Mastering the Art of the LinkedIn Recommendation: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to solidify your professional network and boost someone’s career trajectory? A well-crafted LinkedIn recommendation is your secret weapon. Let’s cut to the chase:

How do I post a recommendation on LinkedIn?

It’s a straightforward process, but here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Navigate to the Profile: Go to the LinkedIn profile of the person you want to recommend. This is crucial, as the recommendation will be directly linked to their profile.
2. Locate the “More” Button: Scroll down to the “About” section of their profile. You will see a “More” button with three horizontal dots. Click on it.
3. Select “Recommend”: A dropdown menu will appear. Choose the “Recommend” option.
4. Confirm Your Relationship: LinkedIn will prompt you to confirm your working relationship with the person. Select the relevant option from the dropdown menu, such as “You worked together directly,” “You managed this person,” or “You reported to this person.” The accuracy of this selection is vital for authenticity.
5. Write Your Recommendation: A text box will appear. This is where your creativity shines. Compose a thoughtful and genuine recommendation, highlighting their key skills, achievements, and character traits.
6. Preview and Send: Once you’re satisfied with your recommendation, click the “Send” button. The recommendation will be submitted for their approval. The recipient will be notified and can choose to publish it, request revisions, or decline it.

That’s the core process. Now, let’s delve deeper into the nuances of crafting an impactful recommendation and addressing common questions.

Crafting a Killer LinkedIn Recommendation

A generic “Great to work with” recommendation isn’t going to cut it. You need to add substance and showcase the individual’s value. Here’s how to elevate your recommendation:

• Be Specific: Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying “John is a good worker,” say “John consistently exceeded sales targets by 20% in Q3 2023 due to his proactive approach and exceptional client relationship skills.” Quantifiable results always make a stronger impact.
• Highlight Key Skills: Focus on skills that are relevant to the person’s career aspirations. Review their profile to identify their stated skills and try to incorporate them naturally into your recommendation. For example, “Sarah’s expertise in project management was instrumental in delivering the project ahead of schedule and under budget.”
• Showcase Character Traits: Skills are important, but character traits demonstrate who the person is. Mention qualities like their work ethic, problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills, and leadership potential. “David’s positive attitude and unwavering dedication to teamwork made him an invaluable asset to the project.”
• Keep it Concise: While detail is important, avoid writing a novel. Aim for a recommendation that is informative yet concise – ideally, around 3-5 sentences.
• Proofread Carefully: Errors detract from your credibility. Review your recommendation for grammatical errors, typos, and clarity before sending it.
• Personalize It: Tailor your recommendation to the individual and the specific experience you shared. A generic recommendation feels insincere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LinkedIn Recommendations

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about giving and receiving recommendations on LinkedIn:

Q1: How do I request a recommendation on LinkedIn?

• Navigate to the profile of the person you want to request a recommendation from. Click the “More” button, and then select “Request a recommendation.” Fill out the form, specifying your working relationship and any specific points you’d like them to address. Personalizing your request increases the likelihood of receiving a positive and helpful recommendation.

Q2: What should I include in a request for a recommendation?

• Be clear about your relationship with the person and the role you’d like them to focus on. Provide specific examples of your accomplishments or skills that you’d like them to highlight. Consider reminding them of a specific project or collaboration where you excelled.

Q3: Can I edit a recommendation I’ve written?

• Yes, you can. Go to the person’s profile and find the recommendation you wrote. There should be an edit icon (usually a pencil) next to it. Click on it to make changes.

Q4: How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be?

• There’s no strict word limit, but ideally, aim for 3-5 sentences. It should be concise yet informative, highlighting key skills and achievements.

Q5: What if I don’t want to publish a recommendation I received?

• You have the option to hide or decline a recommendation. If you hide it, it won’t be visible on your profile, but the person who wrote it won’t be notified. If you decline it, the person who wrote it will be notified, and the recommendation will be removed. Consider requesting revisions before declining if possible.

Q6: Is there a limit to the number of recommendations I can give or receive?

• No, there’s no official limit. However, quality is more important than quantity. Focus on giving and receiving genuine and impactful recommendations.

Q7: Can I recommend someone I haven’t worked with directly?

• It’s generally best to recommend people you’ve worked with directly, as you can provide more specific and authentic insights. If you haven’t worked with someone directly, consider writing an endorsement instead, highlighting their skills.

Q8: How do I write a recommendation for a colleague who is also a friend?

• Maintain professionalism. While it’s okay to acknowledge your personal connection, focus on their professional skills and achievements. Avoid overly personal or informal language.

Q9: What’s the difference between a recommendation and an endorsement on LinkedIn?

• A recommendation is a written testimonial, providing a detailed account of someone’s skills, achievements, and character. An endorsement is a single-click affirmation of a specific skill listed on their profile. Recommendations carry significantly more weight due to their detail and personalized nature.

Q10: Should I write a recommendation for everyone who asks me to?

• No. Only write recommendations for people you genuinely believe in and can confidently endorse. A forced or insincere recommendation will be unhelpful and could even damage your credibility.

Q11: How can I use recommendations to improve my own LinkedIn profile?

• Actively solicit recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, and clients. Share your best recommendations on other platforms, such as your website or portfolio. Also, make sure that your profile is up-to-date and reflects the skills and achievements highlighted in your recommendations.

Q12: What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a LinkedIn recommendation?

• Vagueness: Avoid generic statements and focus on specific examples.
• Typos and grammatical errors: Always proofread carefully.
• Lack of personalization: Tailor your recommendation to the individual and your shared experiences.
• Exaggeration or dishonesty: Be truthful and authentic in your assessment.

By mastering the art of the LinkedIn recommendation, you can significantly impact your network, strengthen your professional relationships, and enhance your own online presence. It’s a powerful tool – use it wisely.