LinkedIn Referrals Examples: Real Templates That Actually Get You Hired

Sample Referrals on LinkedIn for Colleague

When you’re writing for a colleague, focus on collaboration and shared wins. Here’s what works:

“Maria is an incredibly talented Marketing Strategist. We worked together on the product launch team for two years at TechCorp. Her ability to translate complex customer data into actionable campaign strategies was remarkable—she personally drove a 35% increase in qualified leads during our Q4 push. Maria also has this gift for keeping everyone aligned during high-pressure deadlines, which made our whole team more effective. I’d work with Maria again in a heartbeat and strongly recommend her to any organization looking for strategic marketing expertise.”

Why this works: It’s specific (35% increase), shows collaboration (kept team aligned), and demonstrates real impact (qualified leads). Notice how it avoids generic terms and focuses on outcomes.

LinkedIn Referrals for Manager

When recommending a manager, emphasize their leadership style and strategic impact:

“James is an exceptional Sales Director with a rare gift for balancing team development and business results. I worked under his leadership for four years, during which he helped me personally exceed quota by 20% year-over-year through targeted coaching. What impressed me most was James’s ability to navigate our team through a major market downturn while maintaining team morale and focus. He prioritizes long-term growth over short-term wins, which creates a culture where people want to stay and excel. Any organization would benefit tremendously from James’s leadership.”

Why this works: Shows measurable impact (20% quota achievement), reveals character (maintained morale), and demonstrates strategic thinking (long-term growth focus).

LinkedIn Referrals Example for Student

For students or interns, focus on potential, work ethic, and foundation skills:

“I had the pleasure of supervising Chen during his three-month marketing internship at our agency. His project involved redesigning our social media strategy from scratch—a task most interns would struggle with. Chen not only met every deadline but exceeded expectations by delivering a strategy that increased our engagement by 40% within the first month of implementation. His willingness to learn, accept feedback, and take initiative showed professional maturity beyond his experience level. Chen will be a tremendous asset to any team looking for someone who combines sharp thinking with genuine drive.”

Why this works: Acknowledges inexperience while emphasizing results (40% engagement increase), shows adaptability (accepting feedback), and projects future value.

LinkedIn Referrals for Client

Writing recommendations for clients might seem odd, but it’s powerful social proof that builds trust:

“Working with Priya on the software integration project was genuinely refreshing. Over our 18-month partnership, Priya’s clear vision and openness to innovation allowed us to deliver solutions that exceeded the original scope—ultimately reducing their operational costs by 30%. Her straightforward communication and realistic expectations made our collaboration smooth and productive. I look forward to future projects with Priya and encourage others to seek partnership opportunities with her team.”

Why this works: Shows partnership quality (smooth collaboration), demonstrates business impact (30% cost reduction), and builds credibility for both parties.

How Do LinkedIn Referralss Work?

Getting great recommendations isn’t about hoping someone will randomly write one. It’s strategic.

The Reciprocity Approach The fastest way to get recommendations? Write them first. When you write a thoughtful, detailed recommendation for someone, they’re likely to return the favor. Studies show companies using referral strategies generate conversion rates 3 to 5 times higher than other methods—the same principle applies to LinkedIn.

Timing Matters Ask immediately after a successful project, positive performance review, or major achievement. The appreciation is fresh, details are clear, and people are more motivated to help.

Be Specific About What You Need Don’t just ask “can you write me a recommendation?” Tell them exactly what skills or achievements you want highlighted based on your current career goals. This makes it easier for them and ensures the good linkedin profile you’re building is strategic.

Quality Over Quantity Five detailed, varied recommendations beat twenty generic ones. Aim for diversity—one highlighting technical skills, another on leadership, another on client management. This creates a multi-dimensional picture of your capabilities.