Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter (and How to Write One That Stands Out)

On LinkedIn, your credibility isn’t built only through what you say about yourself—it’s reinforced by what others say about you. That’s where recommendations come in.

A well-written recommendation acts as social proof: it shows employers, clients, or recruiters that someone else is willing to put their name behind your skills, character, and impact.

And if you’re the one writing the recommendation, remember that your words reflect just as much on you as they do on the person you’re endorsing.

Here’s everything you need to know about requesting and writing strong LinkedIn recommendations.

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How to Request a LinkedIn Recommendation

Before you hit the “request” button, it’s worth giving your contact a heads-up. Reach out by email, message, or phone to explain why you’re asking, and check they’re comfortable writing one. This courtesy not only increases the likelihood of them saying yes but also helps them think about what to highlight.

Once they’ve agreed, you can send a formal recommendation request through LinkedIn by:

1. Visiting their profile.

2. Clicking the More button.

3. Selecting Request a recommendation.

4. Choosing your relationship and role at the time.

LinkedIn will then send them the official prompt, making the process seamless.

How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation

A great recommendation doesn’t have to be long, but it should be thoughtful, specific, and authentic. To make your words impactful, use this simple four-part structure:

1. Explain your relationship

Start with context. Were you their manager, client, direct report, or colleague? This helps readers understand the perspective you’re writing from.

Example: “I had the privilege of managing Sarah during her time as a Senior Marketing Executive at ABC Ltd.”

2. Highlight key strengths

What impressed you most about this person? Were they organised, strategic, reliable, or a great team player? Call out the traits that genuinely stood out.

Example: “She consistently demonstrated sharp analytical skills and a strong ability to simplify complex data for clients.”

3. Provide a concrete example

Instead of simply listing strengths, bring them to life with an example. This adds credibility and makes your words memorable.

Example: “When we launched a new product line, Sarah led the campaign that exceeded our sales target by 25% within three months.”

4. Close with a strong endorsement

End by making it clear why you’d recommend them and what kind of opportunities they’d be ideal for.

Example: “I would not hesitate to work with Sarah again, and I’m confident she will be a valuable asset to any organisation that hires her.”

Why Recommendations Are Worth the Effort

LinkedIn recommendations are underused but powerful. They:

• Build trust with potential employers or clients.

• Differentiate your profile from others with similar experience.

• Strengthen professional relationships (writing one often leads to receiving one).

In a competitive market, those extra few sentences from a peer, manager, or client could be the factor that tips the balance in your favour.

In Summary

Recommendations bring your LinkedIn profile to life. They go beyond job titles and bullet points, showing what you’re like to work with and how you deliver results.

If you’re requesting one, make it easy for your contact by giving context in advance. If you’re writing one, keep it specific, concise, and focused on impact.

Done well, a LinkedIn recommendation is a small investment of time that can pay big dividends in credibility, visibility, and career opportunities.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk