How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation That Stands Out

Writing a LinkedIn recommendation is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to support someone’s career. A thoughtful message that highlights real strengths and specific contributions can go a long way in helping a colleague stand out. Instead of sticking to generic praise, the best recommendations paint a clear picture of what makes someone exceptional at what they do.

Whether it’s their leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills, sharing a brief but authentic example makes your words memorable. The right recommendation can leave a lasting impression on recruiters, clients, and future employers. This guide breaks down how to write one that actually matters, and gets noticed.

What Is a LinkedIn Recommendation?

A LinkedIn recommendation is a written endorsement that appears on someone’s profile, often shared by a colleague, manager, or business partner. It highlights the person’s skills, work ethic, and impact through specific examples, offering more depth than a simple skill endorsement.

This kind of testimonial helps showcase professional achievements and character, giving employers or recruiters a clearer view of what the person brings to the table. It acts like a short, modern letter of recommendation that can build trust and boost credibility.

Why Are LinkedIn Recommendations Important?

LinkedIn recommendations enhance credibility by showcasing authentic endorsements from those who've experienced someone's professionalism firsthand. These testimonials carry weight with hiring managers, providing evidence of real-world impact, beyond what's stated in resumes. For example, a recommendation from a colleague or manager outlines specific contributions, reinforcing stated skills like leadership or problem-solving.

They highlight skills by delivering concise narratives that blend technical competencies with interpersonal strengths. Instead of listing duties, recommendations showcase achievements, such as process improvements or team successes. A strong testimonial can also validate soft skills like collaboration, adaptability, and communication through real-life examples.

By offering authentic reflections, recommendations strengthen professional relationships, expressing appreciation and fostering goodwill. They help your network by building trust, often leading to reciprocal connections or new opportunities.

These endorsements leave lasting impressions. A thoughtfully written recommendation differentiates the recipient, influencing potential employers or partners to see them as top-tier candidates capable of exceeding expectations.

How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation

A LinkedIn recommendation showcases a professional's skills, accomplishments, and character. Following a structured approach ensures your endorsement is impactful and valuable.

Start with a Strong Opening

Begin with an engaging statement that immediately highlights the individual's standout qualities. For example, indicate a specific strength such as leadership, technical expertise, or project management. A strong declaration like, "Jamie exemplifies innovative problem-solving with a unique ability to lead cross-functional teams to success," captures attention and sets a positive tone for the recommendation.

Explain Your Relationship

Detail your professional connection to provide context. Specify your role relative to theirs, the nature of your collaboration, and its duration. For instance, "As Jamie's direct manager for three years, I closely observed their exceptional ability to navigate complex projects and cultivate team cohesion." Clarifying your relationship adds credibility and depth to your endorsement.

Highlight Key Skills and Contributions

Focus on their most notable capabilities and contributions. Discuss how their skills influenced outcomes, solved challenges, or drove growth. An example might be, "Jamie’s expertise in process optimization significantly reduced operational costs, streamlining workflows across the team." Highlighting achievements backed by results conveys measurable impact.

Share Specific Examples or Achievements

Illustrate their value through concrete instances. Mention successful projects, innovative solutions, or leadership roles that made a difference. For example, "Jamie spearheaded a logistics revamp project, which improved delivery times by 25%." Specific achievements demonstrate their effectiveness and reinforce credibility.

Add a Personal Touch

Reflect on their personality or work ethic to humanize your recommendation. Mention qualities like reliability, enthusiasm, or adaptability. For instance, "Jamie’s unwavering dedication and approachable demeanor made them an integral part of our team culture." Personal anecdotes make your recommendation more relatable and memorable.

End with a Clear Recommendation

Conclude with a definitive statement endorsing them for relevant opportunities. Encourage others to consider their fit for roles aligned with their expertise. For example, "I wholeheartedly recommend Jamie for leadership roles that demand innovation and strategic thinking." A clear summary leaves a strong, lasting impression and underscores your support.

Tips for Writing an Effective LinkedIn Recommendation

A well-written LinkedIn recommendation highlights someone's strengths and helps boost their credibility. These simple tips can help you write one that truly stands out.

