Unlock the Power of LinkedIn Recommendations

If you're like many professionals I know, you've been focusing on building your LinkedIn profile and collecting recommendations.

➡️ You understand the importance of a strong LinkedIn presence.

➡️ You've optimized your profile with the right keywords.

➡️ You've been actively seeking recommendations from colleagues and clients.

➡️ You've learned about showcasing your skills and endorsements.

➡️ You've noticed how recommendations can boost credibility and visibility.

➡️ You're eager to leverage recommendations to enhance your professional brand.

But have you considered the power of GIVING LinkedIn recommendations and how they can dramatically impact your career growth and networking opportunities?

In this episode of Mondays with Mindi, we dive deep into the strategic art of giving LinkedIn recommendations. We'll explore how this often-overlooked practice can significantly boost your professional presence, expand your network, and open doors to new opportunities.

Landing My First Six-Figure Job with LinkedIn

Let me take you back to my early days as a brand-new social media marketer at Rosetta in 2012. I had joined a team of six incredibly talented individuals, all passionate about the work we were doing at a digital marketing agency. We were a tight-knit group, and one day we decided to do something simple yet impactful—write LinkedIn recommendations for each other. Each of us took the time to highlight the unique strengths, skills, and contributions we brought to the table.

At the time, it felt like a nice way to support one another, but I didn’t realize how much it would shape my career. These weren't just generic "great teammate" endorsements. We made sure our recommendations were thoughtful and specific, spotlighting real achievements, strengths, and the value each of us added to the team.

The thing is, giving those recommendations was just as valuable as receiving them. When you put the time into writing something meaningful for someone else, it strengthens your relationship, builds trust, and creates a lasting connection. (Hint: Your recommendation will always show up on their profile, unless they toggle it off for any reason)

About 18 months later, when I was ready to take the next big step in my career, those very recommendations that were given to me played a pivotal role. My future boss and hiring team took notice of the glowing reviews on my LinkedIn profile, and they could also see that I had given recommendations to my teammates, as well.

They could see not just my work history, but real testimonials from colleagues who had experienced my contributions firsthand. Even though I was still quite underqualified for the role, these recommendations showed that I had a “can figure it out as I go” attitude.

They helped me stand out in a competitive market and win out against two other excellent candidates. Before I knew it, I had landed a six-figure content marketing job in the San Francisco Bay Area at a hot startup. That’s the power of LinkedIn recommendations—they can transform your profile from "just another resume" to a compelling narrative that opens doors.

Most people focus so much on getting recommendations, which is important, but what they don’t realize is how powerful giving recommendations can be for their reputation, their connections, and their career growth.

Do LinkedIn recommendations really matter?

A lot of us hesitate to give LinkedIn recommendations, and it’s totally understandable. Maybe it feels a little awkward to publicly praise someone, or you’re not sure how to do it without sounding over-the-top.

It’s easy to worry that you might come across as insincere or that your words won’t carry much weight. But here’s the thing—giving a thoughtful recommendation isn’t about flattery. It’s about recognizing someone’s hard work and supporting their success, and that simple act can have a real impact on both of you.

Some of us think LinkedIn recommendations don’t really matter—that they’re just a nice gesture or a formality. It’s easy to feel like they won’t make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. But the truth is, these recommendations are powerful. They’re not just words on a screen; they’re real endorsements from someone who has worked with or alongside that person. When you take the time to write a genuine recommendation, you’re strengthening that connection, and people notice. Not giving one means missing an opportunity to deepen those relationships.

I totally understand if you’re wondering, “What if something changes for them down the road, or they make a career pivot?” But here’s the thing—when you give a recommendation, you’re speaking to the positive experiences and qualities you’ve seen firsthand. That moment of recognition stands on its own. By focusing on what’s true right now, you’re giving someone the chance to shine, and that act of support can have a lasting impact for both of you. After all, lifting each other up is what builds strong, lasting professional relationships.

And sometimes, we just don’t realize the benefits of giving recommendations. It’s not just about helping someone else—it’s about showing you’re the kind of person who lifts others up, someone who recognizes value and appreciates collaboration. When you write a recommendation, you’re also shining a light on your own leadership and generosity. And let’s be real—those are qualities that potential employers and clients notice, too.

At the end of the day, not giving recommendations is a missed opportunity to build trust, strengthen relationships, and showcase your own ability to support and uplift others.

So, if you’ve been holding back, maybe it’s time to rethink that. Taking a few moments to write something thoughtful can create a lasting ripple effect, both for the person you’re supporting and for your own professional growth.

