Picture this: A former colleague pings you and asks for a LinkedIn recommendation. You think, Sure, I’d love to help!—but then you stare at the blank screen, unsure where to start. Sound familiar?
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation isn’t just about saying nice things—it’s about helping someone stand out in a sea of professionals. A well-crafted recommendation can boost their credibility, highlight their unique strengths, and help them land new opportunities. It’s essentially a powerful endorsement that lives on their profile, reinforcing their expertise every time someone visits.
Whether you’re recommending a colleague, mentor, or employee, a strong LinkedIn recommendation can make a real difference in their career. But how do you write one that’s actually memorable?
Let’s break it down step by step.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter
A well-written LinkedIn recommendation adds credibility to a person’s profile. It’s like a testimonial that gives potential employers, clients, or collaborators insight into their skills and work ethic. In today’s digital-first professional world, having positive recommendations can set someone apart from the competition.
Moreover, giving a great recommendation isn’t just about helping someone else—it also reflects well on you. It shows that you are a supportive professional who values teamwork and recognizes talent. Plus, strengthening your professional relationships through thoughtful recommendations can lead to reciprocal endorsements and future collaborations. Win-win!
A solid recommendation enhances the personal branding of both the writer and the recipient. It shows that you have worked alongside talented individuals and can articulate their strengths effectively. This, in turn, builds trust within your own professional network, making it more likely that others will endorse and recommend you in return.
Having a strong network with well-crafted recommendations also improves visibility on LinkedIn. Profiles with multiple recommendations often attract recruiters and business prospects more frequently than those without. It adds a layer of social proof that can make all the difference when decision-makers are evaluating candidates or potential collaborators.
Step 1: Start With a Strong Opening
The first sentence sets the tone. Avoid generic intros like “I had the pleasure of working with [Name]”—they’ve been done to death. Instead, hook the reader with something specific that immediately conveys this person’s strengths or impact. A great opening should create curiosity and set the stage for the rest of the recommendation. Think about what makes this person truly stand out and lead with that.
A strong opening should immediately establish why this person is worth recommending. Are they an outstanding problem-solver? An innovative thinker? A supportive team player? Highlight their defining characteristic right away to grab attention. Your goal is to make sure the reader is engaged and eager to continue reading.
Your introduction should also hint at the broader narrative of the recommendation. Whether they helped transform a project, led a team to success, or made everyday work easier, setting up the story early makes the recommendation more compelling.
✅ Example:
“Some people just make work easier and more enjoyable—[Name] is one of those people. Their ability to [specific skill] made a huge impact on our team.”
This immediately tells the reader why they should care. A strong opening not only grabs attention but also provides a glimpse of the value this person brings. If someone reads only the first sentence, they should already have a sense of why this recommendation matters.
Step 2: Highlight Key Strengths (With Proof)
Don’t just say someone is “amazing” or “hardworking”—show it. Use concrete examples to back up your claims and illustrate their capabilities in action. Ask yourself: What specific problem did they solve? What did they bring to the table that others didn’t? This makes the recommendation more credible and engaging.
Think of a time when they truly excelled. Did they lead a project that exceeded expectations? Did they find a creative solution to a difficult problem? Pinpoint their most impressive contributions and explain why they mattered. The more specific you are, the more impactful the recommendation will be.
Great recommendations don’t just highlight skills; they demonstrate impact. If your colleague is a fantastic marketer, talk about the campaign that grew revenue by 20%. If they are a software engineer, mention the product feature they built that users love. The goal is to make their strengths undeniable.
✅ Example:
“When we faced [specific challenge], [Name] stepped up and [explain how they solved it]. Their ability to think strategically under pressure helped us [positive outcome].”
By highlighting a real situation, you’re giving future employers or collaborators tangible proof of their strengths. Numbers and measurable results can make your recommendation even more impactful—if applicable, mention metrics, achievements, or deadlines they successfully managed. Instead of vague praise, these details create a vivid and compelling story of their professional contributions.
Step 3: Make It Personal and Genuine
A recommendation shouldn’t sound like it was copy-pasted. Instead, it should feel like a heartfelt message that reflects your genuine experience working with this person. Avoid using overly formal or robotic language—write as if you were introducing them to someone in person. Adding small but meaningful details can make all the difference.
Think about their work ethic, attitude, or a memorable moment that defines their character. Did they always bring enthusiasm to meetings? Were they the first to offer support when a challenge arose? These personal touches make the recommendation more relatable and impactful.
Authenticity matters—people can tell when a recommendation is forced or generic. Think about their impact on you personally or on the team as a whole. What was their work style like? What qualities made them easy (or even inspiring) to work with? Adding these human elements makes your words feel more meaningful. If they mentored you or helped you grow professionally, mention that too—it shows how they make a lasting impact beyond just their job performance.
✅ Example:
“Beyond their technical expertise, [Name] is the kind of person who uplifts everyone around them. Their enthusiasm and problem-solving skills make even the toughest projects enjoyable.”
People connect with personal stories, so if you have a specific anecdote that showcases their personality or soft skills, include it. Maybe they were the go-to person for brainstorming, always had a positive attitude during tough times, or went the extra mile to support the team. These small but meaningful details make your recommendation more relatable and powerful.
Step 4: Wrap It Up With a Strong Endorsement
End on a high note by reinforcing why you recommend them. If you’d work with them again in a heartbeat, say so! Your closing should leave no doubt about their value and make the reader feel confident in their abilities.
You can also mention how you see their career growing. Would you recommend them for leadership roles? Do you think they’ll be an asset in any team? Providing a strong, forward-looking endorsement increases the credibility of your words. If they have a unique ability to innovate or drive results, highlight how that will continue to benefit future teams and organizations. A forward-looking recommendation not only helps them in the present but also positions them for bigger opportunities ahead.
✅ Example:
“If you’re looking for a [job role] who’s not only talented but also a joy to work with, [Name] is the one. I can’t recommend them highly enough!”
A strong conclusion brings everything together and reaffirms their strengths. You can also add a touch of future anticipation, such as mentioning how you look forward to seeing them achieve even bigger things. If you’d happily collaborate with them again, say it—it adds credibility and reinforces their excellence.
This final endorsement should leave a lasting impression, giving the reader confidence in the person’s abilities and character. A well-crafted closing statement solidifies your recommendation and leaves a positive, lasting impression on those who read it.
Bonus Tips for a Standout LinkedIn Recommendation
- Keep it concise – Aim for 3-5 short paragraphs. No one wants to read an essay, and brevity makes your recommendation easier to digest. A focused, well-structured recommendation leaves a stronger impact than a lengthy one filled with fluff.
- Use keywords – This helps their profile get noticed in LinkedIn searches and aligns with industry-specific terminology. Think about words recruiters might use to find professionals in their field. For example, if they specialize in marketing, include terms like “brand strategy,” “content marketing,” or “growth hacking.”
- Be honest – If you can’t genuinely endorse someone, it’s okay to decline. A generic or forced recommendation won’t do anyone any favors. Instead, focus on what you can sincerely praise about their work. It’s better to write a strong, truthful recommendation than one that feels empty or obligatory.
Conclusion
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation doesn’t have to be a struggle. Think of it as telling a story—who this person is, what makes them great, and why others should work with them. Keep it specific, personal, and genuine, and you’ll craft recommendations that truly make an impact.
Now, go spread some LinkedIn love! 🚀
