Spencer Lanoue
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation is like giving a friend a boost by sharing their story with the world. It's not just about saying, "Hey, this person is great!" It's about painting a picture of how and why they're great. In this post, we'll walk through the steps to write a recommendation that stands out, supports your colleague, and even reflects well on you.
Why Writing a LinkedIn Recommendation Matters
Let's kick things off by talking about why LinkedIn recommendations carry weight. Picture LinkedIn as a bustling marketplace of professionals, each with their own story. A well-crafted recommendation is like a shining testimonial in a sea of profiles. It adds credibility, showcasing your colleague's strengths and achievements through your eyes.
But it's not just beneficial for the person you're recommending. It reflects positively on you as well. When you write a thoughtful recommendation, you're seen as supportive and engaged in your professional network. It's a win-win situation: your colleague gets a glowing review, and you boost your reputation as someone who recognizes talent and effort.
Get to Know the Person You're Recommending
Before you start typing, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with the person you're recommending. Have you worked on projects together? Do you have specific anecdotes that highlight their skills or character? Consider these questions as they help you craft a genuine narrative.
If you're not sure where to start, think back to a time when they impressed you. Maybe they handled a stressful situation with grace or led a team to success. These moments are golden. They're what make your recommendation feel authentic and personal.
Here's a tip: jot down a few notes or bullet points about your shared experiences. This will serve as a roadmap for your writing, ensuring you cover all the important details without getting lost in the weeds.
Start with a Strong Opening Line
First impressions matter, even in writing. Your opening line should grab attention and set the tone for the rest of the recommendation. Avoid generic phrases like "I highly recommend..." Instead, start with something that immediately gives context.
For example, "Working alongside Jenna on the marketing team was like watching a maestro conduct a symphony." This paints a vivid picture and piques interest right away. From there, you can delve into the specifics of why Jenna is a standout colleague.
Highlight Key Strengths and Skills
Now that you've captured attention, it's time to highlight what makes this person shine. Focus on their key strengths and skills and give examples to back up your claims. This is where your earlier brainstorming notes come in handy.
Let's say you're recommending someone for their leadership abilities. You might write:
During our project on improving customer engagement, Alex demonstrated exceptional leadership. He organized the team's efforts, set clear goals, and inspired everyone to contribute their best. Under his guidance, we exceeded our targets by 30%.
Notice how this example uses specific metrics to add weight to the recommendation. Quantifiable achievements make your words more convincing and memorable.
Share a Personal Anecdote
Personal stories add a touch of humanity to your recommendation. They show that you have firsthand experience with the person's capabilities and character. Think of a moment that encapsulates their essence and share it in your recommendation.
For instance, "One of my favorite memories of working with Sam was when he stayed late to help a struggling team member meet a deadline. His dedication and kindness made a huge difference, not just in getting the project done, but in building morale."
Stories like these resonate because they paint a vivid picture of the person beyond their resume. Readers can almost see the scenario unfold, making the recommendation more impactful.
Keep It Concise and Focused
While it's tempting to write a lengthy tribute, brevity is your friend here. LinkedIn recommendations are most effective when they're concise and focused. Aim for a few paragraphs that highlight the person's strengths and include a memorable story or two.
Think of it like a highlight reel. Showcase the best parts without overwhelming the reader. If you're struggling to keep it short, remember that every word should serve a purpose. If it's not adding value, consider trimming it down.
Use a Positive and Genuine Tone
Your tone sets the mood for the entire recommendation. Keep it positive and genuine, steering clear of overly formal language. You want your words to feel like they're coming from a place of sincerity and warmth.
Imagine you're speaking to a friend about why you admire this person. That's the tone you want to capture. Avoid clichés and platitudes. Instead, use language that feels natural and heartfelt.
Conclude with a Strong Closing Statement
Your closing statement is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. Reinforce why the person is an asset and express your confidence in their abilities. You might write something like:
In summary, Claire is a rare talent whose skills, dedication, and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to any team. I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things in her career, and I'm excited to see her journey unfold.
This wraps up your recommendation on a high note, leaving readers with a clear sense of the person's potential.
Proofread and Edit Before Posting
Before you hit the "Post" button, take a moment to proofread and edit your recommendation. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message, so it's worth the extra time to ensure everything is polished.
Consider reading it out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or run-on sentences. You could also ask a trusted colleague to review it for feedback. Remember, a well-written recommendation reflects positively on both you and the person you're recommending.
If you're looking for a tool to help with editing, Spell is a great option. It offers AI-powered editing that can help you refine your writing quickly and easily, leaving you with a polished document that's ready to go.
Final Thoughts
Writing a LinkedIn recommendation is a meaningful way to support a colleague and showcase their talents. By focusing on their strengths, sharing personal anecdotes, and maintaining a genuine tone, you can craft a recommendation that stands out. And if you need a hand in refining your draft, Spell can help you polish your writing quickly and efficiently, ensuring your recommendation shines.
