A well-crafted recommendation not only showcases the skills and strengths of a colleague or employee, but also positively reflects on you as a professional. Let’s learn how to write it the best way possible!
Why LinkedIn recommendations matter
LinkedIn recommendations are a valuable component of building a strong profile. They serve as social proof of a person’s abilities and work ethic, acting like mini testimonials that can convince recruiters, potential employers, or business partners of someone’s credibility and reliability.
How recommendations boost credibility
A well-written recommendation provides an outside perspective on someone’s work ethic, soft skills, and professional accomplishments. They offer an insider’s view, showing how a person performed in real work situations. Recommendations also reflect the recommender’s judgment and professionalism, adding to their own credibility.
When and why to write a LinkedIn recommendation
When you’ve worked closely with someone, writing a LinkedIn recommendation should come naturally. Here are some situations where writing a recommendation makes sense:
- After completing a successful project together
- When a colleague is leaving your organization on good terms
- If a mentor has made a significant impact on your career
- When an employee has consistently delivered outstanding performance
How to structure a compelling recommendation
When structuring a LinkedIn recommendation, the goal is to provide a clear, concise, and engaging testimonial that captures the individual’s strengths. Here’s how to structure it effectively:
What details to include for maximum impact
1. Introduction – Start by introducing your relationship with the person.
Example: “I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for over three years at XYZ Corporation, where she led our marketing team.”
2. Highlight key skills and strengths – Focus on the specific skills and qualities that make the person stand out.
Example: “Sarah’s expertise in digital marketing was evident when she successfully led our rebranding campaign, increasing online engagement by 40% in just six months.”
3. Provide evidence or anecdotes – Use concrete examples to back up your claims.
Example: “Her ability to motivate her team during tight deadlines was exceptional. There was a time, when our workload exceeded the team’s capacities, yet she calmly managed multiple campaigns simultaneously, ensuring the fulfilment of our obligations.”
4. Conclusion – End with a strong closing statement that summarizes your recommendation.
Example: “I wholeheartedly recommend Sarah for any leadership position in marketing. Her passion, creativity, and commitment will undoubtedly lead to continued success.”
How to make the recommendation feel personal
To make your recommendation stand out, it’s essential to write it with authenticity. Personalize your recommendation by referring to specific projects, challenges, or accomplishments that the individual was involved in and highlighting their soft skills.
Examples of great LinkedIn recommendations
Writing a recommendation that is both concise and meaningful can be challenging. Here are some examples of effective recommendations tailored for different roles.
Short and practical recommendations for different roles
For a manager
“I worked with John for two years at ABC Corp, where he led our development team. John’s leadership was instrumental in streamlining our processes, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity. He was always supportive, offering guidance and solutions when needed. I highly recommend him for any senior management role.”
For a Project Manager
“As a project manager, Lisa demonstrated impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail. She effectively coordinated cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery of every project. Her ability to keep everyone focused and motivated is truly impressive.”
For a Junior Employee
“During the year I worked with Mark, he consistently showed eagerness to learn and take on new challenges. His technical skills, combined with a strong work ethic, made him a valuable asset to our team. I’m confident he will excel in any future endeavours.”
How to write a recommendation that stands out
To make your recommendation memorable, be specific, use action verbs and reflect on the person’s impact. If you follow all the steps mentioned and keep your recommendation concise, it is sure to catch many an eye!
