Are you looking to write a recommendation for a colleague or connection on LinkedIn but struggling to come up with the right words? Writing a LinkedIn recommendation can be a powerful tool for showcasing someone’s skills and expertise, but it’s important to ensure that it’s well-written and engaging. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks on what to write in a LinkedIn recommendation that will help you craft a compelling and effective message. So, let’s get started!
Whether you’re a hiring manager, a colleague, or a friend, writing a recommendation on LinkedIn can help boost someone’s profile and show potential employers or clients what they’re capable of. But with so many different ways to approach a recommendation, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll break down the key elements of a great LinkedIn recommendation and provide you with some practical advice on how to write one that truly stands out.
What to Write in a LinkedIn Recommendation?
When it comes to LinkedIn recommendations, the right words can make all the difference. Recommendations are an essential part of building a professional profile on LinkedIn. They help to establish trust, credibility, and expertise in your field, and they can make you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll discuss what to write in a LinkedIn recommendation, and how to make it a valuable asset to your profile.
1. Start with a personal connection
When writing a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s essential to start with a personal connection. This means that you should introduce yourself, explain how you know the person, and why you are writing the recommendation. You can also mention any specific projects or experiences that you have shared with the person to give context to the recommendation.
It’s important to personalize the recommendation as much as possible, so it doesn’t feel like a generic recommendation letter. Remember that the person you are writing for is looking for a recommendation that stands out from others.
2. Highlight the person’s strengths
The next step is to highlight the person’s strengths and skills. This is where you can give specific examples of the person’s work, achievements, and accomplishments. Talk about how the person has contributed to the projects or teams they’ve been a part of, and how they’ve made a difference in their field.
Try to be as specific as possible, and use concrete examples to illustrate your points. This will help the person reading the recommendation understand the person’s strengths and what they bring to the table.
3. Focus on the person’s impact
Another essential aspect of a LinkedIn recommendation is to focus on the person’s impact. This means talking about how the person has made a difference and how their work has influenced others. You can talk about the person’s leadership skills, their ability to inspire others, or their innovative approach to problem-solving.
Again, try to be as specific as possible and provide examples to illustrate your points. This will help the reader understand the person’s impact and why they are a valuable asset to their field.
4. Discuss the person’s character
In addition to highlighting the person’s skills and achievements, it’s also important to discuss their character. This means talking about their work ethic, their professionalism, and their ability to work well with others. You can also talk about their personality traits that make them an asset to their field, such as their creativity, their passion, or their ability to think outside the box.
Remember that a recommendation is not just about the person’s skills and accomplishments, but it’s also about their character and how they work with others.
5. Be honest and genuine
One of the most important things to remember when writing a LinkedIn recommendation is to be honest and genuine. Don’t exaggerate or overstate the person’s skills or accomplishments. Instead, focus on what you know to be true and what you have experienced personally.
Being honest and genuine will not only make the recommendation more valuable, but it will also help to establish trust and credibility with the person reading it.
6. Keep it concise
When it comes to writing a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s important to keep it concise. Remember that the person reading the recommendation is likely busy, so they don’t have time to read a lengthy letter. Try to keep the recommendation to 2-3 paragraphs, and focus on the most important points.
You can also use bullet points or lists to help break up the text and make it easier to read.
7. Customize the recommendation
Another important aspect of a LinkedIn recommendation is to customize it for the person and the job they are applying for. This means tailoring the recommendation to highlight the specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the job.
Take the time to review the job description and the person’s resume, and use that information to craft a recommendation that speaks directly to the job requirements.
8. Don’t be afraid to say no
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation for someone, it’s okay to say no. Remember that a recommendation is a reflection of your own credibility and expertise, so you want to make sure that you are comfortable endorsing the person.
If you don’t know the person well enough or don’t have enough experience working with them, it’s better to decline the request than to write a lukewarm recommendation.
9. Proofread and edit
Before submitting your LinkedIn recommendation, it’s important to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that the recommendation is well-organized and easy to read.
You can also ask someone else to review the recommendation for you and provide feedback. This will help to ensure that the recommendation is professional and effective.
10. Follow up
Finally, it’s a good idea to follow up with the person after submitting the recommendation. This shows that you are invested in their success and that you care about their career.
You can send a quick message to let them know that you’ve submitted the recommendation and wish them the best of luck. This small gesture can go a long way in building professional relationships and establishing yourself as a valuable connection in your field.
In conclusion, writing a LinkedIn recommendation can be a valuable asset to your profile and to the person you are recommending. By following these tips and guidelines, you can craft a recommendation that highlights the person’s skills, achievements, and character, and helps them to stand out from the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to showcase your professional skills and expertise. However, many people struggle with what to write in a LinkedIn recommendation. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help guide you:
1. How do I start a LinkedIn recommendation?
When starting a LinkedIn recommendation, it’s important to introduce yourself and explain how you know the person you’re recommending. This gives context to your recommendation and helps others understand your relationship with the person. You can also mention any specific skills or experiences that you want to highlight in your recommendation.
For example, you could start your recommendation by saying something like “I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for three years at [Company]. During that time, I was consistently impressed by their strong leadership skills and ability to motivate their team.”
2. What should I include in a LinkedIn recommendation?
A good LinkedIn recommendation should highlight the person’s strengths and accomplishments. You can also include specific examples of how the person has demonstrated these strengths in the workplace. Be sure to use specific, quantifiable language to make your recommendation more impactful.
For example, you could say something like “I highly recommend [Name] for their exceptional project management skills. During our time working together, they successfully led a team of 10 people to complete a complex project on time and under budget.”
3. How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be?
LinkedIn recommendations should be concise and to the point. Ideally, your recommendation should be between 2-3 short paragraphs. This gives you enough space to highlight the person’s strengths and accomplishments, without going into unnecessary detail.
Remember, people are busy and don’t have a lot of time to read through lengthy recommendations. By keeping your recommendation short and sweet, you increase the chances that others will actually read it.
4. Can I ask someone for a LinkedIn recommendation?
Absolutely! Asking someone for a LinkedIn recommendation is a great way to showcase your skills and expertise. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re asking the right people for recommendations. Ideally, you want to ask people who have worked closely with you in a professional setting and who can speak to your strengths and accomplishments.
When asking for a recommendation, be sure to provide the person with any relevant information they may need. This could include your current job title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, and any specific skills or experiences you want them to highlight in their recommendation.
5. How do I end a LinkedIn recommendation?
When ending a LinkedIn recommendation, you should summarize your key points and reiterate your recommendation. You can also include a call to action, encouraging others to reach out to the person you’re recommending.
For example, you could end your recommendation by saying something like “Overall, I highly recommend [Name] for their exceptional leadership skills and proven track record of success. If you’re looking for a talented and dedicated professional, I encourage you to reach out to [Name] to learn more.”
In conclusion, writing a recommendation on LinkedIn can be a powerful tool to help your colleagues and connections stand out. When crafting your message, consider highlighting specific skills or accomplishments that make the person you’re recommending an asset to their field. Remember to be genuine, specific, and concise in your writing, and try to tailor your message to the person you’re recommending.
By taking the time to write a thoughtful and engaging recommendation, you can help your connections build their professional reputation and find new opportunities. Whether you’re writing a recommendation for a current colleague, a former employee, or a business associate, your words can make a real impact. So don’t be afraid to share your positive experiences and insights – you never know who your recommendation could help.
In the end, LinkedIn recommendations are a valuable way to show support for those in your professional network. By following these tips and guidelines, you can craft a message that is both effective and meaningful. So next time you’re asked to write a recommendation, take the time to do it right – your words could make all the difference.