to say differentiates an average profile from one that truly shines through authentic feedback.

Key Elements of a Great LinkedIn Recommendation

Great Linkedin Recommendation

Writing a standout LinkedIn recommendation begins with crafting a catchy opener. This first sentence sets the tone and captures attention. You want to engage the reader immediately by highlighting something memorable about the person. It could be an impressive achievement, a unique trait, or your overall impression. For example:

"Working alongside Sarah was a game-changer for our entire marketing team."

This kind of opening invites curiosity and encourages further reading.

Next, clarifying the relationship between you and the individual provides essential context. LinkedIn recommendations carry more weight when readers understand how you know the person and in what capacity you've interacted. Mention your role relative to theirs—whether as a manager, colleague, client, or mentor—and the duration or nature of your collaboration.

Example phrases include:

  • "As Sarah’s direct supervisor for three years..."
  • "I had the pleasure of collaborating with John on multiple product launches..."

This transparency helps establish credibility for your recommendation.

Focus extensively on highlighting specific skills and qualities that make them stand out professionally. Avoid vague compliments like "hardworking" or "great team player" without examples. Instead, name particular strengths backed by evidence or anecdotes. This makes your recommendation authentic and valuable.

Consider emphasizing:

  • Technical skills: "Her expertise in data analysis transformed how we approach market research."
  • Interpersonal qualities: "John’s ability to mediate conflicts kept our projects on track during high-pressure moments."
  • Results-driven achievements: "Thanks to his leadership, sales increased by 30% over six months."

A clear focus on these attributes creates a powerful impact.

Sample LinkedIn Recommendation Template

[Catchy Opener]
I worked closely with [Name] as their [Your Role] at [Company], where we collaborated for [Duration].
Their exceptional [Skill #1] and [Skill #2] consistently impressed me. One instance that stands out is when [Brief Example or Anecdote].
Beyond technical abilities, [Name]'s [Personal Quality] made them an invaluable asset to our team.

This template guides you through how to write a recommendation on LinkedIn effectively while ensuring it remains personal and relevant.

You can adapt this structure whether you're preparing a sample recommendation on LinkedIn for a colleague, supervisor, or client. Emphasizing concrete examples within your recommendation sample in LinkedIn strengthens trustworthiness and showcases genuine appreciation.

Focusing on these key elements guarantees your LinkedIn recommendation will resonate with readers and reflect well on both you and the person you're endorsing.

Crafting Effective LinkedIn Recommendations

When writing a LinkedIn recommendation, it's important to remember that your words have the power to influence how others perceive the person you're recommending. To make your recommendation stand out and truly reflect the individual's strengths, consider the following tips:

Use Relevant Examples

Instead of simply stating someone's skills or qualities, try to incorporate specific examples or anecdotes that demonstrate those traits in action. This not only makes your recommendation more relatable but also provides concrete evidence of the person's abilities. For instance, instead of saying "John is a great leader," you could say "During our project together, John took charge and successfully motivated the team to meet tight deadlines."

Keep It Concise

While it's tempting to include every detail about why you think highly of someone, remember that most readers skim through recommendations. To ensure your message gets across effectively, focus on the key points you want to convey and keep your recommendation concise. Aim for 3-5 short paragraphs that highlight the person's main strengths and achievements.

Be Sincere

Authenticity is key when writing recommendations. Avoid using generic phrases or buzzwords that may come across as insincere. Instead, write from the heart and express your genuine thoughts about the person you're recommending. This sincerity will resonate with readers and make your recommendation more impactful.

By following these guidelines, you can craft effective LinkedIn recommendations that truly capture the essence of the individuals you're endorsing. Remember, a well-written recommendation has the potential to open doors and create opportunities for others!

Common Themes in LinkedIn Recommendations

Common Theme on Linkedin Recommendation

1. Leadership Abilities

Recommendations often highlight an individual's capacity to lead effectively, inspire others, and drive projects to successful outcomes.

Example: "John demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by spearheading a cross-functional team to achieve record-breaking sales targets."

2. Teamwork

Collaboration and teamwork skills are commonly praised in recommendations, showcasing how well an individual works with others towards shared goals.

