Best LinkedIn Recommendations Examples & How to Write One

I’ve spent more hours than I care to admit scrolling through LinkedIn, so I've seen it all when it comes to profiles.

But one thing that always stands out to me? A killer recommendation.

There's just something about reading through glowing reviews from colleagues, clients, or managers that makes you feel like you're on top of the world. But most importantly: recommendations tell your potential clients and employers you’re knowledgeable.

But not all recommendations are created equal. Some are vague and generic; others are specific and heartfelt.

In this article, I want to share some of the best LinkedIn recommendation examples I’ve seen and explain why they work so well. (Feel free to use them as templates when requesting yours!)

Why LinkedIn Recommendations Matter

LinkedIn recommendations are basically testimonials from other people who know you professionally, and they can be a game-changer for your profile.

Why? Well, for one thing, they give you social proof. When someone's considering working with you, seeing that other people have vouched for you can give them more confidence.

Recommendations also help you differentiate yourself from the competition. When there are hundreds of profiles with similar qualifications, a standout recommendation can make all the difference.

It shows that you've got a track record of success and that others value your contributions.

LinkedIn Recommendations Examples I Love (+ a Template)

I’ve searched high and low to find some amazing LinkedIn recommendations so you can see them in action. Let’s take a look!

LinkedIn Recommendation Sample from a Colleague or Team Member

Getting a recommendation from a colleague can be a game-changer when it comes to advancing your career.

Think about it: who knows your work better than someone who's worked alongside you day in and day out?

Plus, having a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile shows potential employers that you're a team player and have a good working relationship with others. It could be the boost you need to take your career to the next level.

Here are a couple of great examples:

Linkedin recommendation examples from colleagues

LinkedIn Recommendation from a Mentor

Mentors are like wise elders (but they can be close to your age) in our professional lives. They provide guidance, support, and invaluable advice that helps us grow and excel in our careers.

Having a recommendation from a mentor can attest to your work ethic, knowledge, and achievements and provide a personal touch to your professional profile.

Here’s a fantastic one I found:

Linkedin recommendation examples from a mentor

This recommendation paints a clear picture of impact. It highlights how Sari went beyond typical recruiting to offer strategic advice that literally doubled revenue for her client's flagship product. It's specific, results-driven, and tells a strong story in just a few lines.

Doesn’t that make you want to hire this person right now - for any job?

LinkedIn Recommendation for a Manager or Supervisor

A LinkedIn recommendation from a former manager is one of the strongest forms of professional validation. It’s not just a stamp of approval - it tells future employers or collaborators how you work, how you handle challenges, and what kind of value you bring to the team.

Linkedin recommendation examples for a manager

This one is an excellent example because it gets straight to the point. It's confident, clear, and detailed enough to stand out without saying too much.

LinkedIn Recommendations from Customers

If you're selling something (product, services) then getting recommendations from past clients or customers can build a lot of trust for your future prospects. Take your best customers and ask them to leave you a recommendation: it's the perfect social proof if a prospect is checking out your LinkedIn profile.

That's what I've done with my own LinkedIn profile for example, here are the recommendations displayed:

Linkedin recommendation examples from my profile

LinkedIn Recommendation Template

Alright, here is a template I’ve used when making my own recommendations on LinkedIn. Of course, you need to tailor it to fit the person, their role, and the goals you have for it, but this is a great starting point to get the ball rolling:

I had the pleasure of working with [Name] at [Company] for [length of time]. [He/She/They] was an absolute rockstar in [his/her/their] role as [position/department], and I couldn't have asked for a better person to work with.

[Name]'s [specific skills and traits] stood out to me from the get-go, and [He/She/They] consistently exceeded expectations every step of the way. [He/She/They] was a true leader who [specific leadership qualities], and [his/her/their] ability to [specific examples of accomplishments] was truly impressive.

[Name] is also an amazing person to work with. [He/She/They] is [specific personal traits], and [He/She/They] always made the workplace a positive and supportive environment.

I highly recommend [Name] for any future endeavors, and I'm confident [He/She/They] will continue to shine in any role they’re in and overcome any challenges they may face!

