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15 LinkedIn Recommendation Templates (Copy and Paste)

A recommendation people believe says how you know the person, names one strength with a real example and ends with a clear endorsement. Pick the template for your relationship below, add a specific project and what came of it, and cut anything you would not say to their face.

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15 of 15 recommendation templates shown

  • Manager · Tech, Marketers · Professional

    I reported to {firstName} for {timeframe} at {company}, and {firstName} is one of the best managers I have had. {firstName} has a rare skill: {skill}. When we worked on {project}, {firstName} {whatTheyDid}, and the team delivered {result}. Just as important, {firstName} invested in people. Giving me {growthExample} helped me {myGrowth}. Any team would be lucky to have {firstName} as a leader.

    Why it works: Written for a manager you reported to. It names one skill, one project and one way they helped you grow.

    EXAMPLEI reported to Morgan for three years at Northwind, and she is one of the best managers I have had. Morgan has a rare skill: making complex priorities feel simple. When we rebuilt our pricing page, she broke the work into weekly goals and kept every stakeholder updated, and the team delivered it two weeks early. Just as important, Morgan invested in people. She gave me ownership of our first customer research project, which helped me grow into a team lead role. Any team would be lucky to have Morgan as a leader.
    398 characters
  • Manager · Sales, Finance · Friendly

    {firstName} was my manager at {company} and made {team} a place where people wanted to do their best work. What stood out most was {trait}. In {timeframe}, I never left a one-on-one without a clear next step. When {challenge}, {firstName} {whatTheyDid}. That steady approach helped us {result}. I recommend {firstName} for any leadership role where {strength} matters.

    Why it works: Written for a manager you reported to. Focuses on day-to-day leadership and how they handled a hard moment.

    EXAMPLEDana was my manager at Lumen Health, and she made the finance team a place where people wanted to do their best work. What stood out most was how she gave honest feedback with real care. In two years, I never left a one-on-one without a clear next step. When our audit timeline moved up by a month, Dana re-planned the close calendar and shielded the team from extra meetings. That steady approach helped us finish on time with no findings. I recommend Dana for any leadership role where clear communication under pressure matters.
    371 characters
  • Manager · Healthcare, Recruiters · Professional

    I had the privilege of working under {firstName} as {myRole} at {company}. {firstName} leads by example. {example}, and that set the standard for everyone on the team. One moment I remember: {moment}. {firstName} handled it with {trait}, and {outcome}. {firstName} also made time to mentor, including {mentorExample}. I would gladly work for {firstName} again.

    Why it works: Written for a manager you reported to. A single memorable moment makes it more credible than a list of adjectives.

    EXAMPLEI had the privilege of working under Priya as a staff nurse at Lumen Health. Priya leads by example. She was often the first to step in on a busy shift, and that set the standard for everyone around her. One moment I remember: a staffing gap during a holiday weekend. Priya handled it with calm and fairness, and every shift was covered without anyone feeling pushed. Priya also made time to mentor. She helped me prepare for my charge nurse certification. I would gladly work for Priya again.
    364 characters
  • Peer · Tech, Founders · Friendly

    {firstName} and I worked side by side on {team} at {company} for {timeframe}. If I had to describe {firstName} in one word, it would be {word}. {example}. On {project}, {firstName} {contribution}. That work helped the team {result}. {firstName} is also the person everyone goes to when {situation}, and always makes time. I would work with {firstName} again in a heartbeat.

    Why it works: Written for a peer on your team. One word plus proof gives the recommendation a clear theme.

    EXAMPLEDana and I worked side by side on the platform team at Northwind for two years. If I had to describe Dana in one word, it would be dependable. She did exactly what she said she would, every sprint. On our migration to a new database, Dana wrote the rollback plan and tested it twice. That work helped the team switch over with no downtime. Dana is also the person everyone goes to when a production issue is confusing. She always makes time. I would work with Dana again in a heartbeat.
    377 characters
  • Peer · Marketers, Sales · Professional

    I collaborated with {firstName} on {project} while we were both at {company}. {firstName} was the {role} and I led {myPart}. {firstName} brought {skill} to every meeting. When we disagreed on {disagreement}, {firstName} {howTheyHandled}, and we landed on a better plan. The result: {result}. I recommend {firstName} to any team that needs {strength}.

    Why it works: Written for a peer on another team. Mentioning a healthy disagreement shows real collaboration, not just praise.

    EXAMPLEI collaborated with Morgan on our spring product launch while we were both at Lumen Health. He was the product marketing lead and I led sales enablement. Morgan brought sharp customer insight to every meeting. When we disagreed on the launch message, he pulled call notes from ten customers, and we landed on a better plan. The result: the sales team used the new pitch from day one. I recommend Morgan to any team that needs a marketer who listens to customers.
    353 characters
  • Peer · Students, Job Seekers · Friendly

    {firstName} and I were {relationship} at {company}. Even early in their career, {firstName} stood out for {trait}. During {project}, {firstName} {contribution}, and also {extra}, without being asked. What I appreciated most: {appreciation}. Any team hiring for {role} would benefit from {firstName}'s {strength}.