Example: "Sarah's strong teamwork ethic was evident in her ability to foster a positive team dynamic and deliver outstanding results on group projects."

3. Problem-Solving Skills

Recommendations frequently emphasize an individual's aptitude for solving complex issues, thinking critically, and adapting to challenges.

Example: "Michael's exceptional problem-solving skills were instrumental in resolving key operational issues, demonstrating his resourcefulness and analytical mindset."

By focusing on these key themes in your LinkedIn recommendations, you can provide valuable insights into an individual's professional strengths and qualities that set them apart in the eyes of potential employers or business partners.

Tailoring Recommendations for Different Relationships

Crafting tailored recommendations based on the nature of your relationship with the individual is crucial in showcasing their strengths effectively. By highlighting relevant qualities and experiences that align with the specific role they have played in your professional journey, you can create impactful recommendations that resonate with the readers. Remember to personalize each recommendation to capture the essence of your connection and the unique contributions of the individual you are recommending.

Here are some tips on how to tailor your recommendations for different relationships:

When recommending colleagues on a team:

  • Focus on teamwork skills and collaboration abilities.
  • Highlight specific projects where their contributions were valuable.
  • Mention their positive attitude and willingness to help others.

When recommending supervisors or bosses:

  • Emphasize leadership qualities and strategic decision-making skills.
  • Discuss how they have mentored and supported your professional growth.
  • Provide examples of their effective communication and guidance.

When recommending mentors or advisors:

  • Acknowledge their role in your career development and personal growth.
  • Describe how their advice has positively impacted your decisions.
  • Share specific instances where their mentorship was invaluable.

Examples of Effective LinkedIn Recommendations

Real-life linkedin recommendation examples reveal how the nature of your relationship shapes the content and tone of your testimonial. Whether you’re recommending collaborators on projects, clients or business partners, tailoring your message adds authenticity and impact.

1. Recommendation for a Colleague or Collaborator on Projects

"I had the pleasure of working alongside Jane during a complex product launch. Her strategic thinking and ability to coordinate cross-functional teams made a significant difference in meeting tight deadlines. Jane’s clear communication and dedication stood out throughout our collaboration."

This example highlights specific skills and project-related achievements, reflecting a professional partnership.

2. Recommendation for a Client or Business Partner

"Partnering with Alex has been instrumental in growing our market reach. His deep industry knowledge and proactive approach helped us navigate challenges smoothly. I value his integrity and commitment to delivering results consistently."

Such linkedin testimonial examples emphasize trust, reliability, and business outcomes central to client relationships.

3. Recommendation for a Supervisor or Manager

"Working under Maria’s leadership was inspiring. She fosters a supportive environment that encourages innovation while holding the team accountable to high standards. Her mentorship helped me develop key skills that advanced my career."

This style focuses on leadership qualities and personal growth experienced within that supervisory relationship.

4. Recommendation for an Employee or Direct Report

"Tom is a highly motivated professional who consistently delivers quality work ahead of schedule. His problem-solving skills and positive attitude boost team morale, making him an invaluable asset."

Good linkedin recommendation examples like this underline dependability and contributions from a managerial perspective.

Among reference linkedin examples, these 14 best linkedin recommendation examples cover diverse roles and relationships, demonstrating how specificity and sincerity create compelling endorsements. When you recommend on linkedin examples like these, you ensure your message resonates clearly with prospective connections reviewing profiles.

Mistakes to Avoid in LinkedIn Recommendations

When writing a LinkedIn recommendation, certain pitfalls can undermine your message and reduce its impact. Being aware of these common mistakes helps you create authentic and valuable content.

1. Generic Content

Avoid vague phrases like “great team player” or “hard worker” without specifics. Generic content lacks personality and fails to highlight what truly sets the person apart. To write a LinkedIn recommendation that stands out, focus on unique achievements or skills. For example, instead of saying “John is a good manager,” describe how John successfully led a complex project under tight deadlines.

2. Lengthiness

Lengthy recommendations risk losing the reader’s attention. Keep your writing concise and focused. Aim for clear sentences that deliver your main points quickly. If you wonder how do I write a recommendation on LinkedIn effectively, remember that quality beats quantity every time.

