Five Tips for Writing a Helpful LinkedIn Endorsement or Recommendation

Lesley Peters reports:

"Endorsements and recommendations [need] to shine a light on the talents of the person you are writing about that build up the person. It’s helpful to consider your relationship, and try to explain in a few words how you know this person and what your relationship was or is, and why you think she or he is a valuable business resource...Ask your colleague if they wish to include any specific skills, talents, or abilities. You can also ask them how they would like your relationship described...Think about your requestor’s business, and the audience they want to have reading the endorsement/recommendation. You want to show the value your requestor brings to 'the table'. Writing about this person’s successes, helpfulness, and talents bring the person to life, so that readers nod, and say, 'This is someone I want on my team, or at my company, or I want to have in my corner.” You want your endorsement to ring true, be honest, and [be] factual...Explain your relationship, and what work you have done together in a concrete, factual way so your readers understand how you know this person, and why your comments are valuable. You want to be specific about what you did together, and the results you saw this person achieve...If it’s for LinkedIn, read the other recommendations for your requestor on [LinkedIn. See] if you can say [it] with a different point of view, or emphasizing another skill or ability that isn’t already there...Consider writing a few words at the end about their personal style, and what you particularly like about them that other business people would find helpful."