Most people know to keep their LinkedIn profiles updated. You’ve probably added a short summary, listed your past jobs, highlighted a few achievements, maybe even included certifications or a cool display photo. But there's one section many people skip: recommendations.
These are short testimonials from people you’ve worked with. They can come from managers, teammates, or clients. Anyone who can speak to your strengths. Senior recruiter Kathleen Nolan says the recommendations section is often overlooked, even though it can help your profile stand out.
If you're trying to get a job, a strong job recommendation can give you an edge. When a recruiter sees real feedback from people you've worked with, it adds credibility that a list of skills alone can't. If you’ve been ignoring this part of your profile, now’s a good time to change that.
🤖 SAVE HUNDREDS OF HOURS ON JOB HUNTING WITH RISE SMART APPLY!
What is a LinkedIn recommendation and why it matters
A LinkedIn recommendation is a short note someone writes about you. It usually comes from a coworker, manager, client, or even a friend you’ve worked with on a meaningful project. It's a way for others to say, "This person is great to work with," and back it up with real examples.
These recommendations give people more than just your job titles or skills. They show how you work with others, what you bring to a team, and how you handle challenges. Recruiters often check this section when reviewing profiles. If the person writing the recommendation has a strong background, a well-known company on their profile, or a management role, it can make your profile more convincing.
Having a few good recommendations is like having built-in references. You're not the one saying you're great. Other people are doing it for you. If you're job searching, freelancing, or open to new opportunities, these endorsements can help you stand out. People with recommendations tend to get more interviews and faster responses.
It also helps in the long run. Recommendations build your professional reputation. They add a layer of trust and help others see you as credible and reliable. If you haven't added any to your profile yet, this is a good time to start.
How to ask for a recommendation
If you're trying to get a job, build credibility, or grow your network, a strong recommendation can help. But asking for one can feel awkward if you’re not sure how to go about it. Start by reaching out to someone who knows your work well. Let them know you're updating your LinkedIn profile and mention your goal. For example, you can say you're exploring jobs in marketing, jobs in project management, or jobs in tech.
Make it personal. Tell them why you’re reaching out to them specifically. Maybe they managed you during a major project, worked with you closely on a tight deadline, or saw you lead a team. Mention a few key things they might highlight. This makes it easier for them to know what to say. You can even include examples of skills you'd like them to mention, like communication, problem-solving, or technical strengths. Just keep it natural and helpful, not like you're writing it for them.
Also, let them know it doesn’t have to be long. One or two sentences is totally fine. And if they’re too busy, that's okay too. You don’t need ten recommendations. Aim for two or three solid ones from people who really know your work. That will go further than a long list of generic praise.
Top examples of job recommendations
Writing a recommendation doesn’t have to be complicated. You can even use tools like ChatGPT to polish your message or get unstuck. A good way to start is by reading real examples and seeing how others do it.
Here are sample job recommendations you can learn from or use as inspiration:
For a colleague
💬 "Having worked with Denise for three years, I saw how dedicated and reliable he is. He helped me understand our project management system and shared tools that made my work easier. His work ethic, clear communication, and willingness to support others made a big impact on our team."
💬 "Alex is someone I’ve worked with on several AI projects. He tackles problems quickly and knows his stuff. He’s skilled, professional, and always great to work with. I highly recommend him for any technical team."
For a manager
💬 "Jennifer has been my manager for four years. She sets clear goals, respects deadlines, and understands how to bring out the best in people. Her feedback is always helpful, and she keeps the team motivated and focused."
💬 "Mr. Morris leads by example. He brings fresh ideas, solves problems effectively, and always supports the team. His leadership helped us stay on track during tough times."
For a student or intern
💬 "Linda worked at our campus café for two years while balancing school. She was dependable, quick to learn, and always kept a positive attitude. Any company would be lucky to have her."
For an HR professional
💬 "Shaun has strong recruiting skills and a way of making people feel heard. He gives great advice and always puts professionalism first. His support has helped many of us grow in our careers."
💬 "Annie is focused, approachable, and excellent at handling workplace issues. She brings both skill and care to her work. She’s someone you can always count on for honest feedback and real help."
For a boss or executive
💬 "Sean was my manager for five years. He is focused, goal-oriented, and knowledgeable in business strategy. He motivates the team and always looks for ways to improve how we work."
💬 "Olivia is a thoughtful leader who understands the tech space well. She keeps the team inspired and on track. Working with her helped me grow as a professional."
For a senior team member
💬 "Morris is a senior leader who brings clarity to complex problems. He’s experienced, great with clients, and someone the team trusts. I learned a lot from working with him."
💬 "Rina helped me grow during my time as a junior engineer. She guided me through challenges, encouraged my development, and made sure I felt supported. I’m grateful for her leadership."
For a client
💬 "Mr. Lee was a client on a two-year content project. He gave clear direction, stayed involved, and treated the team with respect. I’d gladly work with him again."
💬 "James was one of my first clients. He trusted me to build his company website and gave clear, helpful feedback throughout the project. His professionalism made the work smooth and enjoyable."
For a developer
💬 "Kareem is a skilled developer who knows multiple languages and always delivers on time. He’s easy to work with, open to feedback, and helps build lasting client relationships."
💬 "Maria has been with our company for five years. Her development work is always high quality, and she takes the time to make sure every detail meets the mark. She’s reliable, driven, and great to have on the team."
FAQ on job and career recommendations
1. Who should I ask for a job recommendation?
Ask someone who knows your work well and can speak to your strengths. This could be a current or former manager, a colleague you worked closely with, a client, or even a mentor. The key is choosing someone who can give specific, honest feedback about your skills and how you work with others.
2. What should a professional recommendation include?
A good recommendation should include how the person knows you, what you worked on together, and a few details about your strengths. It’s more helpful when it includes specific examples. A short paragraph with clear, direct praise works better than something vague or overly formal.
3. How do I ask for a recommendation without making it awkward?
Be clear and polite. Let the person know you're updating your profile or applying for jobs, and that you value their feedback. Mention the work you did together and suggest a few points they might include. Make it easy for them to say yes or no.
4. How long should a job recommendation be?
It doesn’t need to be long. One to three short sentences can be enough if they’re specific and genuine. A long message with no detail is less useful than a short one that gets to the point.
5. Can I use a personal contact for a professional recommendation?
Yes, if you’ve worked with them in a professional setting. For example, if you built something together, volunteered on a project, or ran a business on the side, their feedback can still be valuable. Just make sure they can speak to your work skills, not just your personality.
6. Do recruiters actually read recommendations?
Yes, many do. A strong professional recommendation can help your profile stand out, especially if it’s from someone respected in your field. It shows that others trust you and are willing to speak up for your work.
7. How many recommendations do I need?
Two or three high-quality recommendations are enough for most people. Focus on getting a few from people who really know your work rather than collecting dozens of general ones.
🗽 JOIN RISE NOW AND GET ACCESS TO THOUSANDS OF JOBS IN TECH IN THE USA AND MORE!
If you're trying to get a job, grow your career, or just boost your credibility, a strong recommendation can help you stand out. It only takes a few minutes to ask, and even a short message from the right person can make a big difference.
Take a moment to think about who you’ve worked with and who might be willing to vouch for you. Send them a quick, thoughtful message. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have something valuable on your profile that speaks for you.
