How To Provide A Recommendation On Linkedin
Alright, settle in, grab your virtual latte, and let’s talk about a topic that’s about as exciting as watching paint dry, but, you know, way more important for your career: giving recommendations on LinkedIn. Yeah, I know, sounds about as thrilling as a tax audit, but trust me, this is where you can be a superhero without a cape, a knight in shining… well, a knight who can type really fast.
Think of it this way: when someone asks you to be a reference, you get that little flutter of “Ooh, they think I’m important enough to vouch for them!” Giving a recommendation on LinkedIn is kind of like that, but instead of a phone call, it’s a digital high-five that lives forever. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a little digital high-five that might, just might, land someone their dream job? It's like being a tiny, benevolent career fairy godmother, except instead of a pumpkin, you've got a keyboard.
The Secret Sauce: Why Bother?
So, why should you waste your precious bandwidth on this? Well, besides the fact that it makes you look like a genuinely decent human being (which, let's face it, is a rare commodity these days), it’s actually a fantastic networking tool. When you recommend someone, their network sees it. And guess what? Their network might be your next big client, your next boss, or the person who invented self-folding laundry. You never know!
Plus, it’s a bit like karma, but in cyberspace. You put good vibes out there, and good vibes (and maybe some really killer job offers) might just come back to you. It's the digital equivalent of planting a tree, except the tree grows… professional opportunities. Way cooler than a shade-providing oak, right?
The “What If I Don’t Know Them Well Enough?” Panic Attack
Okay, deep breaths. This is the part where people freeze up. You get that little notification: "So-and-so wants a recommendation!" And your brain goes into overdrive. "Uh, did we work together? Was that the guy who always smelled faintly of tuna? Did I actually see him do anything besides stare intently at his monitor?"
Here’s the golden rule: if you can’t honestly say something positive, don’t do it. Seriously. A generic, lukewarm recommendation is worse than no recommendation at all. It’s like giving someone a gift certificate to a store that closed three years ago. Super helpful.
But if you did work with them, even in a tangential way, and they were… present… you can probably find something. Think about their energy. Were they punctual? Did they bring snacks? Did they manage to navigate the office printer without setting off the fire alarm? These are all valid points!
The Anatomy of a Killer Recommendation (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
Forget those dry, corporate-speak monstrosities. We want personality! We want sparkle! We want to make the reader think, "Wow, this person must be amazing, and this recommender is clearly a discerning genius!"
Step 1: The Relationship Whisperer
Start by clearly stating your connection. "I had the pleasure of working with [Person's Name] for X years at [Company Name] where I was their [Your Role]." Or, if it was a project, "I collaborated with [Person's Name] on the groundbreaking [Project Name] initiative..." You get the drift. Be specific! This isn't a game of "guess who."
Step 2: The Skill Spotlight (Pick One or Two, Don't Overdo It!)
This is where you highlight their superpowers. Instead of saying, "They were good at their job," try something more vivid. For example, if they were a fantastic project manager, you could say, "Their ability to juggle deadlines, budgets, and the emotional well-being of the team was nothing short of miraculous. I’ve seen grown adults weep tears of joy at their organizational prowess." (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.)
Were they a whiz with spreadsheets? "They could wrangle numbers like a seasoned rodeo champion, taming even the most unruly data into submission." Did they have killer communication skills? "Their presentations were so captivating, I once saw someone accidentally set their coffee on fire because they were too mesmerized to notice." (Again, creative license is your friend here.)
Pick a skill that truly stands out and give a brief, concrete example. Avoid the "jack of all trades" approach. It’s like saying your favorite color is “all of them.” It’s technically true, but not very informative.
Step 3: The "What You'll Miss" Factor
What made them a great colleague? Were they the office comedian? The go-to person for a sticky situation? The one who always remembered everyone’s birthday? Inject a little of that human element.
You could say something like, "Beyond their technical expertise, [Person's Name] brought an infectious enthusiasm to the team. They were the person you went to when you needed a laugh, a dose of perspective, or just a really good biscuit."
Or, for a more serious touch: "Their calm demeanor under pressure was a true asset. In the face of chaos, they were the steady hand that guided us through, reminding us that even when the ship is sinking, we should at least try to look presentable."
Step 4: The Grand Finale – The “Hire Them, You Fool!” Close
End with a strong endorsement. This is your mic drop moment. Don't be shy!
"I wholeheartedly recommend [Person's Name] for any role that requires [key skill 1] and [key skill 2]. They would be an invaluable asset to any organization, and frankly, it would be their loss if you didn’t snap them up immediately."
Or, a touch more personal: "I’d jump at the chance to work with [Person's Name] again. If you’re looking for someone who is not only incredibly talented but also a genuinely wonderful human being, your search ends here."
Things to Absolutely, Positively, Under No Circumstances Do
Let’s be clear. We don’t want to be that recommender. The one who makes the person reading it tilt their head and say, “Wait, what?”
- Don’t lie. Seriously, this is career suicide, and potentially your own.
- Don’t be vague. "They were okay" is not a recommendation. It’s an accidental insult.
- Don’t be too informal. Unless you’re recommending your buddy for a role at a surf shop, maybe dial back the slang.
- Don’t overshare embarrassing anecdotes. Unless it’s a hilarious and job-relevant anecdote about their legendary ability to solve a crisis by… say… calmly defusing a rogue coffee machine.
- Don’t use clichés like confetti. "Team player," "hard worker," "go-getter" are the beige of professional language. Sprinkle them in sparingly, or better yet, show them.
The Unexpected Perks of Being a Recommendation Master
You know, the more you do this, the more you realize it’s not just about helping others. It’s about strengthening your own professional brand. It shows you’re engaged, you’re supportive, and you have good judgment. Plus, you might just get a few glowing recommendations in return. It’s a win-win, like finding a twenty-dollar bill in an old coat pocket, but for your LinkedIn profile.
So, next time you see that little prompt, don’t groan. Smile! It’s your chance to sprinkle some professional fairy dust, boost someone’s career, and maybe, just maybe, make the internet a slightly more awesome place. Now go forth and recommend like the brilliant, witty, and exceptionally well-connected individual you are!