We\u2019ve broken down the task of writing a LinkedIn recommendation into a simple eight-step process<\/strong> you can complete in about five minutes (if you use the right tool\u2014more on that later). So the next time you\u2019re asked to recommend someone, follow our tips for crafting a message that boosts your colleague’s career\u2014and earns you some good karma in return. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And as a bonus, we\u2019ve included some great LinkedIn recommendation examples!\ud83c\udf1f<\/p>\n\n\n A LinkedIn recommendation is a way for one professional to vouch for another by highlighting their skills, work ethic, or experience working together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a straightforward but powerful way for colleagues, clients, or managers to endorse someone\u2019s abilities<\/strong> while giving their profile that extra edge to catch the eye of potential employers or clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These recommendations appear directly on the recipient’s LinkedIn profile and spotlight qualities that might not appear in a r\u00e9sum\u00e9. Whether they’re about soft skills like teamwork and team communication<\/a> or specific technical talents, these testimonials help build trust and credibility in a professional network. This is especially useful when people are trying to change their careers<\/a> or get their professional life back on track<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Writing a LinkedIn recommendation helps both the person you’re recommending and yourself. How?<\/em> Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you say something like, “Sarah increased our brand recognition by 40% in just six months,”<\/em> you’re backing up her skills with real numbers, making her more credible to potential employers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, giving a thoughtful recommendation boosts your credibility. It shows that you value others’ work and appreciate their strengths. Future clients or employers can see that you\u2019re someone who not only delivers but recognizes the good work in others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you give or receive a recommendation, it can strengthen relationships and open new doors. Imagine you wrote a recommendation for a former teammate. A few months later, they introduced you to a VP at a big tech company\u2014an opportunity you weren’t expecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommendations also play a key role in building your personal brand<\/strong>. When you recommend someone like Mr. A, his connections will likely notice your profile, which increases your visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LinkedIn recommendations do more than just give a thumbs-up; they provide real examples<\/strong> of someone’s skills in action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, imagine a colleague wrote: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Amy\u2019s data analysis skills are exceptional. She used market segmentation to identify a new target demographic, resulting in a 25% increase in conversions.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This gives concrete proof of Amy\u2019s expertise and the value she brings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, your testimonial reflects on you as well. By recognizing someone\u2019s contributions, you show you know what quality work looks like. This not only validates their abilities but also positions you as an expert<\/strong> in your field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Profiles with recommendations usually rank higher in search results. That means they pop up more often when recruiters look for a specific role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, when you provide a recommendation as a well-known industry leader praising the recipient\u2019s skills, it gives them an edge over other candidates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As simple as it sounds, LinkedIn recommendations can be a little tricky to draft. What qualities do you talk about? Do you mention your credentials to sound credible? How long does it have to be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to put all your questions to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to write high-quality, personalized recommendations without a glitch, having the right software makes all the difference. So, find a tool that helps you do this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You want something that\u2019s easy to use, has templates or AI to help with writing, lets you keep everything organized, and works well with platforms like LinkedIn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our choice?<\/em> ClickUp<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n This all-in-one project management platform has everything you need to simplify the process of writing and managing recommendations\u2014on LinkedIn and elsewhere. <\/p>\n\n\n Features like ClickUp Docs<\/strong><\/a> provide a clean, distraction-free space to draft, edit, and format your recommendations with ease. <\/p>\n\n\n However, what truly sets ClickUp apart is its AI assistant, ClickUp Brain<\/strong><\/a>. Here\u2019s how it can make your recommendations stand out from the rest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve picked the right tool, it\u2019s time to get writing. And the best way to start is with a line that grabs attention and makes people want to keep reading. After all, you want hiring managers to actually read it, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n A strong opening line:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you don\u2019t <\/strong>want to overdo it. Your opening should be impactful but still feel genuine and professional. Avoid going too far with exaggeration or casual language that might make it feel less credible.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udcccExample:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “In my 15 years managing tech teams, I\u2019ve rarely met a problem-solver as innovative and determined as Sarah.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n This one shows the recommender\u2019s experience and authority right away while highlighting Sarah\u2019s standout skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Or you can go for something more direct and clear, like:<\/p>\n\n\n “If you’re looking for a marketing strategist who turns data into actionable insights, John is your guy.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n If you need a headstart, you can always ask ClickUp Brain to suggest a list of powerful opening sentences and continue with the most suitable one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “How do you know this person, and why are you, of all people, recommending them?<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is what the reader will wonder next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you describe how you know the person, you’re not just showing that you’re credible\u2014you\u2019re also giving the reader a better idea of the angle you’re coming from. It adds weight to your recommendation and makes it more genuine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could say something like:<\/p>\n\n\n “I had the pleasure of working with Emma for three years when she was the lead UX designer on my team at TechInnovate Inc.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n It quickly sums up how long you worked together and her role, giving the reader a clear picture of your professional relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or:<\/p>\n\n\n “As John’s direct supervisor at Global Marketing Solutions from 2020 to 2023, I watched him grow from a junior copywriter to a team lead managing our most high-profile accounts.