How to Write a Recommendation on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, offers a unique feature that allows users to write recommendations for their colleagues, business partners, or anyone they've had a professional relationship with. This feature is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance a person's professional credibility and visibility. However, writing a compelling recommendation can be a daunting task for many. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to write a compelling LinkedIn recommendation.

Understanding the Importance of LinkedIn Recommendations

Before we delve into the specifics of writing a LinkedIn recommendation, it's crucial to understand why they are so important. LinkedIn recommendations serve as testimonials that validate a person's professional skills and experiences. They provide a glimpse into the person's work ethics, performance, and professional relationships, which can be a deciding factor for potential employers or clients.

Moreover, a well-written recommendation can significantly enhance a person's LinkedIn profile. It can help them stand out among their peers and increase their chances of being noticed by recruiters or potential business partners. Therefore, taking the time to write a thoughtful and detailed recommendation can have a profound impact on someone's professional journey.

Key Elements of a LinkedIn Recommendation

A LinkedIn recommendation should be concise, specific, and genuine. It should highlight the person's key skills and achievements and provide specific examples of their performance. Here are some key elements that should be included in a LinkedIn recommendation:

Relationship with the Person

Start by explaining how you know the person. This could be through a professional relationship, such as being colleagues or business partners, or through a personal connection. This provides context to your recommendation and establishes your credibility as a recommender.

For example, you could say, "I had the pleasure of working with John as a colleague at XYZ Company for three years" or "I have known Jane personally for five years and have always admired her dedication and hard work."

Person's Skills and Achievements

Highlight the person's key skills and achievements. Be specific and provide examples wherever possible. This will make your recommendation more credible and impactful.

For instance, you could say, "During our time at XYZ Company, John consistently exceeded his sales targets and played a key role in securing major clients for our team" or "Jane's excellent communication skills and innovative thinking have significantly contributed to the success of our projects."

Personal Attributes

Don't forget to mention the person's personal attributes that make them a great professional. This could include their work ethic, leadership skills, or ability to work well under pressure. Again, be specific and provide examples.

For example, you could say, "John's dedication and commitment to his work are truly commendable. He often stayed late to ensure that our projects were completed on time" or "Jane's positive attitude and ability to motivate her team members have greatly contributed to our team's morale and productivity."

Writing the Recommendation

Now that you know what to include in a LinkedIn recommendation, let's discuss how to write one. Here are some steps to guide you:

Start with a Strong Opening

Your opening sentence should immediately grab the reader's attention. It should be compelling and set the tone for the rest of your recommendation. For example, you could start with something like, "It's rare that you come across standout talent like John" or "Jane is a person with boundless energy and enthusiasm."

Provide Specific Examples

As mentioned earlier, providing specific examples can make your recommendation more credible and impactful. Try to recall specific instances where the person demonstrated their skills or achieved something significant. This could be a successful project they led, a problem they solved, or a challenging situation they handled well.

End with a Strong Closing

Your closing sentence should leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should reinforce your recommendation and express your confidence in the person's abilities. For example, you could say, "I have no doubt that John will be an asset to any team" or "I highly recommend Jane for any position or endeavor that she may seek to pursue."

Reviewing and Sending the Recommendation

Before you send your recommendation, take the time to review it. Check for any spelling or grammar errors and make sure that your sentences flow well. Also, ensure that your recommendation is concise and to the point. A lengthy recommendation may not be as effective as a concise one that highlights the person's key skills and achievements.

Once you're satisfied with your recommendation, you can send it through LinkedIn. The person will receive a notification and can choose to display your recommendation on their LinkedIn profile. Remember, a well-written recommendation can significantly enhance a person's professional credibility and visibility, so take the time to write a thoughtful and detailed one.

Conclusion

Writing a LinkedIn recommendation requires thoughtfulness and a clear understanding of the person's skills and achievements. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can write a compelling recommendation that will truly reflect the person's professional abilities and contributions. Remember, your recommendation can make a significant difference in someone's professional journey, so make it count.