Quick answer: To write a recommendation on someone’s LinkedIn page, you first need to be connected with them on LinkedIn. Once connected, go to their profile and click “More” under the “Experience” section. Select “Request a recommendation” and fill out the form describing how you know the person and why you’re recommending them. The person will get a notification and can review and publish your recommendation.
To write an effective LinkedIn recommendation, emphasize the person’s positive attributes, skills, and accomplishments. Focus on their talents that would appeal to future employers or clients. Be specific with examples of times they excelled. Keep recommendations sincere, professional, and reasonably concise. Avoid over-the-top praise that may come across as disingenuous.
How to Request a LinkedIn Recommendation
Here are step-by-step instructions for requesting a recommendation on LinkedIn:
Step 1: Connect with the Person
You can only request recommendations from people you’re connected with on LinkedIn. Search for their profile and send them a connection request. Include a note reminding them who you are and why you want to connect.
Step 2: Go to Their Profile
Once connected, go to their LinkedIn profile page. Scroll down and click “More” under the “Experience” section.
Step 3: Click “Request a recommendation”
This will open up a message template to send them.
Step 4: Fill Out the Recommendation Form
The form will ask:
– How do you know this person? Choose whether you managed, worked with, were a client of, or something else.
– What was your working relationship? For example, colleague, client, vendor, etc.
– How long did you work together? Specify the duration.
– What qualities made this person excellent? Focus on their skills, accomplishments, attributes.
Step 5: Send the Request
Review your recommendation and click “Send” when you’re ready. The person will get a notification that you requested a recommendation.
How the Receiver Handles the Request
When someone requests a LinkedIn recommendation from you, here’s what happens:
Notification
You will get a notification at the top of your LinkedIn page. Clicking on it will take you to pending recommendations.
Review the Request
Read through the person’s recommendation of you. Make sure the details are accurate.
Edit if Desired
You can edit the recommendation if you want. This allows you to tweak things or enhance it.
Accept or Decline
If you’re comfortable with the recommendation as is, click “Accept.” If you don’t want it published, click “Decline.”
Publish
Once accepted, you can publish the recommendation immediately or save it as a draft to publish later.
How to Write a Good LinkedIn Recommendation
Follow these tips for writing an effective recommendation:
Be Specific With Examples
Avoid vague, generic praise. Back up statements with concrete examples and details that showcase the person’s accomplishments. Quantify their achievements if possible.
Mention Relevant Skills
Highlight skills that would appeal to future employers/clients. Focus on transferable skills applicable to the person’s industry.
Describe Their Impact
Don’t just list duties. Explain how the person contributed value, exceeded expectations, and made a difference.
Use Numbers
Metrics that quantify accomplishments add credibility. For example, “Increased sales by 30% from the prior year.”
Emphasize Strengths
Align your recommendation with the type of job/industry the person wants. Tailor it to their goals.
Keep it Professional
Avoid over-the-top language that may come across as disingenuous. Keep your tone sincere yet professional.
Here is an example of a strong recommendation:
| Recommendation Example |
|---|
| I highly recommend Jane Doe as an incredibly talented marketing manager. Jane worked on my team for 3 years and consistently exceeded expectations. She spearheaded a digital marketing campaign that drove a 50% increase in lead generation for our product. Jane has excellent strategic thinking skills and creative problem-solving abilities. She came up with innovative growth strategies that expanded our client base. Jane is also adept at using data to inform decision-making. She excels at interpreting analytics to optimize marketing campaigns for maximum ROI. Jane would be an invaluable asset to any marketing or leadership role she pursues next. |
LinkedIn Recommendation Etiquette
Follow these etiquette tips when requesting and writing LinkedIn recommendations:
Ask Permission First
Always get someone’s approval before writing a recommendation for them unprompted.
Recommend Skills You Can Speak To
Only recommend skills and accomplishments you’ve directly observed. Don’t exaggerate or speculate.
Keep it Short
Two to three paragraphs is ideal. Be concise and impactful.
Proofread Carefully
Double check for typos, grammar issues, and inaccurate details before submitting.
Regularly Update Recommendations
Consider refreshing recommendations every 2-3 years to keep content current.
Authentic > Positive
Honest, constructive feedback is more helpful than vague praise.
Reciprocate Thoughtfully
If someone writes you a recommendation, consider writing one back if you can recommend them sincerely.
Pros of Getting LinkedIn Recommendations
Here are some benefits of getting recommendations:
Boosts Credibility
Third-party endorsements help establish your skills and experience.
Shows Work Ethic
Recommendations highlight qualities like drive, leadership, collaboration, etc.
Provides Social Proof
Shows you have connections willing to vouch for you.
Increases Discoverability
Recommendations make your profile stand out in searches.
Reinforces Brand
They amplify your personal/professional brand.
Encourages Engagement
People engaging with your recommendations leads to more profile views.
Tips to Get Great Recommendations
Here are some strategies to get great LinkedIn recommendations:
Choose Recommenders Carefully
Ask managers, colleagues, or clients who know your work well and will enthusiastically endorse you.
Simplify the Request
Provide instructions and a template to make it easy for them to write one.
Highlight Achievements
Remind recommenders of key accomplishments they can include.
Show Appreciation
Thank recommenders and offer to write a recommendation for them in return.
Keep in Touch
Continue to nurture your network so you feel comfortable requesting recommendations from new connections.
Watch for Opportunities
After completing projects, changing roles, etc. ask for recommendations while it’s fresh.
Common LinkedIn Recommendation Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when requesting and writing LinkedIn recommendations:
Asking Too Casually
Take the time to personalize each request and explain why you value their recommendation.
Misplacing Recommendations
Put recommendations under the correct job where the person worked with you. Don’t lump them.
Exaggerating Praise
Resist the temptation to overstate someone’s accomplishments. Be truthful.
Using Clichés
Replace vague descriptors like “hard worker” or “team player” with specific examples.
Listing Job Duties
Simply stating someone’s responsibilities doesn’t convey impact. Focus on achievements.
Being Too Brief
Craft thoughtful recommendations with ample detail, not just a few generic sentences.
Forgetting Etiquette
Always get consent and keep language professional. Follow up with a thank you.
Conclusion
LinkedIn recommendations provide a way to positively showcase someone’s skills and achievements. When requesting and writing recommendations, be specific, sincere, and professional. Prioritize quality over quantity – a few thoughtful, authentic recommendations can go a long way in building up your brand and credibility on LinkedIn. Maintain your network and reciprocate recommendations when possible to maximize their impact. With strong recommendations, you can leverage LinkedIn more effectively for career opportunities and connecting with colleagues.