    Why it works: Written for a peer early in their career, such as a fellow intern. Highlights initiative, which matters most at entry level.

    EXAMPLEPriya and I were summer interns together at Northwind. Even early in her career, she stood out for her curiosity. During our team's customer survey project, Priya wrote the survey and analyzed over 200 responses. She also created a guide for future interns, without being asked. What I appreciated most: she shared credit generously in every presentation. Any team hiring for an analyst role would benefit from Priya's care and initiative.
    315 characters
  • Direct report · Tech, Healthcare · Professional

    I managed {firstName} for {timeframe} at {company}, where {firstName} worked as {role}. {firstName} grew faster than almost anyone I have managed, starting with {startingPoint} and, within {growthTime}, {growthResult}. A highlight was {project}. {firstName} {contribution}, and {result}. {firstName} is {trait1} and {trait2}. I would hire {firstName} again without hesitation.

    Why it works: Written for someone who reported to you. Showing their growth over time is what hiring managers want to see.

    EXAMPLEI managed Morgan for two years at Lumen Health, where he worked as a data analyst. Morgan grew faster than almost anyone I have managed. He started by building weekly reports and within a year was leading our dashboard redesign. A highlight was our patient wait-time project. Morgan found a scheduling pattern nobody had noticed, and the clinics used it to plan staffing. Morgan is thorough and easy to work with. I would hire him again without hesitation.
    379 characters
  • Direct report · Sales, Real Estate · Bold

    {firstName} was one of the strongest {role}s on my team at {company}. What set {firstName} apart was {skill}. {example}. In {timeframe}, {firstName} {result}. Just as important, {firstName} did it the right way: {howTheyDidIt}. If you are hiring for {targetRole}, talk to {firstName}. You will not regret it.

    Why it works: Written for someone who reported to you. Confident and direct, with one result and how they earned it.

    EXAMPLEDana was one of the strongest account executives on my team at Northwind. What set her apart was her preparation. She researched every account before a first call and always came with a clear agenda. In her second year, Dana closed our largest new customer. Just as important, she did it the right way: honest about what we could and could not do. If you are hiring for a senior sales role, talk to Dana. You will not regret it.
    311 characters
  • Direct report · Marketers, Finance · Friendly

    It was a pleasure to manage {firstName} at {company}. {firstName} joined as {role} and quickly became someone the whole team relied on. {firstName} has a gift for {skill}. When we needed {need}, {firstName} {contribution}. {firstName} also takes feedback well. {feedbackExample}. I am sad to lose {firstName} and excited for whichever team gets to work with {firstName} next.

    Why it works: Written for someone who reported to you. Mentioning how they handle feedback is a detail hiring managers value.

    EXAMPLEIt was a pleasure to manage Priya at Lumen Health. She joined as a marketing coordinator and quickly became someone the whole team relied on. Priya has a gift for clear writing. When we needed to explain a new billing policy to patients, she drafted the email, FAQ and website copy in a week. She also takes feedback well. After one review, she started sharing early drafts, which made every project smoother. I am sad to lose Priya and excited for whichever team gets her next.
    378 characters
  • Client · Freelancers, Founders · Professional

    We hired {firstName} to {projectGoal} at {company}, and the work was exactly what we needed. From the first call, {firstName} {firstImpression}. {process}, so we always knew where things stood. The result: {result}. What I valued most was {value}. I would hire {firstName} again and have already recommended {firstName} to {referral}.

    Why it works: Written as a client. Covers process, result and the experience of working together, which future clients care about.

    EXAMPLEWe hired Morgan to rebuild our website at Northwind, and he delivered exactly what we needed. From the first call, Morgan asked about our customers before talking about design. He shared progress every Friday, so we always knew where things stood. The result: a faster, simpler site that our sales team is proud to share. What I valued most was his honesty about timelines. I would hire Morgan again and have already recommended him to two other founders.
    337 characters
  • Client · Coaches, Job Seekers · Friendly

    I worked with {firstName} as my {coachType} for {timeframe}, and it made a real difference. Before we started, I was {before}. {firstName} helped me {how}. A turning point was {moment}. Today, {after}. If you are thinking about working with {firstName}, I recommend it.

    Why it works: Written as a coaching client. A clear before and after makes the recommendation concrete without exaggerating.

