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LinkedIn Recommendation Templates: Examples and Tips

LinkedIn has become more than just a professional networking site—it’s your digital resume, credibility booster, and reputation builder. Among all its features, one stands out as a powerful trust signal: the LinkedIn Recommendation.

Whether you’re endorsing a colleague, praising a mentor, or requesting a recommendation for yourself, these short testimonials can carry immense weight in hiring decisions and business deals. But let’s face it: writing one from scratch isn’t always easy. That’s where LinkedIn recommendation templates come in.

This comprehensive guide explores why recommendations matter, provides plug-and-play templates, and shares pro tips to make yours stand out.

What Is a LinkedIn Recommendation?

A LinkedIn Recommendation is a written endorsement from one professional to another, displayed publicly on their profile. Unlike skills endorsements (those one-click validations), recommendations are personalized notes of praise—making them far more credible.

Hiring managers, recruiters, and potential clients often read recommendations to gauge:

• Your professional strengths
• How you collaborate with others
• Real-world impact of your work
• Credibility within your industry

In fact, a LinkedIn survey showed that profiles with recommendations are viewed more favorably by recruiters compared to those without.

Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter

• Social Proof: Just like reviews on Amazon, recommendations on LinkedIn build trust quickly.
• Personal Branding: They highlight your strengths in someone else’s words—making them more authentic.
• Networking Tool: Writing one often encourages the recipient to return the favor.
• Career Advancement: Recruiters consider recommendations as signals of credibility and collaboration skills.
• Visibility: Recommendations can pop up in LinkedIn’s algorithmic suggestions and increase profile engagement.

If you’re serious about standing out in your industry, having at least 3–5 strong recommendations is a must.

Best Practices Before Writing a Recommendation

• Be Specific: Mention actual projects, results, or qualities. Avoid vague praise like “great to work with.”
• Keep It Professional: Even if you’re friends, focus on professional impact.
• Balance Personality & Skills: Showcase both the human side and career strengths.
• Structure Matters: Follow a clear format—context, strengths, impact, and closing line.
• Keep It Concise: 4–6 sentences are enough. Long essays can lose attention.

LinkedIn Recommendation Templates (By Role)

Here are ready-to-use LinkedIn recommendation templates you can personalize depending on who you’re endorsing.

Recommendation for a Manager or Leader

“I had the privilege of working under [Manager’s Name] at [Company]. Their leadership style is both inspiring and empowering—they know how to bring out the best in every team member. One standout example was [specific project], where their guidance helped us achieve [quantifiable result]. I’m grateful for their mentorship and would highly recommend them to any organization seeking a visionary leader.”

So, for instance, if you want to write a recommendation for someone specific in a sales outreach campaign, here’s what it could look like:

Recommendation for a Colleague or Teammate

“Working alongside [Name] on the [Project/Department] team was an incredible experience. They consistently brought innovative ideas to the table and ensured projects moved forward seamlessly. Their ability to [skill] made a huge difference in our success. Any team would be lucky to have them.”

So, for instance, if you want to write a recommendation for a colleague who worked with you on a sales outreach campaign, here’s what it could look like:

Recommendation for a Direct Reportee

“[Name] reported to me at [Company], and from day one, they impressed me with their dedication and growth mindset. They quickly mastered [specific skill or tool] and contributed significantly to [project/result]. Their professionalism and reliability make them an asset to any organization.”

So, for instance, if you want to write a recommendation for a direct reportee in a sales outreach campaign, here’s an example:

Recommendation for a Mentor or Coach

“I owe much of my professional growth to [Name], who mentored me during [time period]. Their ability to simplify complex challenges and provide actionable guidance made a lasting impact on my career. Beyond skills, they instilled confidence and strategic thinking in me. I wholeheartedly recommend them as a mentor.”

So, for instance, if you want to write a recommendation for a mentor who guided you during a product launch campaign, here’s what it could look like:

Recommendation for a Freelancer or Consultant

“[Name] helped us with [specific project/service], and the results exceeded expectations. They combined deep expertise in [area] with clear communication and timely delivery. Thanks to their work, we achieved [measurable outcome]. I’d recommend [Name] to anyone seeking a reliable consultant.”

So, for instance, if you want to write a recommendation for a consultant who worked on a content marketing campaign, here’s an example:

Recommendation for a Student or Intern

“During [Name]’s internship at [Company], they showed remarkable initiative and learning ability. They quickly grasped [key tasks] and even suggested improvements that enhanced our workflow. With their curiosity and dedication, I’m confident they’ll excel in any future role.”

So, for instance, if you want to write a recommendation for an intern who contributed to an event marketing campaign, here’s what it could look like:

Short & Simple Recommendation

“[Name] is a dedicated professional who brings creativity, energy, and results to every project. They were a pleasure to work with, and I’d highly recommend them.”

So, for instance, if you want a short recommendation for someone you worked with on a brand awareness campaign, here’s one:

 “Michael Lee is a dedicated professional who brought creativity, energy, and results to our brand awareness campaign. He was a pleasure to work with, and I’d highly recommend him.”

How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation

Writing recommendations is powerful, but don’t forget to request them too. Here’s how:

1. Be Specific in Your Ask:
Instead of “Can you write me a recommendation?” try:

“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working with you on [Project]. Would you mind writing a short LinkedIn recommendation highlighting my [specific skill]?”

2. Make It Easy:
Share a draft or bullet points they can expand on.

3. Offer Reciprocity:
Let them know you’ll be happy to write one in return.

4. Ask at the Right Time:
Request recommendations after completing a successful project or achieving a big win together.

Tips to Make Your Recommendation Stand Out

• Start Strong: First 1–2 lines should grab attention.
• Add Storytelling: Use mini-examples to prove your point.
• Use Keywords: Sprinkle industry terms (SEO, leadership, design thinking, SaaS) for searchability.
• End with Impact: Conclude with a confident line of endorsement.
• Keep it Authentic: Avoid over-the-top exaggerations. Subtle praise works better.

Mistakes to Avoid in LinkedIn Recommendations

• Being too generic (e.g., “They’re amazing!” without details)
• Writing overly long paragraphs
• Focusing only on soft skills, ignoring results
• Copy-pasting the same text for multiple people
• Making it sound forced or unnatural

Tools to Help with LinkedIn Recommendations

• LinkedIn Help Center – Step-by-step guide on giving and requesting recommendations.
• Konnector.AI – AI-powered LinkedIn engagement tool that helps automate comments and outreach campaigns.
• HubSpot Blog – Great resource for professional networking and career growth strategies.

Advanced Strategies for Power Users

1. Rotate Recommendations:
Keep your recommendations fresh by requesting one every 6–12 months.

2. Diversify Sources:
Aim to get endorsements from managers, peers, clients, and mentees for a balanced profile.

3. Align with Career Goals:
If you’re applying for product management roles, ask people to highlight your leadership, not just technical skills.

4. Showcase on Resumes:
Copy the best lines into your resume or portfolio.

5. Leverage AI for Drafts:
Use AI tools to generate drafts, but always personalize before sending.

Final Thoughts

A LinkedIn Recommendation is more than a compliment—it’s a career currency. With the right templates and tips, you can write meaningful recommendations that strengthen relationships and build trust.

Remember:

• Be specific and authentic
• Use storytelling
• Align recommendations with your career goals

Next time you’re stuck, revisit these LinkedIn recommendation templates and customize them to fit your colleague, mentor, or client. The more intentional you are, the more powerful your LinkedIn profile becomes.