LinkedIn Basics
Yasmina Akni Ebourki
Last updated: Aug 8, 2025
Ever wondered why some LinkedIn profiles instantly grab attention, while others get overlooked by recruiters and potential clients? The secret often lies in one powerful yet underused feature: LinkedIn recommendations.
Let's dive into what LinkedIn recommendations are, how they work, and provide 12 actionable templates plus 5 real-world examples to help you write compelling recommendations that drive results.
What is a LinkedIn Recommendation and Why It Matters
You've probably been in job interviews where they ask: "Do you come with references?" Well, LinkedIn recommendations are the digital evolution of that age-old practice, but much more powerful.
A LinkedIn recommendation is a written testimonial from a colleague, boss, client, or professional connection that endorses your skills, experience, or the quality of service you've provided.
Think of it as a public vote of confidence in your professional abilities.
Here's what makes them unique: these recommendations are publicly visible on your LinkedIn profile and can only be given or received between first-degree connections, meaning there's already an established professional relationship behind each testimonial.
Unlike a traditional resume that simply lists your achievements, LinkedIn recommendations let potential employers, clients, and partners hear directly from people who've worked with you.
It's the difference between saying "I'm great at project management" and having your former boss publicly state, "Sarah delivered our most complex project 2 weeks ahead of schedule and under budget."
Benefits of Having LinkedIn Recommendations
Think of LinkedIn recommendations as your professional cheerleading squad; they're working for you 24/7, even when you're not actively job hunting.
Here's how they can transform your career prospects:
Builds Instant Trust and Credibility: When recruiters see that former colleagues and managers have taken the time to publicly vouch for your work, it immediately sets you apart from candidates with empty recommendation sections.
Amplifies Your Profile Visibility: The more quality testimonials you have, the higher your chances of appearing in recruiter searches and being discovered by potential opportunities.
Creates a Powerful Career Narrative: Whether you're eyeing a promotion or exploring new roles, recommendations serve as compelling evidence of your impact.
Attracts Quality Connections: Professionals are more likely to connect with someone who delivers value. Strong recommendations act as social proof, drawing in meaningful networking opportunities and potential collaborations.
How Do LinkedIn Recommendations Work?
Here's the reality: in today's competitive job market, your resume gets you noticed, but recommendations get you hired.
LinkedIn recommendations function as digital references that work around the clock to build trust with potential employers, clients, and business partners, even before you step into that crucial interview or pitch meeting.
Consider this: when recruiters are deciding between two equally qualified candidates, 73% say they're more likely to choose the one with strong LinkedIn recommendations.
Why? Because recommendations provide something your resume simply can't, proof that real people have invested their professional reputation to vouch for your work quality and character.
These powerful testimonials appear prominently in the "Recommendations" section of your profile, serving as the ultimate trust-building mechanism.
Think of them as your 24/7 sales team, constantly reinforcing your value proposition to anyone viewing your LinkedIn profile.
The Difference Between LinkedIn Endorsements vs. Recommendations
Understanding this distinction could be the key to transforming your professional presence:
Endorsements: One-click validations that anyone can give in seconds (often without much thought)
Recommendations: Thoughtful, detailed testimonials that require time, consideration, and genuine experience working with you
Which one do you think carries more weight when a hiring manager is making their final decision?
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Give a LinkedIn Recommendation
Now, let's walk through the simple process of giving a recommendation.
Plus, understanding this process is exactly what others need to do when they're writing recommendations for you, so you'll know what to expect when you start requesting them.
Step 1: Go to the Person's Profile
Navigate to the profile of the person you wish to recommend. Make sure you're connected as first-degree connections, as this is a LinkedIn requirement.
Step 2: Click "More" and Select "Recommend"
From the dropdown menu under their profile picture, choose "Recommend."
Step 3: Choose Relationship and Position
Select “how” you know the person and the position they held while working with you.
Why this matters: LinkedIn uses this information to add context to your recommendation.
Your relationship options include:
Colleague: You worked at the same company in similar roles
Service Provider: They provided services to you or your company
Business Partner: You collaborated on projects or business ventures
Student: You were their teacher, mentor, or advisor
Choosing the right relationship helps readers understand the perspective and credibility behind your recommendation.
Step 4: Write a Compelling Recommendation
Be specific, highlight key strengths, and share real-life examples that demonstrate their impact.
Step 5: Send and Manage Recommendations
After sending, you can edit or withdraw recommendations if necessary.
This is a great way to recommend key professional contacts, like standout colleagues, exceptional service providers, mentors, or impactful team members.
When you invest in recommending others, you're not just helping their careers; you're also positioning yourself as a generous professional who recognizes talent.
12 Best LinkedIn Recommendation Templates
One of the smartest ways to make recommendation writing easier, both for giving and requesting them, is to start with proven templates that you know work well.
Think of these as your foundation: you simply fill in the personal details and customize them to reflect your unique experience with that person.
Here are 12 carefully crafted templates for different professional relationships, designed with a warm, authentic tone that leaves plenty of room for your personal touch:
Template 1: Recommendation for a Boss*"*
Working under [Boss's Name]'s leadership for [time period] was truly transformative for my career.
What sets [him/her] apart is [leadership quality ].
During our time together, [example of their impact on you or the team]. Their approach to [specific area ] taught me lessons I carry with me today.
Template 2: Recommendation for a Manager
"I had the pleasure of reporting to [Name] for [period], and I can honestly say [he/she] is one of those rare managers who truly knows how to bring out the best in their team.
What I appreciated most about [his/her] management style was [quality].
I'll never forget when [example of their support or guidance]. [His/Her] ability to [skill] created an environment where everyone felt valued and motivated to do their best work."
