How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation (Examples & Templates)

Key Elements of a Great LinkedIn Recommendation

A strong recommendation follows a simple structure, and it should include a few key factors. Here’s how to write a LinkedIn recommendation​:

• • How You Know Them -Start by describing your relationship. Were they your manager, coworker, direct report, or business partner?

• • Highlight Skills -Mention specific qualities of a person you are recommending. It can be leadership, problem-solving, technical abilities, communication, or something entirely unique and different.

• • A Memorable Achievement or Example -Bring your words to life by including a real example. Did they lead a successful campaign? Solve a tough problem? Go above and beyond?

• • Positive Impact -Explain how their work benefited the team, company, or project. Emphasize results and contributions.

• • Closing Endorsement -End with a clear statement of recommendation, like “I highly recommend [Name] for any role in [industry/function].”

LinkedIn Recommendation Templates

You will surely find great use in recommendation templates. Ask for help from yours truly,Growth-X. They will assist you with each stage of building, optimizing, and nurturing a successful and healthy LinkedIn profile. Or you can find templates and reference LinkedIn examples online and embark on a new DIY project. Here are some customizable templates you can use depending on your relationship. We have prepared LinkedIn recommendation examples for a manager, a coworker, an intern, and a partner. Check out the following:

Template 1: For a Coworker

I had the pleasure of working alongside [Name] at [Company] for [duration], where we collaborated on [project or team]. [Name] stood out for their [key trait like attention to detail, innovative thinking, leadership]. One example that comes to mind is when [specific achievement or story]. Their ability to [result – improve team efficiency, drive a project to success] made a real difference. I would gladly work with [Name] again and recommend them for any role in [industry].

Template 2: For a Manager or Supervisor

I reported directly to [Name] during my time at [Company], and they were one of the most supportive and insightful leaders I’ve worked with. [Name] has a talent for [trait like mentoring, strategic planning], which greatly impacted my growth and our team’s success. I particularly appreciated their guidance on [project or task]. [Name] would be a tremendous asset to any organization.

Template 3: For a Direct Report or Intern

[Name] was part of my team at [Company] and consistently exceeded expectations in their role as [Job Title]. They showed initiative, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. I was particularly impressed with their contribution to [specific project], where they [specific result]. [Name] brings both creativity and discipline to the table, and I wholeheartedly recommend them for any future opportunities.

Template 4: For a Client or Partner

I worked with [Name] during our collaboration between [Your Company] and [Their Company]. [Name] was always professional, communicative, and goal-oriented. Their leadership on [project] ensured we met all milestones with exceptional results. You can rarely find a partner equally committed to mutual success, and I look forward to future collaborations.

A few LinkedIn Recommendation Examples

We have picked two common LinkedIn recommendation examples. Names of people and companies are purely fictional.

Example 1: For a Peer

I had the opportunity to work closely with Sarah during our time at Acme Corp, where we were part of the digital marketing team. Sarah’s creative thinking and attention to detail were instrumental in launching a highly successful email campaign. The campaign increased engagement by over 40%. She’s a team player, an excellent communicator, and someone who brings positive energy to any project. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat.

Example 2: For a Manager

John was my direct supervisor at TechCo for over two years. His leadership style balanced guidance with autonomy, allowing our team to grow while staying aligned with company goals. Under his direction, I was able to lead my first cross-functional product launch. John’s mentorship was pivotal in that success. I highly recommend him for executive roles in product management or operations.

This is the LinkedIn recommendation sample​ that will give you the idea of how to structure your recommendation. You can find many more once you start browsing through threads, comments, and profiles on LinkedIn.

Practices for the Best Recommendation for LinkedIn​

• • Be Genuine: Avoid fluff and vague praise. Be honest and sincere.

• • Stay Professional: LinkedIn is a professional platform. Hence, keep your tone appropriate.

• • Keep It Concise: Aim for 100–200 words. Enough to be substantial, but not overly long.

• • Use the Person’s Name: This helps make the recommendation more personal.

• • Tailor Each One: Don’t use the same wording for everyone. Customize based on their role and your experience with them. Find a sample LinkedIn recommendation for a boss, peers, and interns. Use them according to the business hierarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, let us answer a few FAQs that will show you how to write a great LinkedIn recommendation and clear thoughts and doubts about it.

Q: Should I accept a request to write a recommendation even if I don’t know the person well?

If you don’t know the person well enough to write a sincere and detailed recommendation, it’s better to decline politely. A vague or generic recommendation can do more harm than good. A good LinkedIn recommendation​ is always welcome.

Q: How to recommend someone on LinkedIn, and can I ask someone to write a LinkedIn recommendation for me?

Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to request recommendations on LinkedIn​. Especially if you’ve had a positive working relationship. Be sure to personalize your request and offer to write one in return. As we have said before, use a template to do it flawlessly.

Q: Is it okay to use a template?

Templates are a great starting point, but make sure to personalize them. Tailor the content to reflect your actual experience with the individual.

Q: How many recommendations should I have on LinkedIn?

There’s no magic number, but having 3–5 well-written recommendations can add credibility to your profile. More is better if they come from diverse sources (e.g., managers, coworkers, clients). Although, if you have more than enough similar recommendations, do not over do it. Keep your profile optimization well-balanced and legit.

Q: Can I edit a recommendation after submitting it?

Yes, you can message the recipient to request changes. LinkedIn allows users to manage recommendations, including hiding or editing them after publishing.

Final Thoughts

Writing a great LinkedIn recommendation is a small gesture that can make a big impact. Whether you’re endorsing a manager, colleague, or employee, focus on being specific, sincere, and professional. Use real LinkedIn reference examples to show that the person is exceptional. Not only does it strengthen their profile, but it also reflects positively on you as a thoughtful and articulate professional. Not to mention that it is one of the great benefits of nurturing leads on LinkedIn. So, next time someone asks you for a LinkedIn recommendation, remember: a few minutes of thoughtful writing can help shape a career. Hopefully, our LinkedIn recommendation examples will help you shape careers for years to come. Good luck!