Crafting a LinkedIn Recommendation seems like a simple task. When you actually sit down to write one, however, the process can suddenly become daunting. After all, your review is public and carries professional implications for both you and the recipient.Even if you have much to say, being too long-winded can quickly cause people to stop reading. Conversely, failing to capture what makes your colleague a valuable and unique asset can come off as generic and unmemorable. One simple mistake can lead the public to question the professional credibility of both you and your colleague.Reference our LinkedIn Recommendation letter templates to bypass the stress. We’ll show you what to include, what to leave out, and how to format this important message to generate a review that commands attention and expands both of your networks.
LinkedIn Recommendation Letter Template
Below is a LinkedIn Recommendation submitted by Maria Espinoza. She is leaving accolades for Jillian, who worked under her supervision at a travel agency. As Jillian’s manager, Maria approves not only of her work ethic and recent performance, but also her positive attitude and team-player mentality.
Dear LinkedIn Reader,
It is my sincere pleasure to recommend Jillian for her outstanding work and attitude with Wanderlust Travel Agency. “Effervescently effective” is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Jillian, who has worked as a sales consultant and account manager under my direct supervision for three years.
Jillian has impressed me with her tenacity and ability to please even the pickiest clients, all while radiating positivity and turning setbacks into feedback. This is a skill that often takes years to cultivate in sales professionals. Because it comes so effortlessly to Jillian, she is a valuable asset who makes my job as Sales Director easy. In fact, last year, she used her strengths in customer service to boost client acquisition rates by 10%.
Along with her irrefutable sales prowess, Jillian is an absolute pleasure to work with. When she is not leveraging her skills to satisfy clients, she is helping her teammates become more confident consultants. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she always shows up to Monday morning meetings with motivation in the form of coffee and bagels.
Without a doubt, I give Jillian my highest recommendation. I am confident she will make an invaluable contributor to any team or employer. Should you have any questions about Jillian’s qualifications or experience, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Maria Espinoza
How To Write a LinkedIn Recommendation
The purpose of a LinkedIn Recommendation is to share your experiences with a colleague, boss, employee, or classmate with the public. Sometimes, the recipient requests your assistance; other times, you simply feel compelled to broadcast your positive professional encounter. No matter the context, it is important to keep in mind that your review will be permanent, highly visible, and accessible 24/7. Therefore, it is critical to choose your words wisely.
Before you can leave a Recommendation for someone on LinkedIn, you must be first-degree connections. Create a new one by going to that person’s profile, clicking on “Send a message,” and choosing “Recommend” from the list of drop-down options. Now you’re ready to write.
First, capture the attention of weary LinkedIn readers with a standout line. In our LinkedIn Recommendation letter template, the supervisor describes her employee as “effervescently effective.” This sticks out as memorable and captures both work ethic and personality in two words. Then, explain your working relationship and how long you have known the recipient.
Spend the next paragraph going into detail about your colleague’s accomplishments and professional assets. Explain how he or she leveraged skills to achieve measurable results for the team or company. Then, use the next paragraph to add unique touches and comment on the human qualities that make the recipient a valuable asset.
Close your message by reiterating your enthusiastic recommendation. If you choose, you may encourage readers to contact you for more information. If LinkedIn is not your preferred method of communication, be sure to leave a phone number or email address where interested parties can reach you.
What To Avoid in Your LinkedIn Recommendation Letter
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when writing a LinkedIn Recommendation is going into too much detail. Although you may have thousands of positive things to say about the recipient, it is essential to consider your audience. When recruiters are looking for information about someone’s work ethic, they need to be able to quickly peruse your message. Express what you need to in as few words as possible.
Another trap to avoid on LinkedIn is getting too personal. This is not the time to mention how much fun you have with the person you are reviewing at weekly happy hours. It is okay and encouraged to add personal touches, but make sure these are professional in nature.
Not getting personal enough is also something to avoid. The audience is looking for firsthand accounts of what it’s like to work with a prospective employee; being too general can come off as boring. Set your recommendation apart by incorporating punches of personality.
How To Follow Up After Sending Your LinkedIn Recommendation Letter
Unless the recipient requested you write a review, due to the general nature of a LinkedIn Recommendation, it is not necessary to take any follow-up actions. If your colleague or classmate did ask you, you can let her or him know when the post goes live as a courtesy. This is also a good time to ask the recipient to return the favor, if so desired.
While there’s no need to take any immediate additional steps, you should be ready to field questions and interest from LinkedIn users who see your remarks. Prepare to elaborate on your overall assessment with specific examples.
Top 5 LinkedIn Recommendation Letter Writing Takeaways
1. Keep your Recommendation short, sweet, and to the point
To create the best visual impact online and make your Recommendation easy to read, be sure to stick to the point and capture what you need to say in a concise, yet powerful manner. Additionally, it is important to keep your Recommendation relevant to a professional audience.
2. Focus on standout achievements or qualities
Resist the urge to spill every single detail you love about your colleague. Instead, hone in on one or two things he or she does better than anyone else. Focus both on accomplishments at work as well as overall attitude or social skills.
3. Add personal touches
Separate your LinkedIn Recommendation from the rest of the digital noise by speaking to what makes your colleague unique. Give a candid account of what it is really like to work with that person.
4. Don’t divulge too much
Because it is a social platform, it is easy to forget that LinkedIn exists for professional networking. Even if you have a blast with your supervisor or teammate outside office hours, never discuss anything that might turn viewers away; for example, alcohol use.
5. Give two enthusiastic thumbs up
Begin and end your message by stating, in direct language, you give your full recommendation. Make it clear to the audience your colleague is a rock star who belongs in their network.
