Spencer Lanoue
Writing a recommendation on LinkedIn might seem straightforward, but crafting one that genuinely stands out requires a bit of finesse. Whether you're endorsing a former colleague, a current team member, or even a business partner, a well-written recommendation can make a significant difference in their professional journey. Let's break down how you can write a LinkedIn recommendation that resonates.
1. Understand the Purpose
Before you start typing, take a moment to think about the purpose of the recommendation. Are you highlighting someone's leadership skills, technical expertise, or perhaps their ability to work well in a team? Understanding the core message you want to convey will guide the tone and content of your recommendation.
2. Start with a Strong Opening
Like any good piece of writing, a LinkedIn recommendation should begin with a compelling opening line. This sets the tone and grabs the reader's attention right away. Instead of starting with a generic line like, "I had the pleasure of working with John," try to be more specific. You could say, "During the two years I worked with John, his ability to transform complex problems into simple solutions consistently impressed me."
3. Provide Context
It's important to give readers a sense of your relationship with the person you're recommending. This context helps establish your credibility. Were you their manager, a coworker, or a client? Briefly explaining how you know them and the nature of your professional relationship provides valuable context. For example:
As Sarah's direct supervisor at XYZ Corp, I witnessed her exceptional skills in project management and her meticulous attention to detail.
4. Highlight Key Attributes
Think about the qualities that make this person stand out and focus on two or three of their most remarkable attributes. This could be anything from their technical skills to their leadership qualities. Use specific examples to illustrate these attributes. For instance:
One of the key projects we tackled together was the launch of a new software product. Sarah's leadership in coordinating between the development and marketing teams was instrumental in meeting our tight deadlines and achieving a successful launch.
5. Share a Personal Anecdote
Stories are powerful. They make your recommendation memorable and provide concrete evidence of the person's abilities. Recall a specific moment or project that best illustrates their skills. For example:
I remember a particular instance when a critical bug threatened to delay our product launch. Sarah calmly led a team meeting, devised a strategic plan, and motivated her team to work together, fixing the issue ahead of schedule.
6. Use Clear and Concise Language
While it's important to be detailed, avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information. Keep your sentences clear and to the point. Use active voice to make your writing more engaging. For example, instead of saying, "The project was completed by Sarah," say, "Sarah completed the project."
7. Be Honest and Authentic
Authenticity is key to a strong recommendation. Don't exaggerate or fabricate details. Readers can usually sense when something seems off. Be genuine in your praise and focus on real experiences and accomplishments.
8. End with a Strong Conclusion
Wrap up your recommendation by summarizing your main points or reiterating why you think highly of the person. You might also offer a brief statement about their potential for future success. For example:
In conclusion, Sarah's determination and expertise make her a valuable asset to any team. I have no doubt she will continue to excel in her future endeavors.
9. Offer to Provide Additional Information
It's a nice touch to offer further insight if needed. This shows that you're open to discussing the person's qualifications more deeply, which can be particularly reassuring to potential employers or collaborators. You might add:
I would be more than happy to provide further details about Sarah's contributions and skills if needed.
Final Thoughts
Writing a thoughtful LinkedIn recommendation doesn't have to be a chore. By focusing on specific examples, maintaining authenticity, and keeping your language clear, you can craft a recommendation that truly highlights the best qualities of the person you're endorsing. And remember, if you ever find yourself struggling with the writing process, tools like Spell can help you draft, edit, and perfect your documents quickly and effortlessly. Whether you're writing a LinkedIn recommendation or another type of document, Spell can make the process easier and more efficient.
With these tips in mind, you're well-equipped to write LinkedIn recommendations that are not only meaningful but also impactful. Happy writing!