    EXAMPLEI worked with Dana as my career coach for four months, and it made a real difference. Before we started, I was applying to every job I saw and hearing nothing back. Dana helped me narrow my search to two types of roles and rewrite my resume for each. A turning point was a mock interview where she showed me I was underselling my project work. Today, I am in a role I chose on purpose. If you are thinking about working with Dana, I recommend it.
    272 characters
  • Client · Finance, Real Estate · Professional

    {firstName} helped {clientType} {service} over {timeframe}, and I recommend {firstName} highly. {firstName} explained {topic} in plain language and never rushed a decision. When {challenge}, {firstName} {response}. I always felt {firstName} was working in my best interest, not just closing a deal. If you need a {role} who is {trait1} and {trait2}, {firstName} is a great choice.

    Why it works: Written as a client. Trust and clear communication matter most in finance and property, so the template focuses on them.

    EXAMPLEPriya helped my family buy our first home over six months, and I recommend her highly. She explained every step of the process in plain language and never rushed a decision. When our first offer fell through, Priya walked us through what happened and found two better options within a week. I always felt Priya was working in my best interest, not just closing a deal. If you need an agent who is patient and honest, Priya is a great choice.
    383 characters
  • Mentor · Students, Job Seekers · Friendly

    {firstName} mentored me when I was {stage}, and I still use that advice today. We met through {howWeMet}. Over {timeframe}, {firstName} {support}. The most valuable thing {firstName} taught me: {lesson}. {firstName} gives time generously and expects nothing back. Anyone lucky enough to learn from {firstName} will be better for it.

    Why it works: Written for a mentor. One lesson you still use shows the lasting value of their guidance.

    EXAMPLEMorgan mentored me when I was a college junior trying to break into product management, and I still use his advice today. We met through our university alumni program. Over a full school year, Morgan reviewed my resume, ran mock interviews and introduced me to two product teams. The most valuable thing he taught me: always start with the user problem, not the feature. Morgan gives time generously and expects nothing back. Anyone lucky enough to learn from him will be better for it.
    335 characters
  • Mentor · Tech, Healthcare · Professional

    I have had the benefit of {firstName}'s mentorship for {timeframe}, first at {company} and since then informally. {firstName} has deep expertise in {skill}, but what makes {firstName} a great mentor is {quality}. When I was deciding {decision}, {firstName} {howTheyHelped}. That conversation shaped {outcome}. I recommend {firstName} as a leader, advisor and teacher.

    Why it works: Written for a mentor. Separates expertise from mentoring skill, which makes the praise more thoughtful.

    EXAMPLEI have had the benefit of Dana's mentorship for five years, first at Lumen Health and since then informally. Dana has deep expertise in clinical informatics, but what makes her a great mentor is how she asks questions instead of giving answers. When I was deciding whether to move into management, Dana helped me list what I would gain and lose. That conversation shaped my choice to lead a small team first. I recommend Dana as a leader, advisor and teacher.
    370 characters
  • Mentor · Founders, Sales · Bold

    Every {role} needs someone like {firstName} in their corner. {firstName} advised me through {stage} at {company} and was direct when I needed it: {directExample}. {firstName} also opened doors. {introExample}. I would not be where I am without {firstName}'s honest advice. If {firstName} offers to mentor you, say yes.

    Why it works: Written for a mentor. Shows both honest pushback and practical help, which makes the recommendation credible.

    EXAMPLEEvery first-time founder needs someone like Priya in their corner. Priya advised me through the first two years at Northwind. She was direct when I needed it: she told me our pricing was too low before I was ready to hear it. She also opened doors. Her introductions led to our first three enterprise pilots. I would not be where I am without Priya's honest advice. If she offers to mentor you, say yes.
    321 characters

How to personalize a template

  1. Open with how you know them: your role, their role and how long you worked together.
  2. Choose one or two strengths and give each a real example.
  3. Mention a result you saw yourself, not one you heard about secondhand.
  4. Read it as a hiring manager would, and cut praise that could describe anyone.

Common mistakes

  • Stacking adjectives with no examples behind them.
  • Quoting results or numbers you cannot confirm.
  • Writing more about yourself than about them.
  • Sharing confidential details about a company or client.

Frequently asked questions

What should a LinkedIn recommendation include?

How you know the person, one or two strengths with examples, and a clear line saying you recommend them.

Who should I ask for one?

People who saw your work up close: managers, peers, people you managed, clients and mentors. Ask them to mention a specific project.

Can I draft the recommendation someone writes for me?

Many people do. Send a short draft or a list of projects, and let them edit it so it sounds like them and only includes what they saw.

Are the filled examples about real people?

No. The people and companies are invented. Write about real work you saw yourself.

Go further

Write one for your exact situation with the free Recommendation Writer. Read How to Ask for a LinkedIn Recommendation for the reasoning. Check how a message or post reads with the Post Preview, or browse the full template library.