LinkedIn, the professional networking platform used by over 800 million members, has long been known for its robust recommendations feature. Recommendations allow LinkedIn members to endorse the skills and qualities of other members, providing valuable social proof for their capabilities. But does LinkedIn still have recommendations in 2023? The short answer is yes, recommendations are still a core part of the LinkedIn experience.
The importance of LinkedIn recommendations
Recommendations serve several key functions on LinkedIn:
- They validate skills, accomplishments and work ethic.
- They build credibility and trust between connections.
- They help members stand out in job searches, partnership opportunities, and more.
- They recognize colleagues for their efforts and contributions.
In a professional world where reputation and relationships are everything, LinkedIn recommendations offer valuable third-party endorsement. They go beyond resume items to highlight actual demonstrated abilities. For job seekers, skills backed by recommendations can give an edge over other candidates. For businesses, recommendations add credibility and showcase a strong professional network.
The recommendation process on LinkedIn
Giving and receiving recommendations on LinkedIn involves a simple, standardized process:
- To recommend someone, visit their LinkedIn profile and click “Add profile section” > “Recommendations.”
- Enter the name of the person you want to recommend and the relationship context (co-worker, classmate, etc).
- Write your recommendation highlight key accomplishments, strengths, and capabilities.
- Click “Send” to complete the recommendation.
To request a recommendation:
- Go to your own profile and click “Add profile section” > “Recommendations.”
- Enter the name of the person you want to request a recommendation from.
- Compose a message explaining why you value their recommendation.
- Click “Send” to send the request.
Once requested, the person can accept and write a recommendation to be featured on your profile. LinkedIn recommendations are mutually beneficial for building professional trust and credibility.
Key facts about LinkedIn recommendations
Here are some key facts about recommendations on LinkedIn as of 2023:
- There are over 10 billion recommendations currently on LinkedIn.
- The average number of recommendations per LinkedIn member is 10.19.
- Receiving recommendations boosts your LinkedIn profile views.
- Recommendations factor into your LinkedIn profile’s “All Star” ranking algorithm.
- Skills backed by recommendations are highlighted in LinkedIn search.
- Employers value recommendations 9% more than having an advanced degree.
- Recommendations boost impressions for promoted Sponsored Content.
Who can give LinkedIn recommendations?
Here are the eligibility rules around who can give and receive recommendations on LinkedIn:
- You must be connected directly to someone to recommend them.
- You can request recommendations from anyone, but they must accept before it’s featured.
- You can recommend previous co-workers, colleagues, clients, vendors, supervisors, etc.
- Self-recommendations are not allowed on LinkedIn.
- Recommendation requests should be personalized with context.
- You can recommend people even if they haven’t yet recommended you.
New developments with LinkedIn recommendations
LinkedIn is continually making improvements to recommendations and how they work. Here are some of the latest updates:
- Skill recommendations – endorse specific skills, not just general capabilities.
- Automated reminders – to request recommendations from connections.
- AI validation – using technology to detect fraudulent recommendations.
- Reminder analytics – data on which reminders trigger recommendations.
- Search by skills – easily find people to request recommendations from.
- One-click requests – simplified recommendation requesting method.
LinkedIn is making recommendations more prominent, more transparent, and easier to leverage effectively. This increases their value for showcasing professional capabilities.
Tips for getting great LinkedIn recommendations
Here are some best practices for getting awesome LinkedIn recommendations that boost your profile:
- Recommend others first – this reciprocity encourages quality recommendations.
- Request recommendations from influential connections.
- Choose connections who know your work well.
- Suggest 2-3 accomplishments or skills to highlight.
- Follow up if you haven’t received a response.
- Keep requests brief but personalized.
- Target a new recommendation every month.
- Monitor your recommendations for unwanted content.
The value of quality over quantity
When building your recommendations on LinkedIn, focus on quality over quantity. A few detailed, enthusiastic recommendations carry more weight than generic praise. Here are some hallmarks of high-quality, impactful recommendations:
- Specific examples and stories about your work
- Details about key projects, accomplishments, and contributions
- First-hand accounts of your skills and work ethic
- Recommendations corroborating the same capabilities
- Recommendations from respected, influential sources
- Recent recommendations aligned with your current goals
Prioritize meaningful recommendations that showcase the most relevant skills for your personal branding and career aspirations right now. A few fantastic recommendations can go further than a dozen mediocre ones.
Should you recommend colleagues in return?
When someone gives you a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s good etiquette to offer one in return. However, only recommend colleagues if you can authentically endorse their work and professionalism. Recommendations should be sincere and honest.
If someone requests a recommendation but you don’t feel comfortable endorsing them, it’s okay to politely decline. You can say you don’t feel familiar enough with their recent work to provide a quality recommendation.
While reciprocation can build mutual benefit, recommendations should ultimately hinge on merit rather than mere obligation. Preserve the integrity of your profile by showcasing recommendations you stand behind.
Conclusion
LinkedIn recommendations remain a valuable feature for building professional reputation and showcasing capabilities. When used strategically, quality recommendations can enhance your brand, open opportunities, and demonstrate expertise. Put care into cultivating recommendations from people who know your work and can strongly endorse your contributions and character.