How to Write a LinkedIn Recommendation

150-300 words. Long enough to include a real example; short enough to actually be read. Most hiring managers skim LinkedIn recommendations — make every sentence count.

This is common and acceptable. Write a strong first draft based on your actual experience. The person may adjust tone or emphasis, but the specific examples and core endorsement should come from you.

It is common to exchange recommendations, but do not make yours feel transactional. Write yours first, genuinely, without expectation. If you want one in return, ask separately and give them full freedom to write what they actually think.

Yes — and it is more honest than writing a weak one. If you cannot write a genuinely positive, specific recommendation, it is better to say so: "I want to make sure you get the strongest recommendation possible — I may not be the best person to speak to your [specific skill]."

Yes, especially for senior roles and client-facing positions. They are one of the few external social proof signals available on a profile. Three specific, credible recommendations are meaningfully better than none.