Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to move your recommendations section higher up on your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn allows you to customize the order of sections on your profile page. Simply go to your profile, click “Edit profile” and then use the drag and drop feature to rearrange sections. Move the recommendations section above other items like experience and education to give it more prominence.
Why Move Recommendations Up?
Here are some key reasons why you may want to move your LinkedIn recommendations above your experience and education:
Increased Visibility
Moving recommendations higher means they will be more visible to anyone viewing your profile. Since many people quickly skim profiles, placing them above the fold increases the chances of them being seen and read.
Social Proof
Recommendations act as social proof and peer endorsements. Putting them high up leverages the power of social validation. Profiles with lots of recommendations tend to look more impressive.
Supports Skills and Summary
Recommendations often validate the skills, accomplishments and strengths outlined in your summary and skills sections. Moving recommendations up allows them to provide supporting evidence.
Encourages More Recommendations
Higher visibility of your recommendations section can encourage profile visitors to add their own recommendations. This helps you build up your credibility on LinkedIn.
Professional Branding
For many job seekers, the LinkedIn profile serves as an online resume and personal branding tool. Prioritizing recommendations helps strengthen your professional brand and reputation.
How to Move the Recommendations Section
Moving your recommendations section higher up your LinkedIn profile only takes a few simple steps:
Step 1 – Access Edit Profile Mode
Click on the “Me” icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage and select “View profile.” Then click the “Edit profile” button located along the top toolbar. This will put you into edit mode.
Step 2 – Find Recommendations Section
Scroll down your profile page until you find the recommendations section. On most profiles it is positioned towards the bottom.
Step 3 – Click Reorder Icon
Hover your mouse over the recommendations section and click the three dots “reorder” icon that appears.
Step 4 – Drag and Drop Recommendations
This will open your profile in drag and drop editing mode. Click and drag the recommendations section to the desired position higher up your profile page.
Step 5 – Save Changes
Once you have dragged recommendations into place, click “Save” to lock in the new order. The recommendations will now appear in the position you selected.
Tips for Managing Your Recommendations
Here are some additional tips for leveraging recommendations on your LinkedIn profile:
Craft a Strong Recommendation Request
When asking for a new recommendation, be specific about why you are asking and provide reminders of projects and accomplishments you worked on together. This helps the person write a more detailed endorsement.
Collect Recommendations Regularly
Don’t just ask for recommendations as a one-time activity. Think of it as an ongoing process and reach out whenever you complete projects or collaborate with new connections.
Show Appreciation
When you receive a recommendation, share it on LinkedIn and be sure to thank the person for taking the time to endorse you. Offer to provide them a recommendation in return.
Give Recommendations
The more recommendations you give out, the more likely people are to reciprocate with one for you. Make endorsing colleagues a regular habit.
Solicit Recommendations from Higher Ups
Getting recommendations from executives or senior leaders you have worked with can be particularly impactful. Don’t be afraid to request them.
Pro Tips for Maximizing LinkedIn Recommendations
Here are some pro tips for taking your LinkedIn recommendations to the next level:
Spotlight Specific Recommendations
Use the options in the recommendations section to toggle certain ones as “featured” to give them special visibility. Choose strategically based on who provided it.
Remove Outdated or Irrelevant Recommendations
Don’t allow recommendations from past jobs or projects to clutter your profile – edit and remove any that are no longer relevant.
Choose a Cover Photo Showcasing Your Expertise
Your cover photo is valuable real estate. Select an image that conveys your skills and experience.
Craft an Impactful Profile Headline
Your headline appears right below your name. Use power words and key terms to make it descriptive.
Personalize Invitation Messages
When requesting recommendations, customize the language in LinkedIn’s pre-populated messages to make it more personal and authentic.
Potential Downsides of Prioritizing Recommendations
While highlighting recommendations can have benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
Dilutes Other Important Profile Sections
Giving recommendations prime placement means sections like your summary, experience and education get pushed down. This may reduce their visibility.
Appears Overly Self-Promotional
Heavy focus on recommendations may seem boastful or self-congratulatory if not balanced out with other content.
Creates Logical Inconsistency
Experience and education build skills – so it can seem odd positioning recommendations higher up than these fundamental sections.
Reduces Context
Recommendations have more weight when presented in conjunction with your actual work and education history providing context.
Data and Metrics Often More Powerful
For some industries, quantitative data and metrics about your performance may be more impressive than recommendations alone.
Conclusion
Prioritizing your LinkedIn recommendations section by moving it above your experience and education sections can help increase their visibility and impact. This leverages recommendations as social proof and can strengthen your professional brand. However, be sure to balance this with other profile content. Thoughtfully showcase the recommendations that are most relevant while telling your full story. The optimal LinkedIn profile mixes and matches sections carefully, with recommendations as one powerful element when effectively positioned.