How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation (with Examples!)

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll craft easily digestible but effective recommendations for the people in your network or templates you can share with those you’d like to get recommendations from.

Step 1. Start with a Catchy Opener

First, you want something that captures the reader's attention. All you need is a sentence or two that highlights your or the person's strengths or accomplishments. Here are some examples:

"I've had the pleasure of working with Jon S. for the past year, and let me tell you – he's a true marketing whiz."
"If you're looking for someone who can consistently deliver high-quality work under pressure, look no further than Jane D."
"It's not often that you come across someone who is both creative and detail-oriented, but that's exactly what you'll find in Alex F."

Remember to keep your opener honest and unique to the individual you're recommending. Avoid using cliches or generic statements that could apply to anyone.

Step 2. Explain Your Relationship

This not only helps establish your credibility as a recommender but also provides context for the reader. You don’t need to go into extreme detail but try to provide some information that shows why you're qualified to give this recommendation. Example:

"I had the pleasure of working with Jon S. at ABC Marketing Agency for two years, where he consistently exceeded our clients' expectations."
"I hired Jane D. to lead our company's new product development team, and she quickly became an invaluable asset to our organization."
"Alex F. was a student in my digital media class, and I was consistently impressed with their ability to come up with creative solutions to complex problems."

If you've helped somebody on a given project for example, you can mention that.

Step 3. Mention Their Specific Role or Position

Of course, it's important to mention the specific role or position that the person held while you worked with them so the reader has a better understanding of the person's experience and expertise in their field.

Some examples I would use in my Linkedin recommendations:

"As the project manager for our company's website redesign, John T. played a crucial role in ensuring that the project was completed on time and within budget."
"In her role as the lead designer for our marketing materials, Rachel P. consistently produced high-quality work that impressed both our team and clients."
"As the CEO of XYZ Company, Sarah K. demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of our industry."

Step 4. Highlight Skills & Traits that Make Them Stand out

Shine a spotlight on the person's skills and traits so people understand what they are capable of and what they bring to the table.

If the person is good at sales, say so. Some examples to get your creativity going:

"Amanda J. has a real talent for thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions to problems. Her ability to approach things from a different perspective has been invaluable to our team."
"Eric S. is an exceptional communicator with a knack for bringing people together and building strong relationships. His interpersonal skills have been key to our team's success."
"As a leader, Tom R. has an impressive ability to motivate and inspire his team. He consistently sets a high standard for himself and his colleagues and is not afraid to push people to reach their full potential."

Step 5. Get Personal

But don’t overdo it! The goal is to express what the person is like to work with or be around. A little anecdote goes a long way to build authenticity in your recommendations, but don't become cringy (even if it's Linkedin...)

"I always enjoyed working with Sarah L. because of her infectiously positive attitude. She has a way of making even the most stressful situations feel manageable."
"John K. is one of the most thoughtful and considerate people I know. He always takes the time to listen and understand other people's perspectives, which makes him an excellent collaborator."
"Nina P. is not only a talented marketer but also a genuinely kind and caring person. She goes out of her way to support her colleagues and make sure everyone feels included."

💡

Pro Tip: Make the recommendation stand out before the "See More" button.

You don't want the good stuff to be hidden behind a "See More" button. That's because people might not bother to click it and miss out on your killer recommendation (just like with email subject lines). So make sure to include the best parts and the actual recommendation before that button.

That way, the reader gets to see the essential stuff immediately, and they’ll be more likely to read the whole recommendation.

How to Request LinkedIn Recommendations

If you're on the other end and want someone to write a recommendation for you, don't worry; it's normal! Remember: Linkedin is for business. There is no shame in asking for recommendations.

On LinkedIn, you can easily ask your 1st-degree connections for a recommendation using the "Ask for a Recommendation" button.

