LinkedIn Recommendation Examples: How to Write & Request
Best LinkedIn recommendation examples for colleagues, managers, and clients. Learn how to write and request recommendations that stand out.
LinkedIn recommendations are third-party testimonials that validate your professional abilities. According to LinkedIn, recommendations appear directly on your profile and can significantly influence recruiters, clients, and potential business partners.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn recommendations provide social proof that differentiates your profile from competitors
- Specific achievements with measurable results make recommendations 3x more impactful than generic praise
- 61 million people search for jobs on LinkedIn weekly—recommendations help you stand out
- Quality over quantity: 3-5 strong recommendations outperform 10+ generic ones
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter
According to Jobscan research, 95% of recruiters scan LinkedIn profiles when evaluating candidates. Recommendations offer genuine insights into your capabilities beyond what you claim in your resume.
Unlike endorsements (one-click skill validations), recommendations are written testimonials that require effort from the giver. This makes them more valuable for establishing credibility.
Benefits of Strong Recommendations
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Social proof | Third-party validation of your claims |
| Differentiation | Stand out from similar profiles |
| Trust building | Reduces perceived risk for hiring decisions |
| Authority signal | Shows you deliver results others appreciate |
LinkedIn Recommendation Examples by Role
Example 1: Recommendation for a Colleague
"Collaborating with Sarah on our product launch was a masterclass in project management. She coordinated 12 cross-functional stakeholders, kept us ahead of a tight deadline, and delivered a launch that exceeded revenue targets by 34%. What sets Sarah apart is her ability to anticipate roadblocks before they become problems. She's the teammate everyone wants on their critical projects."
Why it works: Specific numbers (12 stakeholders, 34% revenue), concrete project context, and a unique differentiator.
Example 2: Recommendation for a Direct Report
"During his two years on my team, Michael consistently tackled our most complex engineering challenges. His redesign of our authentication system reduced security incidents by 80% while improving user experience metrics. Beyond technical skills, Michael mentors junior developers and elevates everyone around him. Any team would be fortunate to have him."
Why it works: Quantified impact (80% reduction), timeframe (two years), and highlights leadership qualities.
Example 3: Recommendation for a Manager
"Working under Jennifer taught me more about strategic thinking in one year than I learned in the previous five. She gave me ownership of a $2M marketing budget and coached me through decisions rather than making them for me. When I was promoted to Director, Jennifer was the first person I thanked. She creates leaders, not followers."
Why it works: Shows leadership impact, specific development received, and career advancement connection.
Example 4: Recommendation for a Client or Vendor
"We hired ConnectSafely to transform our LinkedIn presence, and the results speak for themselves: 47 qualified inbound leads in 90 days, with 12 converting to clients. Their team understood our consulting niche immediately and created content that resonated with our exact buyer persona. The ROI made this one of our best marketing investments."
Why it works: Specific results (47 leads, 12 clients, 90 days), clear ROI connection, industry context.
Example 5: Recommendation for a Business Partner
"I've partnered with David on three major initiatives over five years. Each time, he brings strategic insight that transforms good ideas into great outcomes. Our most recent collaboration increased our client's market share by 23%. David is my first call when I need someone who thinks two steps ahead."
Why it works: Demonstrates ongoing relationship, specific outcome, and positions as trusted advisor.
How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation
According to The Muse, effective recommendations follow a clear structure.
Step 1: Start with a Compelling Statement
Open with something memorable that captures attention:
- Weak: "John is a great colleague."
- Strong: "John is the sales rep who closes deals others have given up on."
Step 2: Establish Your Relationship
Briefly explain how you know the person and for how long:
"I worked directly with Maria for three years at Acme Corp, where she led our data science team and I managed product development."
Step 3: Highlight Specific Achievements
Replace generic qualities with measurable results:
| Generic (Avoid) | Specific (Use) |
|---|---|
| "Great at sales" | "Brought in 15 new clients worth $200K in her first year" |
| "Hard worker" | "Delivered the project 2 weeks early while maintaining 99% quality scores" |
| "Good communicator" | "Presented to our C-suite monthly and secured $1.2M in additional budget" |
Step 4: Describe What Makes Them Unique
What differentiator sets this person apart?
"What makes Alex exceptional is his ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders. He's the bridge between engineering and business that every company needs."
Step 5: Close with a Strong Endorsement
End with a clear recommendation statement:
"I recommend Sarah without reservation for any leadership role. The team that hires her gains a genuine competitive advantage."
