How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation
LinkedIn recommendations are a great way to showcase your professional skills and achievements, as well as to support and endorse your colleagues, clients, and managers.
They can also help you boost your online presence, network with potential employers, and land your dream job.
But how do you write a LinkedIn recommendation that is effective, authentic, and memorable?
In this article, we will share some tips to help you craft a stellar LinkedIn testimonial for anyone.
What are LinkedIn Recommendations and Why Are They Important?
LinkedIn recommendations are written statements of praise and feedback from people who have worked with you or know you professionally.
Unlike skill endorsements, which are just a one-click way to confirm your abilities, recommendations are more personal and descriptive, often based on specific experiences and projects.
They provide social proof of your value and credibility and can make a difference in how recruiters and hiring managers view your profile.
How to Ask for LinkedIn Recommendations
Before you can write a LinkedIn recommendation for someone, you need to have one yourself.
Asking for recommendations can be tricky, especially if you don’t want to sound desperate or pushy.
Here are some best practices to follow when requesting a LinkedIn testimonial from your network:
- Ask people who know you well and can speak from experience, such as former or current employers, colleagues, clients, or customers.
- Be polite and respectful, and explain why you are asking for a recommendation and how it will help you.
- Be specific and provide some guidance on what you would like them to highlight, such as your skills, achievements, or personality traits.
- Offer to reciprocate and write a recommendation for them in return, if appropriate.
- Follow up with a thank you note and express your appreciation.
How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation can be challenging, especially if you want to make it meaningful and impactful.
Here are some steps to follow to write a LinkedIn recommendation that will impress anyone:
- Start with a catchy opening line that summarizes your relationship and your overall impression of the person.
- Provide some context and details on how you know the person, what you worked on together, and what their role and responsibilities were.
- Highlight their strengths and accomplishments, and provide specific examples and evidence to back them up.
- Mention any soft skills or personal qualities that make them stand out, such as their communication, leadership, creativity, or work ethic.
- End with a strong closing statement that reinforces your recommendation and expresses your gratitude or admiration.
Conclusion
LinkedIn recommendations are a powerful way to showcase your professional achievements and relationships and to support and endorse others in your network.
They can also help you boost your online reputation, network with potential employers, and land your dream job.
By following the tips in this article, you can write a LinkedIn recommendation that will stand out and make a lasting impression.
READ ALSO: How to Reach Out to a Recruiter on LinkedIn