We have all worked with great colleagues, managers, clients, or employers over the years. One of the most efficient ways to support someone professionally is to recommend them on their LinkedIn profile page. Recommendations essentially transfer as referrals, they are much more powerful than endorsements on LinkedIn, as it gives a voice to a person’s strengths and personal attributes. It is also commendable that someone has taken the time to credit that person in a written paragraph.
However, it does take time to sit down and write a recommendation. What should you say that will make your contact stand out? What are the key things you should include? How long should it be? We’ve put some tips together to help you kick start a great LinkedIn recommendation and we promise you, they’ll appreciate it!
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Start with a catchy line
Ideally this line will show right away what a great person you’re recommending is. Start with a line that grabs the reader’s attention, something strong-
“It is rare that you come across a standout talent like Louise”
“Few people have the opportunity to report to a manager who is also a coach and a mentor like Sam”
“Efficient, productive and experienced, are just a few of the traits that come to mind when I think of Frankie”
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Describe your relationship
Next, you should give some insight into how you know the person, such as what you worked on together, the length of time you have known the person and the reporting relationship between you. It is important to let the readers know why you are qualified to give this recommendation.
“I had the pleasure of working with Claire for six years at Recruit UK, we worked together on several projects…”
“I hired Will as an apprentice in 2015 after his online application, he completed his apprenticeship in under a year and is now starting his career…”
“Natalie expertly filled the role of marketing manager for my company this year…”
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Share their key traits
Think about one or two things this person does that stands out above other things and focus your recommendation on this. You may like to ask the person you are recommending what they would like you to talk about, for example if their job role is a recruiter, they will likely want you to focus on skills such as their communication, professionalism, honesty, efficiency etc
“I was particularly impressed by Tom’s efficient communication skills in offering his expertise on…”
“Lacey’s professional approach and attention to detail seemed to come perfectly naturally to her…”
“Louise was honest and helpful throughout the entire process…”
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Make it personal
If you know this person on more of a personal level, such as working alongside them, or dealing with them for some time over the telephone- it may be nice to add a personal touch to your recommendation.
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End with a solid recommendation
Finally, it is nice to end your LinkedIn referral with a final line that makes it clear you give your contact an enthusiastic thumbs up to readers
“I would recommend John to anyone”
“As a team member or leader, Andy earns my highest recommendation”
“Any employee would be lucky to have Stuart as their manager”