To make the most of this feature, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Don't be afraid to ask: If you've worked with someone and you think they can vouch for your skills and work ethic, just ask them! They'll likely be happy to help you out.
Be direct in what you're looking for: Make sure to mention what specific skills or qualities you'd like them to highlight. This will help them write a more targeted and effective recommendation.
Be polite and friendly: A little bit of kindness can go a long way! Remember to say please and thank you, and express your gratitude for their time and effort in writing a recommendation for you.
Ask the right people: Make sure you’re asking the right people in your network, including former colleagues, clients, senior employers, or anyone else who has worked closely with you on projects and can speak highly to your abilities.
Ask at the right time: Timing is everything! Consider asking after you've completed a major project or left your current position/company while your achievements and contributions are still fresh in their minds.
Offer a recommendation in return: You know, “Scratch my back, and I’ll scratch your back.” Offer to write a recommendation for the person you're asking. This shows that you value their work and are willing to put in the effort to help them out as well.

20 LinkedIn Recommendation Examples by Role and Industry

Software Developer

I worked with Alex for over a year on multiple backend projects. He’s thoughtful, collaborative, and incredibly sharp when it comes to solving complex problems. One project in particular had a tight deadline and a big infrastructure change - Alex took it on without hesitation and made it work. I’d gladly work with him again.

Marketing Manager

Sarah joined our team to lead a product launch and immediately brought clarity and energy. She aligned our messaging, coordinated with sales and design, and kept us moving without micromanaging. The launch exceeded all expectations. She’s one of those people you want on your team when the stakes are high.

Sales Representative

Tom was one of the most consistent performers on our sales team. He didn’t just close deals - he built long-term relationships. His pipeline was always solid, and he became the go-to person for onboarding new reps thanks to his patience and clear process.

Project Manager

Maria managed our biggest client rollout of the year. She handled shifting timelines, tricky stakeholders, and a lot of moving parts - all while keeping her cool. Her updates were always clear, and the team knew exactly what to prioritize. We hit every milestone because of her leadership.

Data Scientist

Eric helped bring order to our chaotic data. He built a reporting framework that our exec team actually used and understood. What stood out most was his ability to explain things without jargon and help other teams make smarter decisions based on the data.

HR Professional

Jennifer supported our team during a challenging reorg and did it with empathy and transparency. She’s a steady presence, knows when to listen, and helps people feel heard even when delivering tough news.

Consultant

Lisa came in during a messy period and helped us get back on track. She quickly understood our operations and helped restructure workflows that had been slowing us down. She’s efficient, strategic, and easy to work with.

CEO or Executive

James is one of the few execs I’ve worked with who combines clear vision with strong execution. He sets direction, listens to input, and doesn’t hesitate to make hard decisions. Under his leadership, the team stayed focused and engaged.

Intern or Entry-Level Employee

Jake interned with our team over the summer and quickly proved himself. He picked things up fast, took initiative, and wasn’t afraid to ask smart questions. By the end of the internship, he was running his own mini-projects with confidence.

Mentor or Coach

Laura’s coaching helped me level up during a career transition. She didn’t give me generic advice - she listened, pushed when needed, and helped me see things more clearly. I left every session with something tangible to work on.

Client or Customer

Working with Paul was a great experience. He communicated clearly, gave thoughtful feedback, and always treated us like partners instead of just a vendor. His input helped us deliver better results.

Freelancer or Contractor

Maya was a lifesaver during our brand refresh. She handled everything from initial drafts to final edits with speed and precision. We didn’t have to ask twice - she just got it.

Teacher or Professor

Professor Dean brought the material to life. He blended theory with real-world examples, and his feedback helped me grow beyond the classroom. You could tell he genuinely cared about our development.

Designer or Creative Professional

Jessie worked with us on a full rebrand, and she nailed it. She took time to understand our goals, asked the right questions, and delivered visuals that felt spot on. She also handled feedback with professionalism and speed.

Finance Professional

Mark helped clean up our budgeting and forecasting. He made everything easier to understand and gave us tools to make more confident decisions. It’s rare to find someone so good with both numbers and people.

Healthcare Worker

Dr. Chen helped my family through a difficult health situation. She was calm, clear, and patient every step of the way. You could feel she genuinely cared - and that made all the difference.

Real Estate Agent

Renee guided us through our first home purchase and made the whole process feel manageable. She explained every step, stayed on top of everything, and got us a great result in a competitive market.

