So. You’ve finally made your LinkedIn profile. You’ve carefully updated your resume, cropped a flattering profile picture, and connected with your most valued colleagues. Now what? Sure, this channel is a great way to learn about your chosen industry, make valuable connections, and seek out new opportunities. But now it’s time to take the next step. LinkedIn recommendations offer an incredible opportunity for growth – if they’re done right. Let’s take a look at some of the specifics of LinkedIn recommendations and the benefits they offer.
What is a Recommendation?
A LinkedIn recommendation is a short note on your profile, generally written by someone you’ve worked with, describing your skills and work that you’ve done. They are not a requirement on a LinkedIn profile, but give users an opportunity to voice their support of other users. Recommendations give you the opportunity to make more personal connections with those that you’ve worked with and inspire confidence in the work that you’ve already done. LinkedIn recommendations are often used by recruiters to seek out new job candidates, and occassionally used internally when companies are looking to give out promotions. They’re not necessary by any means, but a well-written recommendation by a well-respected business professional can make you stand out among the crowd.
How They Help
Having recommendations on your profile automatically says something about the kind of person you are. Recommendations require that you are proactive and intentional. It shows that you’ve tried to seek out those who support your experience or have done such a great job that you’ve been recommended without even having to ask. Either way, recommendations help your personal brand look put together and trustworthy. Recommendations also confirm your story. They support the work that you’ve claimed to have done and give credit to your past experience. It’s also important to take note of who wrote the recommendation. The relationship of the recommender is key – make sure those writing recommendations for you have thoroughly experienced your work and are unbiased in their opinions. Make sure all recommendations match your profile and past experience. Nothing in the recommendation should contradict your profile, but rather support and build off of it. If you’re intentionally seeking out recommendations, it’s best to build a variety of them that showcase the range of your experience. It’s key to note that sitting down to write a good recommendation takes time, effort, and intention. If you can find a business professional who is willing to attest to your work and share that recommendation with the world, that already speaks highly of your work. But recommendations are just the beginning! Stay tuned for details on continuing to build your profile with LinkedIn Endorsements. Photo Credit