• Be Specific and Authentic
  Share real examples that show what makes the person unique. Instead of general traits, highlight moments that prove their strengths, like leading a team or improving sales. Mention your relationship and how you’ve worked together to make the recommendation feel personal and credible.

• Keep It Concise and Relevant
  Focus on the key strengths that match their current goals. Mention meaningful contributions without listing every task they’ve done. A few strong sentences with clear value go a lot further than a long, detailed list.

• Avoid Overused Clichés
  Skip common phrases like “hard worker” and use language that shows real impact. Point out what they did, how they did it, and the results. This makes your recommendation feel more honest and powerful.

• Ask for Input from the Recommendee
  A quick chat can help you focus on what matters most to them. If they’re aiming for leadership roles, emphasize their ability to lead or mentor. Their input helps you write something that supports their next move.

A thoughtful recommendation doesn’t have to be long; it just needs to be genuine, focused, and aligned with the person’s goals.

LinkedIn Recommendation Examples

The following examples demonstrate how to create tailored recommendations that highlight the individual’s unique skills, impact, and professional qualities. Customize these based on your experience to make them relevant and authentic.

For a Manager or Leader

"Working alongside [Name] for [X years/time period] as a team member allowed me to observe their remarkable leadership. Their ability to inspire and align the team with overall goals consistently delivered outstanding outcomes. For instance, they spearheaded a project that enhanced our operational efficiency by 25%, showcasing their strategic vision and decision-making. Beyond their technical expertise, [Name] displays empathy and open communication, fostering collaboration across departments. I highly recommend them for roles requiring decisive leadership and innovation."

For a Colleague or Team Member

"Collaborating with [Name] during [X years/time period] was an enriching experience. Their proactive approach and excellent time management significantly elevated our team’s success. [Name] excelled in problem-solving, as seen when they proposed a streamlined workflow that saved the team 15 hours per week. They embody teamwork and consistently contribute with positive energy and reliability. I’ve no doubt their dependable and results-driven nature will continue to make an impact in any professional setting."

For a Mentor

"[Name] has been an invaluable mentor throughout my career journey. Their guidance during my transition into [specific role/field] helped me achieve milestones I initially thought unattainable. They provided actionable advice, including how to navigate team dynamics effectively, which improved my collaboration skills immensely. Beyond professional growth, [Name] instilled confidence and nurtured a mindset focused on problem-solving and persistence. I recommend [Name] wholeheartedly as a mentor dedicated to fostering success in others."

For an Employee You Managed

"[Name] stands out for their unparalleled commitment and work ethic. While leading them as [their manager/supervisor] for [X time period], they consistently exceeded performance goals, including increasing team productivity by 20%. Their innovative thinking, such as implementing [specific strategy/project], solved numerous challenges efficiently. Also, their eagerness to learn and adapt fostered consistent growth. Their reliability and proactive attitude make them an exceptional professional, and I confidently vouch for their abilities."

For a Client or Business Partner

"Collaborating with [Name] was a seamless and productive experience. Their professionalism and clear communication ensured all deliverables were consistently met ahead of deadlines. For example, their insight and strategic approach contributed to a 30% revenue growth for our partnership project. [Name] combines expertise with dedication, offering solutions that exceed expectations. They remain highly dependable and approachable, making them an invaluable business partner for any collaboration."

For a Student or Intern

"[Name] demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and growth throughout their internship at [Company]. They quickly mastered key skills, such as [specific skills/tasks], which resulted in successful completion of a [specific project]. Their diligence and fresh perspective added immense value to the team. By embracing feedback and showing professionalism, [Name] transformed challenges into opportunities for learning. Their eagerness to develop and collaborate will undoubtedly serve them well in future roles."

Conclusion

Writing a LinkedIn recommendation is a meaningful way to support someone’s professional journey while strengthening your own connections. By crafting a thoughtful, specific, and authentic endorsement, you can help highlight their unique strengths and achievements in a way that resonates with potential employers or collaborators.

Your words can make a lasting impact, showcasing their value and opening doors to new opportunities. And if you're looking for an easier way to fine-tune your message or stay consistent with your LinkedIn presence, a tool like Typoro can help streamline the process while keeping your tone professional and personal.