Struggling to write a well-written LinkedIn recommendation that highlights a team member’s exceptional leadership skills and professional skills? You’re not alone.
Hiring managers and potential employers value LinkedIn recommendations that showcase strong relationships, work ethic, and a positive energy.
This article provides specific Linkedin recommendation examples to help you craft impactful recommendation messages that highlight a candidate’s excellent interpersonal skills, project management expertise, and team collaboration.
You’ll also learn a great resource for streamlining the job search process, boosting your LinkedIn profile’s visibility, and impressing HR professionals. Plus, discover how ChatGPT can help you write a compelling Linkedin recommendation with examples effortlessly.
What Is a LinkedIn Recommendation
LinkedIn recommendations are a powerful addition to your LinkedIn profile, especially for professionals in the job search process or those looking to showcase their innate abilities to potential clients.
Hiring managers and potential employers rely on recommendations to evaluate how candidates have consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrated leadership, and contributed to a company’s project management process.
Beyond helping you land your dream job, strong LinkedIn recommendations also reinforce your success stories, building trust with new clients.
Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter
This is one of the creative solutions to show that your experience in the Experience section is validated by real people.
- It helps showcase to potential clients customer satisfaction from direct interactions with you.
- If you held a leadership role, recommendations can prove your contribution to the team’s success.
- An invaluable asset, recommendations keep your network consistently impressed, appearing in notifications and increasing visibility.
- They help create a more supportive environment, as recommendations provide guidance and a deep understanding from those who have worked closely with you.
- Business partners can highlight strengths you may not even realize you have.
- In some companies, being a team player is crucial, and verified recommendations serve as proof of your ability to collaborate effectively.
How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation
We’ve found that LinkedIn recommendations hold value only when they showcase strong professional relationships. All good examples come from credible sources like clients or superiors.
A well-crafted recommendation with a personal touch can highlight your personal attributes, making a lasting impression on LinkedIn users, including recruiters and former colleagues.
Does Having Recommendations Impact Your LinkedIn Search Ranking
Many articles suggest that having more recommendations on your profile leads to a higher ranking in search results. However, we tested this theory and found no direct link between the number of recommendations and ranking.
We searched for UX designers and found two profiles on the first page of general results, each with 5-11 recommendations mostly from former colleagues.
We tested LinkedIn recommendation examples and found no direct link between recommendations and LinkedIn search ranking.
- We searched for UX designers and found top profiles with 5-11 recommendations, mostly from former colleagues.
- Only one of the top 5 profiles had recommendations, suggesting other factors (work experience, skills, profile completeness) impact ranking more.
- Keywords in recommendations aren’t highlighted in search results—only skills matter on a Linkedin search.
However, recommendations still hold value. Recruiters read them, and they carry more weight than endorsements since they come from real LinkedIn users whose credibility can be verified
Do Recruiters Actually Read LinkedIn Recommendations
Yes, but they aren’t a top priority. The LinkedIn Recommendations section appears at the bottom of profiles, and recruiters assess them with skepticism.
Key factors they consider:
- Source: LinkedIn Recommendations from top leadership or clients carry the most weight.
- Reciprocal reviews: Trade-off recommendations hold little value.
- No recommendations: Raises questions—having 4-5 strong recommendations boosts credibility.
While recommendations alone won’t secure a job, credible endorsements can strengthen a profile and increase hiring potential.
How to Leave a Recommendation on LinkedIn (Step-by-Step)
You can write LinkedIn recommendations for 1st-degree connections—colleagues, coworkers, or students—to highlight their skills and experience. If they display it on their profile, it strengthens their professional credibility.
Steps to Recommend Someone on LinkedIn (Desktop):
- Go to their profile
- Click More in the introduction section
- Select Recommend
- Fill in the Relationship and Position at the time fields, then click Next
- Write a thoughtful, specific recommendation
- Click Send
A strong recommendation helps professionals stand out and boosts their job prospects. Check LinkedIn’s tutorial for more details.
How to Prepare the Main Text of a Linkedin Recommendation (Structure + Tone)
To craft strong LinkedIn recommendations, focus on quality over quantity and provide specific examples that highlight the candidate’s strengths.
Key Tips for Writing a LinkedIn Recommendation:
- Research industry norms to understand what recruiters look for.
- Be specific—instead of “Mary increased sales,” say “Mary boosted sales by 47% in one year.”
- Consider the source—recommendations from clients or direct colleagues carry more weight.
- Answer key questions:
- What was your working relationship with the candidate?
- How long did you collaborate, and in what role?
- What qualities make them stand out?
- What impact did their work have?
If you can’t provide a meaningful recommendation, it’s better to skip it. A weak or vague recommendation can do more harm than good.
Avoiding Red Flags and Using Specific, Impactful Language
Recruiters are trained to spot fake or low-quality recommendations, so avoid common red flags:
🚫 Don’t Make These Mistakes:
- Vague language (e.g., “She is a team player” or “He is detail-oriented”).
- Overly formal or scripted tone—authenticity matters.
- Lack of specific examples or measurable impact.
- Endorsing someone you barely worked with.
