LinkedIn Recommendations: A Brief Overview
LinkedIn recommendations are one of the platform's most powerful yet underutilised features and I'm a huge fan of them. These public references, displayed prominently on your profile, can significantly impact your professional reputation and career opportunities.
I frequently encourage individuals to "go and get some recommendations" when I'm doing TikTok Lives on the topic and by this, I mean talk to your colleagues and ask them to contribute a recommendation to your profile.
This is typically reciprocal although it doesn't have to be. Sometimes you'll receive a recommendation without asking for it. That's always exciting!
LinkedIn offers you the ability to both request recommendations from colleagues – although I think it's best to check-in ahead of time so it's expected, rather than out-of-the-blue. LinkedIn also gives you the ability to review each recommendation and decide whether you want to add it to your profile.
What makes recommendations particularly valuable is their role in building social proof. Yes, they're self-serving, and yes, you've usually requested them, but they provide tangible evidence of your professional impact and relationships. Think of them as digital testimonials that validate your skills and work ethic.
I've witnessed firsthand how recommendations can influence hiring decisions. In one instance a while ago, when I offered to provide references during a hiring process, the recruiter responded, "No need – we've already read your LinkedIn recommendations." This moment really highlighted their true value for me.
Another eye-opening experience came when joining a new company. My team later confessed they'd reviewed every recommendation on my profile before my arrival to try and gauge what kind of manager I would be. This revealed how recommendations can serve as a preview of your leadership style and professional character.
Here are some strategic tips for building your recommendation collection:
Start with your immediate colleagues, offering to write recommendations in return. The key is to follow through promptly when you agree to this exchange.
If your colleagues are unsure where to start, it's perfectly acceptable to provide gentle guidance. For example, you might suggest, "Feel free to mention our collaboration on the infrastructure project or our client work."
Consider building your recommendations gradually. While some professionals like Ryan (from one of my recent TikTok Lives) boast impressive collections (42 and counting!) even a few thoughtful recommendations can significantly enhance your profile.
- Check out my TikTok video about Ryan's LinkedIn profile
However, it's important to maintain perspective. Not everyone places equal value on LinkedIn recommendations – some recruiters and professionals may skim or skip them entirely. They're probably best viewed as one aspect of your broader professional story rather than the a key indicator of your abilities.
I think the real strength of recommendations is their ability to paint a multi-dimensional picture of your professional impact through the eyes of your colleagues.
Good luck!
