Crafting Killer LinkedIn Recommendations: A Masterclass
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation isn’t just about hitting a “recommend” button. It’s about crafting a powerful testament to someone’s skills, character, and contributions. It’s about elevating their professional brand and boosting their career prospects. The question, “How to write a recommendation on LinkedIn?” deserves a nuanced and strategic answer.
The core of a great LinkedIn recommendation lies in specificity, authenticity, and impact. Ditch the generic platitudes and dive into the details. Share concrete examples of how the individual excelled, highlighting their unique strengths and the positive results they achieved. Think of it as a mini-case study showcasing their professional prowess.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a recommendation that truly shines:
Start with a Strong Opening: Hook the reader with a compelling introduction that immediately establishes your relationship with the person and your enthusiasm for recommending them. Examples: “I had the distinct pleasure of working alongside [Name] at [Company] for [Number] years, and I can confidently say they are one of the most…” or “If you’re looking for a highly skilled [Job Title] with a proven track record of success, look no further than [Name].”
Specify Your Relationship: Clearly state your working relationship. Were you a colleague, manager, client, or mentor? This context adds credibility to your recommendation. Examples: “As [Name]’s direct supervisor,” or “I collaborated with [Name] on several key projects as a cross-functional team member,” or “I had the opportunity to mentor [Name] during their early career.”
Highlight 2-3 Key Skills or Qualities: Focus on the individual’s most impressive skills or qualities relevant to their profession. Avoid vague terms like “hardworking” or “team player.” Instead, be specific. For example, instead of “hardworking,” say “demonstrated exceptional dedication by consistently going above and beyond to meet deadlines.”
Provide Concrete Examples: This is where you truly set your recommendation apart. Back up your claims with specific examples of how the individual demonstrated those skills or qualities. Tell a story that illustrates their strengths. For example, “During the [Project Name] project, [Name] single-handedly resolved a critical technical challenge that saved the company [Amount] in potential losses.” or “I witnessed firsthand [Name]’s exceptional communication skills during a difficult negotiation with a major client, resulting in a mutually beneficial agreement.”
Quantify Their Impact (If Possible): Numbers speak volumes. If you can quantify the individual’s impact, do so. This makes your recommendation even more compelling. Examples: “Their marketing campaign increased lead generation by [Percentage] in just [Timeframe],” or “They streamlined the onboarding process, reducing employee training time by [Percentage].”
Address Their Character: Briefly mention their character traits. Are they reliable, dedicated, a good communicator, or a problem-solver? These qualities are just as important as technical skills. Example: “[Name] is not only a highly skilled professional but also a genuinely supportive and collaborative colleague.”
End with a Strong Endorsement: Conclude your recommendation with a strong endorsement that reinforces your belief in the individual’s abilities. Example: “I wholeheartedly recommend [Name] for any role requiring [Skills]. They would be a valuable asset to any organization.” or “I highly recommend [Name] without reservation. They are a true professional and a pleasure to work with.”
Proofread Carefully: Before submitting, carefully proofread your recommendation for any errors in grammar or spelling. A polished recommendation reflects well on both you and the person you’re recommending.
Mastering LinkedIn Recommendations: FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions to further enhance your ability to write impactful LinkedIn recommendations:
1. How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be?
There’s no magic number, but aim for quality over quantity. A good recommendation is typically between 3-5 paragraphs, focusing on specific examples rather than lengthy descriptions. Keep it concise and impactful. A shorter, well-written recommendation is always better than a long, rambling one.
2. Should I write a recommendation even if I don’t know the person well?
It’s generally best to only recommend people you know well and have worked with directly. If you don’t have firsthand experience with their skills and contributions, your recommendation will lack credibility. However, if you’ve had some interaction, perhaps in a mentoring role or through project collaborations, you can still offer a recommendation based on your observations. Be transparent about the extent of your interaction.
3. What if I’m not a strong writer?
Don’t let a lack of confidence in your writing skills hold you back. Focus on being authentic and specific. Use simple language and avoid jargon. Brainstorm a few key points you want to make and then organize them into a logical structure. Ask a friend or colleague to proofread your recommendation before submitting it.
4. How do I politely decline a request for a recommendation?
Be honest and professional. You can say something like, “Thank you for thinking of me. While I appreciate the request, I don’t feel I have enough direct experience working with you to provide a meaningful recommendation at this time. I wish you the best in your job search.” Alternatively, if you are truly swamped you could say, “Thank you for the request, unfortunately, I am unable to at this time, but wish you all the best in your career”.
5. Can I ask someone to write a recommendation for me?
Absolutely! It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for recommendations from colleagues, managers, clients, or mentors. When asking, be specific about what you’d like them to focus on in their recommendation. Provide them with relevant information about your accomplishments and skills. This makes it easier for them to write a compelling recommendation for you.
6. What should I do if someone asks me to write a recommendation but I don’t have a positive experience to share?
This is a tricky situation. It’s generally best to politely decline. Writing a negative recommendation can be damaging to both you and the person you’re recommending. You can explain that you don’t feel you’re the right person to provide a recommendation at this time.
7. How often should I write recommendations on LinkedIn?
There’s no set rule. Focus on quality over quantity. Write recommendations for people whose work you genuinely admire and whose skills you can confidently vouch for. Don’t feel obligated to write a recommendation for everyone who asks.
8. Should I mention negative aspects in a recommendation?
Generally, no. A recommendation is meant to highlight positive qualities and achievements. If you have concerns about the person’s performance, it’s best to address them directly with the individual rather than including them in a public recommendation.
9. How do I write a recommendation for someone who is changing careers?
Focus on transferable skills and qualities. Highlight their adaptability, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and any relevant experience that translates to their new career path. Emphasize their willingness to learn and their passion for their new field.
10. Can I edit a recommendation after I’ve submitted it?
No, unfortunately, you cannot directly edit a recommendation after you’ve submitted it. However, you can ask the person you recommended to request a revision. They can then edit the recommendation and resubmit it.
11. What’s the difference between an endorsement and a recommendation on LinkedIn?
Endorsements are a quick way to acknowledge someone’s skills, while recommendations are more detailed testimonials. Endorsements are one-click confirmations of specific skills, while recommendations are written statements that provide context and examples. Recommendations carry more weight and credibility than endorsements.
12. How do I format a recommendation for optimal readability?
Use short paragraphs and bullet points (if appropriate) to break up the text and make it easier to read. Use bolding to highlight key skills and achievements. Proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A well-formatted recommendation is more likely to be read and appreciated.
By following these guidelines, you can craft LinkedIn recommendations that are not only informative and persuasive but also truly valuable to the individuals you’re recommending. Remember, a great recommendation is an investment in someone else’s success, and it can also enhance your own professional reputation.
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