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n This not only explains your connection but also highlights John\u2019s growth, adding more depth to your recommendation and helping you segue into the next section smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this section, you tell the reader exactly what the person did and how well they did it. Highlight crucial points like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use a tool like ClickUp to handle your company’s project management processes, this step gets much easier and more accurate. Instead of digging through records yourself, let ClickUp Brain pull together all the key info<\/strong>\u2014like the projects they\u2019ve worked on, task completion rates, communication skills, and even the quality of their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially useful in remote or flexible work environments<\/a>, where manually tracking everything can be tricky. ClickUp Brain helps by pulling together all that data, giving you a clear view of how the person performed.<\/p>\n\n\n Here\u2019s a solid example to check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “As our Senior Project Manager, Sarah successfully managed several high-pressure client projects, always delivering ahead of schedule and under budget. She maintained a 98% on-time task completion rate while leading teams of up to 15 people and improving the company’s project management process.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n Sure, the person you’re recommending is smart and talented \u2014 but what really<\/em> makes them exceptional? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than stating the obvious, zero in on 1-2 key skills<\/strong> that truly set them apart. Think about what they do better than anyone else, and center your recommendation around that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if your former executive assistant is applying for a management role, you could emphasize their experience leading volunteers, which is more relevant than just talking about their organizational skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before writing, it\u2019s also a good idea to check in with your colleagues<\/a> and see if they want you to discuss specific roles. That way, the recommendation not only reflects their actual work but also aligns with their career goals<\/strong>, making it more impactful and memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, it\u2019s time to reveal the showstopper: the one achievement or contribution with the maximum impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It could be anything from leading a successful project to improving processes or driving results that mattered. Focusing on a standout accomplishment makes your recommendation stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n For instance:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “During our product launch, Emily led the marketing team and created a campaign that boosted our sales by 30% in just two months. Her strategic planning and attention to detail were game-changers for the launch.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n Once again, finding such information is effortless with ClickUp Brain. Simply ask it to analyze and highlight the employee\u2019s best work, and you\u2019ll have it within seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step is all about adding a personal touch to your recommendation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is your chance to share what it\u2019s like to work with the person and give some insight into their personality. Just remember to keep your audience in mind<\/strong>\u2014what might be funny among friends could raise eyebrows with future employers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A personal note can help hiring teams see that this person is not only capable but also a joy to work with. <\/p>\n\n\n For example, you could say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Working with Mark was always a pleasure; he could easily <\/em>build rapport<\/em><\/a> with the team and keep them motivated, even during tight deadlines.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n This gives a glimpse into his character while highlighting the value he brings to the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, end your recommendation with a short and direct closing line<\/strong> that shows your strong endorsement of the person. There\u2019s not much to do here; just a simple statement that leaves a lasting, positive impression.<\/p>\n\n\n Something like this:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I’m happy to recommend John for any role he wants\u2014he will undoubtedly be a great addition to any team!<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n With these steps and ClickUp as your brainstorming and writing partner, you can give every LinkedIn recommendation a distinct, professional (yet personal) touch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though we just went into great detail regarding how to write one, here are some of the best LinkedIn recommendation examples to take inspiration from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emily has an amazing talent for turning complicated data into practical insights. We\u2019ve been working together as Marketing Analysts at TechGrow for the past three years, tackling some big projects.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Emily always goes the extra mile, not just crunching the numbers but turning them into strategies that deliver results. What truly sets her apart is her incredible ability to spot trends that others might overlook. For example, her analysis led to a product change that boosted our Q4 revenue by 30%!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Emily’s humor and kindness make her a pleasure to work with\u2014she’s the one who keeps our team connected, especially when things get hectic. Any company would be lucky to have her, and I fully recommend her for any data-driven marketing role.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n Working with John has been a fantastic learning experience in strategic thinking. As the VP of Operations at InnoTech, he\u2019s led our department through a major digital transformation.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is a LinkedIn Recommendation?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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What are the benefits of LinkedIn recommendations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boosts their credibility\u2014and yours<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Builds your network and shapes your personal brand<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Validates their skills and your expertise<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Makes you more visible and provides them an advantage during their job search<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to Write an Effective LinkedIn Recommendation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Find a tool that can help you write and manage your LinkedIn recommendations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Kick things off on a positive note with a striking opening line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Next, state your working relationship with the person you\u2019re recommending<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Briefly describe how the person has handled their role and responsibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Highlight those impressive skills that you\u2019ve seen firsthand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Mention a key achievement that had a significant impact on your business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Add a personal touch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Wrap it up with a solid endorsement <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
LinkedIn Recommendation Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. For a colleague<\/h3>\n\n\n
2. For your senior<\/h3>\n\n\n