3. Insincerity

Recommendations that sound forced or overly flattering can come across as insincere. Authenticity is key to credibility. When writing a LinkedIn recommendation, express genuine appreciation based on real experiences. Avoid exaggerations or generic praise just to fill space.

4. Ignoring Relationship Context

Failing to clarify your connection to the person weakens your recommendation’s trustworthiness. Always mention how you know them — whether as a supervisor, colleague, or client.

5. Not Tailoring Content

Using one-size-fits-all LinkedIn recommendation samples might be tempting but rarely works well. Tailor your words to reflect the individual’s specific strengths and contributions.

Being mindful of these factors will improve how you approach how to make a recommendation on LinkedIn and help ensure your recommendations truly support professional reputations.

Well-crafted LinkedIn recommendations play a pivotal role in shaping your professional reputation and unlocking new career opportunities.

Remember, your reputation isn’t just built on your own words—it’s equally shaped by what others say about you. When you give thoughtful, detailed recommendations, you not only support your peers but also boost your own credibility. These testimonials act as social proof of your skills, work ethic, and character, impacting how others perceive you on LinkedIn and beyond.

Take the initiative to ask for recommendations from colleagues, mentors, clients, or managers. At the same time, offer sincere and specific endorsements to those you've collaborated with. This reciprocal effort strengthens professional ties and significantly enhances your profile’s visibility. A strong portfolio of recommendations can elevate your credibility and help you stand out in your field.

Start investing in meaningful LinkedIn recommendations today to elevate your personal brand and open new doors to career advancement.

Supercharge Your LinkedIn Presence with HyperClapper

HyperClapper

To streamline and amplify your recommendation strategy, consider using HyperClapper, a powerful tool designed to optimize your LinkedIn growth. Here's how HyperClapper can help:

  • AI-Powered Personalization: Generates smart, custom LinkedIn outreach messages and recommendations tailored to your tone and audience.
  • Automated Workflows: Schedule, send, and track recommendations and connection requests with ease.
  • LinkedIn Engagement Analytics: Gain real-time insights into how your recommendations and interactions are boosting your profile’s reach.
  • Performance Optimization: A/B test different recommendation formats to identify what resonates best.
  • Compliance-Friendly Automation: Grows your network responsibly while staying aligned with LinkedIn’s guidelines.

With HyperClapper, you can transform your recommendation strategy from a manual task into a data-driven growth engine—helping you build a stronger LinkedIn brand faster and more efficiently.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a LinkedIn recommendation and why is it important?

A LinkedIn recommendation is a personalized written testimonial that highlights an individual's professional skills, qualities, and accomplishments. It serves as authentic evidence of credibility and expertise, helping to build trust with potential employers, clients, or collaborators.

How do LinkedIn recommendations differ from endorsements?

While endorsements validate specific skills listed on a LinkedIn profile through quick clicks, recommendations are detailed, personalized statements that provide deeper insights into a person's abilities, work ethic, and character.

What are the key elements of writing an effective LinkedIn recommendation?

An effective LinkedIn recommendation includes a catchy opener, relevant examples demonstrating skills or achievements, concise and sincere language, and tailoring the content based on your relationship with the person being recommended.

How can I tailor a LinkedIn recommendation for different professional relationships?

When recommending colleagues, focus on teamwork and collaboration skills; for supervisors or bosses, emphasize leadership and strategic decision-making; for mentors or advisors, acknowledge their role in career development and personal growth.

What common mistakes should I avoid when writing LinkedIn recommendations?

Avoid generic content lacking specificity, overly lengthy recommendations that lose reader interest, insincere or forced praise, neglecting to clarify your relationship with the person, and using one-size-fits-all templates without tailoring the message.

Can you provide examples of effective LinkedIn recommendations?

Yes. For example: "I had the pleasure of working alongside Jane during a complex project where her leadership ensured success." Or "Partnering with Alex has been instrumental in growing our market presence due to his strategic insight." Such examples highlight specific contributions and qualities authentically.