TL;DR
- LinkedIn recommendations boost your professional credibility by showcasing specific skills and accomplishments.
- Tailor recommendations by relationship: manager, colleague, client, or business partner.
- Use a clear structure: relationship context, standout qualities, specific contributions, and a strong endorsement.
- Keep recommendations concise (usually under 3000 characters) and focused on one or two key strengths.
- Use Parlel to publish your skills, set open-to-work, and run agents to get found by hiring managers automatically.
LinkedIn Recommendation Examples by Relationship
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation is most effective when tailored to the nature of your relationship with the person. Below are examples organized by common professional relationships.
For a Manager or Supervisor
“I had the pleasure of working under Sarah’s leadership for three years at TechSolutions. She consistently demonstrated exceptional project management skills and an ability to motivate the team to exceed deadlines. Her strategic thinking led to a 20% increase in client satisfaction scores during her tenure. I highly recommend Sarah for any leadership role that demands vision and execution.”
For a Colleague or Peer
“Working alongside James on the marketing team was a rewarding experience. His creativity and attention to detail helped us launch several successful campaigns. I was particularly impressed by his ability to analyze data and adjust strategies in real-time, resulting in a 15% boost in engagement. James is a collaborative and dependable teammate.”
For a Client or Vendor
“Partnering with Olivia on our digital transformation project was a game changer. Her expertise in UX design and user research ensured the final product was both intuitive and impactful. Olivia’s professionalism and clear communication made the process smooth and efficient. I look forward to working with her again.”
For a Business Partner or Consultant
“I’ve collaborated with Mark on multiple strategic initiatives over the past five years. His deep industry knowledge and analytical skills helped us identify new growth opportunities that increased revenue by 30%. Mark is a trusted advisor who brings insight and integrity to every engagement.”
Copy-and-Adapt LinkedIn Recommendation Templates
Here are fill-in-the-blank templates you can adapt quickly for your LinkedIn recommendations:
Template for a Manager:
I worked with [Name] for [duration] at [Company]. As my [relationship, e.g., manager], [Name] consistently demonstrated [one or two standout qualities]. One example was when [specific contribution or project], which resulted in [measurable outcome]. I highly recommend [Name] for roles requiring [key skills or attributes].
Template for a Colleague:
[Name] and I collaborated closely for [duration] at [Company]. Their [specific skill or quality] was instrumental in [project or task]. Thanks to their efforts, we achieved [result]. [Name] is a reliable and talented professional who adds value to any team.
Template for a Client or Vendor:
I worked with [Name] on [project or service] at [Company]. Their expertise in [area] helped us [specific outcome]. [Name] is professional, communicative, and delivers high-quality results. I would gladly work with them again.
Template for a Business Partner:
Over [duration], I partnered with [Name] on several initiatives. Their [skill or trait] was key to our success in [project or goal]. [Name] brings strategic insight and dedication, making them an invaluable partner.
What Makes a Recommendation Specific and Credible?
A strong LinkedIn recommendation is more than generic praise. To be specific and credible:
- Explain your relationship: State how you know the person and for how long. This provides context and builds trust.
- Highlight one or two standout qualities: Focus on the most relevant skills or traits that make the person exceptional.
- Include specific contributions: Mention concrete projects, tasks, or responsibilities where the person excelled.
- Use measurable results when possible: Numbers or outcomes (e.g., increased sales, improved efficiency) add credibility.
- Avoid exaggeration: Be truthful and authentic to maintain trustworthiness.
For example, instead of saying “John is great at marketing,” say “John developed a social media campaign that increased our follower base by 25% in six months.”
How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation in Five Steps
- Start with a strong opening line: Capture attention by summarizing your overall impression or the person’s top strength.
- Describe your working relationship: Explain how you know the person and your professional connection.
- Highlight specific contributions and skills: Focus on one or two key achievements or qualities.
- Add measurable outcomes: Where possible, quantify the impact of their work.
- Close with a clear endorsement: Recommend them for specific roles or qualities.
How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation (Message Examples)
When requesting a recommendation, be polite, specific, and make it easy for the person to say yes.
Example 1:
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’m updating my LinkedIn profile and would really appreciate a recommendation from you based on our time working together at [Company]. If you could highlight [specific skill or project], that would be fantastic. Let me know if you need any details from me. Thanks so much!
Example 2:
Hello [Name],
I’m reaching out to ask if you’d be willing to write me a LinkedIn recommendation. I’m focusing on roles in [industry/skill area], and your perspective on my work in [project or role] would be invaluable. I’d be happy to provide any info to make it easier. Thanks in advance!
How to Give a Recommendation on LinkedIn
- Visit the person’s LinkedIn profile.
- Click the More button (three dots) near their profile photo.
- Select Recommend.
- Choose your relationship and the person’s position at the time.
- Write your recommendation using the tips and templates above.
- Submit it for their approval.
LinkedIn will notify the person, who can then display your recommendation on their profile.
Common Recommendation Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too generic: Avoid vague praise like “great worker” without examples.
- Overloading with strengths: Focus on one or two qualities rather than listing many.
- Using clichés: Phrases like “hard worker” or “team player” without context don’t stand out.
- Making unsupported claims: Don’t exaggerate achievements or results.
- Writing too long: Keep it concise and readable; 2-4 short paragraphs are ideal.
How Long Should a LinkedIn Recommendation Be?
LinkedIn allows up to 3,000 characters for recommendations, but shorter is usually better. Aim for:
- Around 150-300 words (roughly 1-3 paragraphs).
- Enough detail to be meaningful but concise enough to hold attention.
- Focus on quality over quantity: one or two strong points with examples.
This balance helps your recommendation be impactful and easy to read.
Run it on Parlel
Publish your verified skills on your Parlel profile and set your status to open-to-work to maximize visibility. Parlel’s AI-powered agents watch for roles matching your skills and notify you or hiring managers automatically. For LinkedIn recommendations, you can run or follow agents focused on roles where strong recommendations matter, like sales, marketing, or project management.
Explore matching jobs and people on Parlel Explore and find opportunities on Parlel Jobs. This proactive approach helps you get found by recruiters and hiring managers while you focus on your career.
Keep reading
Sources and further reading
- How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation (with Examples!)
- 15 Powerful LinkedIn Recommendation Examples That ...
- LinkedIn Recommendation Examples: How to Write & Request
- LinkedIn Recommendations: Examples and Tips
- How to Write Powerful LinkedIn Recommendations (+Examples)