- Writing recommendations without a credible profile yourself.
✅ How to Write Stronger Recommendations:
- Provide concrete examples of the person’s impact.
- Use numbers or results when possible.
- Highlight unique qualities with real anecdotes.
🔥 Better Examples:
- “She introduced new workflow strategies that boosted team productivity by 25%.”
- “He consistently exceeded performance goals and took on extra responsibilities.”
- “She effectively communicated complex ideas, ensuring project alignment across teams.”
- “He took initiative beyond his role, demonstrating leadership and dedication.”
A good LinkedIn recommendation should feel genuine, detailed, and impactful—not just a collection of clichés.
Fake Recommendations: Why Authenticity Is Crucial
Recruiters can easily spot fake recommendations and may ignore or even question candidates with suspicious endorsements.
🚨 Why Fake LinkedIn Recommendations Don’t Work:
- Recruiters verify recommenders by checking their profiles or even reaching out.
- Suspicious recommendations may lead to tough interview questions or outright dismissal.
- Displaying only real, credible endorsements enhances trust.
💡 Bottom line: Authentic recommendations from credible sources carry weight—fake ones can hurt your chances.
Should You Use ChatGPT to Write LinkedIn Recommendations
If you’re short on time, lack confidence in writing, or need a LinkedIn recommendation in another language, ChatGPT can help craft a strong example.
How It Works:
- Provide key details: Name, job title, skills, accomplishments, industry, relationship, and collaboration context.
- Use a structured prompt: Feed ChatGPT specific examples for a unique, detailed recommendation.
- Customize the output: Adjust tone, shorten text, or translate it into another language.
💡 Pro tip: You can even pull details from summaries or experience sections for extra relevance.
You can also include excerpts from the summary or work experience sections in your prompt if you want to add more relevant details or confirm what is written in the profile.
But it’s important to include facts about your personal experience with the person based on the questionnaire we provided earlier in this chapter.
For bulk recommendations (50–100 contacts), tools like Linked Helper Scraper can streamline the process.
⚡ Bottom line: ChatGPT makes writing LinkedIn recommendations easier, faster, and more effective, providing you with examples and inspiration.
We were pleased with how ChatGPT generates recommendation texts based on the questionnaire it provided. All you have to do is fill it out with some LinkedIn recommendation example relevant to your experience.
How to Request a Recommendation on LinkedIn
The process of requesting a recommendation is well explained in this video.
If you’re looking to request a recommendation from a connection, you can easily do so by following these simple steps:
First, navigate to the profile of the 1st-degree connection you want to request a recommendation from.
Сlick on the More icon located in the top section of the profile. From there, select Request a recommendation.
After you click on the Request a recommendation option, a pop-up window will appear. You’ll need to fill out the “Relationship” and “Position at the time” fields to give your connection an idea of your professional background. Then, click on Next.
To personalize your LinkedIn recommendation request, you can include a personalized message in the message field. It’s always recommended to do so to increase your chances of getting a response. Once you’re satisfied with your message, click Send.
You can also request a recommendation from the Recommendations section of your profile. However, this section will only be displayed once you give or receive a recommendation that isn’t hidden.
How to Use Linked Helper to Request LinkedIn Recommendations
Need recommendations fast? Use Linked Helper to streamline the process:
1️⃣ Set Up the Automation
- Download the Linked Helper free trial (14 days).
- Create an Empty Campaign (tutorials available).
2️⃣ Endorse & Request Recommendations
- Endorse skills: Add the action “Endorse my contacts.”
- Send a request message: Add the action “Message to 1st connections.”
- Template Example:
Hi [Name], I truly enjoyed working with you and would love if you could share a LinkedIn recommendation. I can provide a summary to make it easier! Let me know, and I’d be happy to reciprocate.
- Template Example:
3️⃣ Gather & Filter Contacts
- Use Sales Navigator to create a list of past clients.
- In Queue → Lists, search by company or job role.
- Remove irrelevant contacts before starting the campaign.
4️⃣ Launch & Manage Responses
- Click “Start Campaign”—new recommendations will appear soon.
- Thank everyone personally for their support.
- Template Example:
Hi [Name], I really appreciate your recommendation! Your support means a lot, and I’m happy to return the favor anytime.
- Template Example:
💡 Pro Tip: Providing a pre-written recommendation can make it easier for people to say yes.
⚡ Bottom Line: Linked Helper can efficiently boost your profile with real, high-quality endorsements.
LinkedIn Recommendation Examples (Real-Life Samples)
Find some best LinkedIn recommendation examples and key takeaways below.
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Client
LinkedIn Recommendation Example:
“Collaborating with [Client’s Name] was a fantastic experience. Their clear vision for their career goals, strategic use of LinkedIn profiles, and dedication to enhancing their profile’s visibility made our work together highly effective. Through our collaboration on several projects, [Client’s Name] demonstrated a deep understanding of industry trends and a results-driven mindset. I highly recommend them for their professionalism and insight.”
