Since it launched in 2003, LinkedIn has grown into the most important social media network for business, amassing some 810 million users globally, according to a Hootsuite blog post.
Unsurprisingly, it therefore tends to be the first port of call for managers and HR representatives looking to fill job vacancies, with 95% of recruiters on LinkedIn searching for candidates, according to a Forbes article by Robin Ryan.
While many prospective candidates on LinkedIn focus on presenting their current roles and responsibilities in the best possible light, honing their ‘About me’ sections or ensuring their profile photos look exactly right, an often-overlooked aspect is the recommendations section.
In this section, users can write brief testimonials for people they’ve worked with, giving former colleagues, clients and managers the opportunity to leave mini reviews for them and their work. In an article for The Muse, author Adrian Granzella Larssen argues that these reviews are important and that “hiring managers often scroll down to someone’s LinkedIn recommendations when they’re considering whether to interview or hire them”.
She adds: “Think of the reasons you write reviews for your favourite restaurant or hair stylist: it’s an easy way to show you appreciate and support them, and it helps them look good in the eyes of new customers (or employers).”
Win-win for both parties
In the Forbes article, author Ryan explains why LinkedIn recommendations can benefit the writers as well as their recipients.
She says that the platform’s systems automatically notify users when they receive a new recommendation and invites them to return the favour to their connection. This system of reciprocity means the more recommendations you make on LinkedIn, the more you’re likely to receive – a win-win for users. “You want to get at least five recommendations up on LinkedIn; more is better,” adds Ryan.
“This is a vital section that most people overlook, forget about, or have not had anyone recommend them in recent years. Think of bosses, co-workers, staff, or vendors who will say great things about you.”
Five steps to writing perfect LinkedIn recommendations
In The Muse article, Larssen provides five key steps to create recommendations on LinkedIn that’ll boost your profile as well as that of your connection or colleague:
- Open with a ‘knockout’ line
Start with a line that grabs your audience’s attention and makes them want to learn more. Your opener should show right away how great your recommendee is, ideally in an original way. For example: “It’s rare that you come across standout talent like Maria.”
- Describe your relationship
Give the reader some context as to how you know the person, such as what you worked on together or the length of time you’ve known each other. Your aim should be to let readers know why you’re qualified to give the recommendation. For example: "I had the pleasure of working with Fara for two years at the Smith Company, collaborating on several project teams."
- Share their standout trait
Consider one or two things this person does better than anything else – or that make them an exceptional colleague – and focus your recommendation there. You can also ask the person if there’s something specific they’d like you to mention. For example:
“Matt’s ability to juggle multiple projects was unlike any I’ve seen before and made a dramatic difference in the productivity level of our team.”
- Add a touch of personality
Business leaders want to hire someone who’ll not only get the job done, but who’ll also be great to work with. So, if you can share an insight into someone’s personality, do so. For example:
“He also made sure our Monday morning staff meetings were never without bagels and coffee. Talk about motivating a team!”
- End with a solid recommendation
Seal your recommendation with a final line that clearly gives your contact an enthusiastic thumbs-up. No need to do much here – think short, sweet, and solid. For example:
“Any employee would be lucky to have Tanisha as a manager.”