Startup Founder

Alex built a product that solved a real need in our team. He’s driven, open to feedback, and constantly improving the experience. You can tell he cares about the details and the people using what he’s building.

Remote Team Member

Leo worked with us remotely for over a year and was a steady, reliable presence. His communication was always clear, he managed his time well, and he made collaboration across time zones feel seamless.

Cross-Functional Colleague

Tina collaborated with sales, product, and ops, and made it all look easy. She’s great at keeping everyone aligned and moving forward - even when priorities shift. She was often the one who made sure nothing fell through the cracks.

What Mistakes to Avoid When Writing LinkedIn Recommendations

Writing a LinkedIn recommendation might seem simple, but there are a few easy mistakes that can make your message fall flat or feel generic.

The most obvious one? Being vague. A recommendation that could apply to anyone doesn’t help the person stand out. If you write “great to work with” without any detail, it feels empty. Try to mention something specific, even if it’s simple).

Another issue is buzzword overload or writing a recommendation that reads like a job description. It’s better to keep it human. Think of it like giving a shoutout to a great colleague. Keep it natural and focused on impact.

And finally, match your tone to the person’s role. A creative director’s recommendation can be playful, but for a finance analyst, you’ll want to keep it sharp and professional.

Should You Write LinkedIn Recommendations for Everyone Who Asks?

Not necessarily. You’re not obligated to say yes, especially if you haven’t worked with the person closely or don’t have something genuine to share. It’s better to decline than to write something that feels insincere or vague.

What to Do If You Don't Want to Write a Recommendation

It’s okay to say no. The best way is to be honest but kind. Let them know you appreciate the ask but don’t feel like you’re the right person to write one. Most people will understand - especially if you haven’t worked closely.

How to Decline a LinkedIn Recommendation Request Politely

Here’s something simple you can say: “Thanks for reaching out. I really appreciate it, but I don’t think I’m the best person to write a recommendation since we haven’t worked closely enough.” It’s polite, clear, and gets the message across without awkwardness.

Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Recommendations

Can You Edit a LinkedIn Recommendation After It's Published?

Yes, absolutely. If you're the one who wrote the recommendation, you can edit it anytime from your LinkedIn dashboard. Just click on the recommendation and choose "edit." If someone else wrote the recommendation for you, you can't change it yourself - but you can ask the writer to revise it, and most people are open to it if you're clear about what you'd like them to adjust.

Do LinkedIn Recommendations Help with Job Applications?

Yes. When done right, LinkedIn recommendations act as public references. They show hiring managers that others genuinely endorse your skills and experience. A recommendation that’s specific to your strengths and written by a credible contact can give your profile a boost during the decision-making process, especially when a recruiter is comparing multiple candidates.

Can You Remove LinkedIn Recommendations from Your Profile?

Yes - you’re always in control of what appears on your profile. If someone gives you a recommendation that feels outdated or doesn’t reflect your current work, you can choose to hide it from your profile without deleting it. That way, you can bring it back later if it becomes relevant again.

How Often Should You Update Your LinkedIn Recommendations?

There’s no fixed schedule, but it's smart to update your recommendations when something big changes - like a new job, a big project, or a shift in responsibilities. Fresh recommendations give people a better picture of your current strengths and direction. As a rule of thumb, reviewing them once a year helps keep your profile current.

Do Recruiters Actually Read LinkedIn Recommendations?

Yes - especially for senior or client-facing roles. While recruiters may not read every recommendation in depth, they often skim through them to get a quick sense of how others describe you. If the feedback is strong and specific, it can support what your resume already says and help you stand out from similar profiles.

That’s a Wrap!

LinkedIn recommendations can make a big difference when it comes to standing out from the crowd. They demonstrate your professional strengths and showcase the valuable relationships you’ve built over the course of your career. Data shows it can highly increase your chance to land your dream job 👀

Now that you have all the tools you need to write a killer recommendation, as well as tips for requesting recommendations for yourself, it's time to put that knowledge into action!

Get out there, ask for recommendations, and watch your career take off!