Template 3: Recommendation for a Colleague
"Collaborating with [Name] was one of the highlights of my time at [Company]. What made working alongside [him/her] so enjoyable was [specific quality].
During our work on [project or time period], [specific example of their contribution or character].
[He/She] has this wonderful ability to [skill or trait] while always making sure everyone on the team feels heard and appreciated."
Template 4: Recommendation for a Team Member
"Having [Name] as part of my team for [time period] was an absolute pleasure. From day one, [he/she] demonstrated [specific qualities].
What consistently impressed me was [behavior or achievement]. During [specific project or situation], [he/she] [example of their contribution].
Beyond [his/her] technical skills, [Name] brought [personal quality] that elevated our entire team's performance."
Template 5: Recommendation for an Employee
"Bringing [Name] onto our team was one of the best hiring decisions. Over [time period], [he/she] consistently exceeded expectations through [examples of performance].
What sets [Name] apart is [quality or skill], combined with [another quality].
I particularly remember when [example of their impact or achievement]. [His/Her] contributions to [area or project] were instrumental in [result]."
Template 6: Recommendation for a Freelancer
“[Name] has been an exceptional freelancer to collaborate with. From our very first project [period or project name], it was clear that [he/she] approaches every assignment with [qualities].
What I value most about [his/her] work is [specific aspect]. During [specific project], [he/she] [ example of their work or problem-solving]. [His/Her] ability to [skill] while maintaining [quality] makes [him/her] the type of professional every business hopes to find."
Template 7: Recommendation for a Mentor
"Having [Name] as a mentor has been a defining experience in my professional journey. Over [time period], [his/her] guidance helped me [area of growth or achievement].
What makes [Name] such an effective mentor is [quality]. Anyone fortunate enough to learn from [Name] will find themselves better prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead."
Template 8: Recommendation for a Professor
"Professor [Name] is the kind of educator who doesn't just teach a subject; [he/she] inspires students to think differently about [subject area] and their own potential. During [period/course], [his/her] approach to [specific aspect of teaching] made complex concepts accessible and engaging.
What I appreciated most was [specific teaching quality or method]. [His/Her] dedication to [aspect] goes far beyond the classroom requirements."
Template 9: Recommendation for a Client
"Working with [Name] as a client has been a consistently positive experience that I genuinely look forward to. What makes [him/her] such a pleasure to work with is [quality].
Throughout our partnership on [specific projects or period], [he/she] demonstrated [qualities]. I particularly appreciated when [example of good client behavior]. [His/Her] ability to [skill] creates the kind of working relationship that produces the best results for everyone involved."
Template 10: Recommendation for a Vendor
"Our partnership with [Name/Company] over [period] has consistently exceeded our expectations. What sets them apart in [industry/field] is [differentiator].
During [specific project or challenge], [he/she/they] [example of their service or problem-solving]. Their combination of [qualities] makes them the kind of vendor relationship every business hopes to build.."
Template 11: Recommendation for a Project Partner
“Working with [Name] on [project] was a powerful reminder of how the right collaboration can transform a good idea into something truly outstanding.
What stood out in our partnership was [aspect of partnership]. Throughout the project, [he/she] consistently contributed [specific contributions or qualities] that pushed our work to a higher level.
[His/Her] talent for [skill or approach], paired with [quality], made this partnership not just effective, but inspiring.”
Template 12: Recommendation for a Student/Intern
Having [Name] join our team as an intern for [period] was genuinely a highlight. From the beginning, it was clear that [he/she] brought more than just academic knowledge; there was a real drive to learn, contribute, and grow.What stood out right away was [quality].
One project that showed [his/her] strengths was [project or responsibility], where [he/she] [contribution or learning]. I was especially impressed by [behavior or achievement].
How to Write a Great Recommendation on LinkedIn
If you want to craft truly personal recommendations that reflect your unique style and voice, four essential elements separate outstanding recommendations from forgettable ones:
1. Context of Your Relationship (How You Know Them): Start by establishing your credibility and the foundation of your recommendation. Remember, people reading your recommendation don't have the full picture of your professional relationship.
2. Key Skills or Qualities You Admire: This is where you move beyond generic praise and highlight what genuinely sets this person apart. Don't just list skills—explain why these qualities matter and how they manifested in your experience together.
3. Specific Examples of Their Contributions This is the heart of your recommendation, concrete evidence that proves your claims. Generic statements like "great team player" mean nothing without context. The biggest mistake people make is writing recommendations that could apply to anyone.
Phrases like "great communicator," "team player," and "hard worker" without specific context signal that you didn't work closely with this person.
Your recommendation should be so specific that someone reading it thinks, "I need to meet this person" rather than "This sounds like everyone else."
FAQ
1. Can I Edit or Delete a LinkedIn Recommendation Later?
Yes, both the person who wrote the recommendation and the person who received it can edit or delete recommendations at any time. Recipients also have full control over which recommendations appear on their profile.
2. How Many Recommendations Should I Have on LinkedIn?
Aim for 5-15 high-quality recommendations from diverse professional relationships rather than focusing on quantity.
3. What Makes a LinkedIn Recommendation Different From a Resume Reference?
LinkedIn recommendations are public testimonials visible to anyone viewing your profile, while resume references are private contacts for recruiters only.
They work as 24/7 credibility builders that constantly show your professional impact to potential opportunities.
4. Can I Decline a Recommendation on LinkedIn?
You can choose to display or hide any recommendation you receive. This control lets you curate only the recommendations that align with your current career goals and professional brand.
5. Is It Okay to Write Your Recommendation Draft?
Yes, providing a draft or talking points is a common and helpful practice that saves busy colleagues’ time. Just position it as a starting point and let them personalize it in their voice to maintain authenticity.
