In today’s professional world, LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume. It’s a powerful tool for networking, building credibility, and opening doors to new opportunities. One of the most underestimated features of LinkedIn is the recommendations section. A well-crafted recommendation can speak volumes about your skills, work ethic, and character—sometimes even more than your listed achievements. In this article, we’ll explore example recommendations on LinkedIn and how they can make a real difference in your career.
Why LinkedIn recommendations matter
LinkedIn recommendations are testimonials from colleagues, supervisors, or clients that highlight your strengths and contributions. They offer social proof to anyone viewing your profile, showing that real people vouch for your abilities. This is especially important when you’re job hunting, seeking freelance work, or trying to grow your professional network. Unlike endorsements, which are often one-click gestures, recommendations are personal and detailed. They provide context and examples, making them much more impactful.
Types of example recommendations on LinkedIn
When thinking about what kind of recommendation to request or give, it helps to know the common types. Here are some examples:
1. supervisor recommendations: These focus on your performance under a manager’s guidance. They highlight your accomplishments, reliability, and ability to handle responsibility. For example: “During her time at our company, Jane consistently exceeded expectations. Her project management skills and attention to detail helped our team deliver critical initiatives ahead of schedule.”
2. peer recommendations: Colleagues can offer insights into your teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. For instance: “Working with Mark on multiple client projects was a pleasure. He always brings creative solutions and fosters a positive environment, which makes collaboration effortless.”
3. client or customer recommendations: These show your impact from an external perspective, proving your value to those who benefit directly from your work. An example might read: “We partnered with Alex on a six-month campaign, and his strategic approach resulted in a 30% increase in engagement. His professionalism and responsiveness were outstanding.”
4. mentorship or coaching recommendations: If you’ve guided someone or been guided, these recommendations reflect your ability to inspire, teach, and lead. A sample could be: “Samantha’s mentorship transformed my approach to leadership. Her insights and encouragement helped me grow professionally in ways I hadn’t imagined.”
Tips for crafting the perfect LinkedIn recommendation
Writing a recommendation can feel tricky, but following a few key guidelines makes it easier and more effective.
- Be specific: Vague praise doesn’t carry much weight. Mention projects, achievements, or qualities that make the person stand out.
- Tell a story: Sharing a brief anecdote or example helps readers understand the context of your praise.
- Focus on impact: Highlight how the person contributed to a team, project, or organization. Results matter.
- Keep it concise: Aim for three to five sentences. Enough detail to be meaningful, but short enough to be easily read.
- Personalize: Avoid generic statements. Tailor your recommendation to reflect the individual’s unique strengths and personality.
How to request a recommendation on LinkedIn
It’s common to feel hesitant about asking for recommendations, but most people are happy to help if you approach them thoughtfully. When requesting a recommendation:
- Choose the right person—someone who knows your work well.
- Be clear about what you’d like highlighted. For example, mention a specific project or skill.
- Keep your message polite and professional. A short note expressing your appreciation and explaining why their input matters usually works best.
Leveraging LinkedIn recommendations for career growth
Once you have strong recommendations, make the most of them. Share your profile with recruiters, include links in your portfolio, and mention notable recommendations in interviews. They not only strengthen your profile but also differentiate you from other candidates. People are more likely to trust someone with visible endorsements from credible sources.