Key Takeaways:
✔ Showcases the client’s focus on career goals
✔ Emphasizes LinkedIn profile optimization and visibility
✔ Highlights a better understanding of several projects and industry trends
✔ Provides a strong and concise sample recommendation
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Recruiter
Strong LinkedIn recommendations highlight a recruiter’s impact, skills, and professionalism. The best examples are concise, specific, and positive.
Key Elements of a Great Recommendation:
✔ Clear, enthusiastic tone
✔ Specific achievements & examples
✔ Concise & to the point
3 Well-Written LinkedIn Recommendation Examples:
1️⃣ Jessica – Known for her mentorship and relationship-building, she strengthened her team and consistently performed at a top level.
2️⃣ Amy – A recruiter who balances honesty with care, making candidates feel valued while providing expert guidance.
3️⃣ Leah – Quickly adapted to new roles, improved processes, and built lasting connections with hiring managers.
Bottom Line: A strong recommendation should be authentic, specific, and highlight real contributions.
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Colleague
You can see in the image best LinkedIn recommendation example.
Recruiters often view vague recommendations as statements of solidarity rather than genuine endorsements of work quality.
Example: Yatin Patel, Product Manager
A well-crafted sample recommendation on LinkedIn for a colleague should:
✔ Highlight specific achievements – Yatin’s advocacy for a seamless developer experience.
✔ Show leadership skills – His ability to foster collaboration and innovation.
✔ Emphasize personal impact – His dedication to colleagues and organizational growth.
💡 Key Takeaway: The best recommendations blend professional accomplishments with leadership and interpersonal strengths for a well-rounded endorsement.
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Software Engineer
Effective LinkedIn recommendations provide specific examples of a person’s skills, leadership, and impact.
✔ Ilya (Recommendation #1) – Hard-working, responsible, and proactive in problem-solving. Known for handling challenges effectively and collaborating well with teams.
✔ Kathleen (Recommendation #2) – Fosters a high-trust environment, mentors team members, and helps them grow, whether they’re new managers or experienced professionals.
✔ Martha (Recommendation #3) – Excels in communication, inclusiveness, and technical expertise in React/React Native. Brings positive energy and contributes across platforms.
💡 Key Takeaway: The best recommendations highlight specific skills, leadership qualities, and personal impact on projects and teams.
LinkedIn Recommendation for a Product Manager
A great LinkedIn recommendation is detailed, specific, and provides concrete examples of someone’s skills and impact on their company.
✔ Dan (Recommendation #1) – Recognized for adaptability, business acumen, and expertise in product management. Helped refine company strategy and agile processes, showing both leadership and teamwork.
✔ Yatin (Recommendation #2) – A passionate leader with technical expertise and excellent communication skills. His ability to simplify complex concepts and continuous learning mindset make him stand out.
✔ Joni (Recommendation #3) – Helped redefine the product manager role and successfully guided the hiring process. Known for her deep understanding of business needs and strategic decision-making.
💡 Key Takeaway: The most compelling recommendations highlight specific skills, achievements, and direct contributions to a team’s success.
LinkedIn Recommendation Templates You Can Use
Use any LinkedIn recommendation sample below, if it fits your goal!
Product Management Expertise Template
During their time at [Company], [Client’s Name] played a key role in driving several projects to success. Their expertise in [specific area, e.g., agile methodologies, risk management] streamlined our processes, improved efficiency, and ensured timely project delivery. Their ability to adapt to challenges and align strategies with business goals made a lasting impact. [Client’s Name] is a dedicated professional, and I highly recommend them for any future endeavors.
Hiring Consultant Template
We knew we needed to bring in [specific expertise or role] at [Company], but weren’t sure where to start until we met [Name]. With their expertise and guidance, we were able to identify the type of resource we needed, write the job description, and even create an exercise/assessment to evaluate candidates. What stood out most was how [Name] helped us realize what we thought we needed wasn’t actually what the business needed. [Name] worked with us to redefine [specific role or responsibilities] and align it with our current business needs. Working with [Name] was an absolute pleasure, and we ended up hiring the best candidate for our team. I highly recommend [Name] and their work.
Impactful Mentor and Leader Template
[Name] has been one of the most impactful people I’ve worked with. Their mentorship and guidance not only made me a stronger [specific role], but also more confident in myself. [Name] has a strong ability to build relationships quickly, lead with empathy, and identify the root cause of problems. They are a talented [specific role or responsibilities] and consistently demonstrated an ability to anchor on priorities that are central to the success of the team.
FAQ
What is a good LinkedIn recommendation example?
Good LinkedIn recommendation examples prove high-quality work by showcasing specific and soft skills with measurable results, listing tasks and timeframes. You can find how multiple real LinkedIn users write recommendations in the article above.
How do I write recommendations for someone on LinkedIn?
First, assess the person’s leadership role—whether they are in a creative position or a technical specialist. Study some real LinkedIn recommendations examples in your niche. Then, analyze the task they successfully completed. Find the relevant menu section to add a recommendation. Use AI to refine it into a polished and impactful statement.
What is an example of a recommendation comment?
A visionary leader with exceptional soft skills and specific skills, [Name] consistently delivers high-quality work. Their ability to turn challenges into opportunities makes them an invaluable asset to any team.
Explore our guide on writing comments here.