Building Up the Know, Like, and Trust Factor

It’s easier than you think for all of us to get caught up in thinking that asking for a recommendation is too much of a hassle. I have worked with a number of awesome colleagues who were downsized, had to leave a job for reasons they could not disclose publicly, or simply were trying to create a better work-life balance for themselves. Some of them wanted to ask for a recommendation but were a bit hesitant to do so, until I offered to give them a recommendation as a show of support.

I’m an introvert by nature, and asking for help is also one of the hardest things for me to do. But, LinkedIn is about supporting each other in all of the ways. That also includes giving out recommendations to people we know, like, and trust.

Most people overlook the value of giving LinkedIn recommendations, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for strengthening your network. When you take the time to write a thoughtful recommendation, it deepens your relationships by showing that you genuinely value and appreciate someone's work.

This act of generosity doesn’t go unnoticed—people remember when you go out of your way to acknowledge their contributions. More often than not, they’ll return the favor, creating a cycle of goodwill and support that enhances both of your professional standings.

But it’s not just about relationships—giving recommendations also boosts your visibility. LinkedIn isn’t only about what’s on your profile; it’s about how active you are on the platform. When you also actively engage on other people’s posts AND give thoughtful recommendations, this keeps you top-of-mind with your connections and even can expand your reach to their connections. All of these positive vibes and visibility can open doors to new opportunities that you might not have anticipated.

And, a well-crafted recommendation reflects well on you. It demonstrates your communication skills, your attention to detail, and your ability to recognize the strengths of others. By highlighting the talents and achievements of your colleagues, you position yourself as a team player and someone who values collaboration—traits that both potential employers and clients seek out. In this way, giving recommendations becomes a win-win, benefitting not just the person you’re praising but also enhancing your own reputation as a good human.

Ready to dive in? Great! Let’s talk about the “how” to do it right.

How to Unlock the Power of Giving LinkedIn Recommendations

It’s not just about giving out as many endorsements as possible—it’s about strategically using them to amplify credibility and opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the most out of giving LinkedIn recommendations and ensure they work for you.

1. Start with Pros You Know Well

Begin by recommending colleagues, clients, or mentors who have had a significant impact on your work. Be thoughtful in your choices—don’t just recommend anyone. Think of people whose work you genuinely respect and who you’ve collaborated with on meaningful projects.

2. Be Specific and Personal

When you write a recommendation, skip the vague compliments. Highlight specific contributions or skills. For example, instead of saying, "She’s great to work with," say, "Her ability to lead our team through a challenging project, while maintaining a positive and collaborative environment, was a key reason for our success." Personal stories or examples will make your recommendation stand out.

3. Give Before You Ask

If you’re hoping to receive recommendations, start by giving them first. It’s a great way to show goodwill, and often, the people you recommend will return the favor. But even if they don’t, the act of giving is valuable on its own and helps build your professional reputation.

4. Be Strategic About Timing

Timing matters. If someone has recently helped you on a project, or you’ve just completed a collaboration with a colleague, that’s the perfect moment to write a recommendation while the details are still fresh in your mind.

5. Share the Love Publicly

Once you’ve written a recommendation, don’t hesitate to share it. You can even tag the person in a post celebrating their contributions. This not only highlights their accomplishments but shows your network that you value and recognize great work.

Share Freely & Grow Together on LinkedIn

If you’re writing recommendations for a freelancer or a business owner, client recommendations are gold. They can use them in their marketing materials, feature them on their website, and share them across their social channels. They’re a great way to build credibility and trust with potential clients.

When you write a recommendation for a job seeker or career professional, you’re giving them something incredibly valuable—real-world validation. These recommendations serve as a form of social proof that potential employers or hiring managers can trust. It’s not just about highlighting their skills; it’s about showing how they’ve made an impact. Your words could be what sets them apart in a competitive job market, opening doors to new opportunities and helping them make meaningful career strides. Plus, you’re reinforcing the positive connections you’ve built, which can benefit you both in the long run.

When you make giving recommendations a regular habit, you’ll see the impact over time. It strengthens your network, builds trust, and enhances your own professional brand. Plus, it’s a powerful tool for showcasing the relationships you’ve built.

Now that you know how powerful LinkedIn recommendations can be, it's time to start giving them! Choose ONE person in your network to write a LinkedIn recommendation for, and write up a compelling recommendation for them.

Want to dive even deeper? Head over to mindirosser.com/linkedinreboot for my exclusive guide on how to create an optimized LinkedIn profile to take your career or business to the next level! 💪