How to Request a LinkedIn Recommendation
Step 1: Identify the Right People
Choose recommenders who can speak to specific aspects of your work:
- Former managers — Leadership, performance, growth
- Colleagues — Collaboration, team contribution
- Clients — Results delivered, relationship quality
- Direct reports — Management style, mentorship
Step 2: Make It Easy for Them
Provide context to help them write effectively:
"Hi Maria, I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would love a recommendation from you. If you're willing, it would be helpful to mention our work on the Q3 product launch and how I coordinated the cross-functional teams. Happy to reciprocate!"
Step 3: Offer Talking Points
Suggest specific achievements they might reference:
- "The project where we reduced customer churn by 18%"
- "How I mentored the new team members during our expansion"
- "The client presentation that secured the $500K contract"
Step 4: Follow Up Gracefully
If you don't receive a response within two weeks, send a gentle reminder. If they decline, respect their decision and move on.
LinkedIn Recommendation Best Practices
Do This
- Be specific: Include numbers, project names, and concrete outcomes
- Keep it focused: 3-4 paragraphs (150-300 words) is ideal
- Personalize it: Reference your unique relationship and experiences
- Update regularly: Request new recommendations after major achievements
Avoid This
- Generic phrases: "Great team player" or "pleasure to work with" without context
- Exaggeration: Claims that seem inflated damage credibility
- Reciprocity pressure: Don't imply you expect a recommendation in return
- Length extremes: Too short lacks substance; too long loses attention
How Recommendations Build Inbound Authority
Strong LinkedIn recommendations contribute to your inbound lead generation strategy by:
Building Trust Before First Contact
When prospects research you before responding to outreach, recommendations validate your claims. According to HubSpot, inbound leads convert at 14.6% compared to 1.7% for outbound—recommendations accelerate this trust-building process.
Signaling Authority in Your Niche
Recommendations from recognized industry figures transfer credibility to your profile. This supports your personal brand and positions you as a trusted expert.
Attracting Opportunities
Profiles with strong recommendations often receive more inbound connection requests and messages from potential clients, partners, and recruiters.
LinkedIn Recommendation Templates
Template for a Colleague
"[Name] and I worked together on [project/team] for [timeframe]. During this time, I was consistently impressed by [his/her/their] ability to [specific skill]. One example that stands out is when [specific achievement with measurable result]. What makes [Name] exceptional is [unique differentiator]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for any team that values [key quality]."
Template for a Manager
"I reported to [Name] for [timeframe] at [Company]. [He/She/They] gave me the opportunity to [growth opportunity] and coached me through [challenge]. As a result, I [measurable outcome]. [Name] is the kind of leader who [unique leadership quality]. I recommend [him/her/them] without hesitation."
Template for a Service Provider
"We engaged [Name/Company] to help us with [service]. Over [timeframe], they delivered [specific results]. What impressed me most was [differentiator]. The ROI on this engagement was [outcome]. I recommend [Name/Company] to any organization looking for [benefit]."
How ConnectSafely.ai Builds Profile Authority
ConnectSafely.ai helps you build the kind of LinkedIn presence that naturally attracts recommendation requests:
- Strategic engagement positions you as a thought leader others want to recommend
- Content authority demonstrates expertise that recommendations can reference
- Inbound connections from ideal clients who may become future recommenders
Instead of chasing recommendations, you attract them by being genuinely valuable to your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LinkedIn recommendations should I have?
Aim for 3-5 strong, specific recommendations rather than 10+ generic ones. Quality matters more than quantity. Focus on getting recommendations from diverse sources (managers, colleagues, clients) that speak to different aspects of your capabilities.
How do I ask for a LinkedIn recommendation without being awkward?
Make it easy by providing context. Mention a specific project you worked on together and offer to reciprocate. Most professionals understand the value of recommendations and are happy to help when approached professionally.
Should I write a LinkedIn recommendation if I can't be fully positive?
Only write recommendations for people you can genuinely endorse. If you can't be positive, politely decline. A lukewarm recommendation hurts both parties. It's better to have no recommendation than one that damns with faint praise.
How long should a LinkedIn recommendation be?
Aim for 150-300 words (3-4 paragraphs). This provides enough space for specifics without losing the reader's attention. Open with impact, provide context and evidence, then close with a strong endorsement.
Can I edit a LinkedIn recommendation I gave to someone?
Yes, you can edit or delete recommendations you've written. Go to the person's profile, find your recommendation, and click the edit option. However, consider reaching out to discuss any changes first.
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