As a recruiter working in Sweden, I see this every day: LinkedIn recommendations are more than just compliments - they are career tools that help candidates stand out, especially in a competitive and network-driven market like Sweden. For international professionals, they can be a bridge into the hidden job market. For hiring managers, they offer valuable insights into a candidate's real-world impact. LinkedIn recommendations can make a real difference in how you're perceived by potential employers and collaborators. In this blog, we'll explore why they matter, how to ask for one effectively, how to read them and how you can support others by writing meaningful recommendations yourself.
Why recommendations matter
Profiles with LinkedIn recommendations receive up to 14 times more profile views compared to those without recommendations. Recruiters often read recommendations to understand a candidate's strengths, collaboration style, and achievements. In fact, 79% of recruiters consider recommendations an important factor in hiring decisions. In Sweden, where modesty is valued and self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, recommendations allow others to speak on your behalf. In Sweden, where Jantelagen often discourages self-promotion, recommendations offer a culturally appropriate way to showcase your strengths.
Sources: LinkedIn Global Hiring Trends Report; LinkedIn Insights.
How to ask for a recommendation
Be clear and respectful. Reach out to former colleagues, managers, or clients who know your work well. Explain why you're asking and what you'd like them to highlight. For example:
"Hi [Name], I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would really appreciate a short recommendation based on our work together on [project]. It would be helpful if you could mention [specific skill or achievement]."
Timing matters too. Ask when the collaboration is fresh or when you’re actively job searching. Keep it short and personal. People are more likely to respond when they understand the context and feel appreciated.
What makes a strong recommendation
A strong recommendation tells a story. It should describe what you did, how you did it, and the impact it had. Instead of vague praise like “great team player”, aim for statements such as:
"Anna led the onboarding of five international hires with precision and empathy, ensuring a smooth integration into the team."
This level of detail makes your skills and results clear to recruiters.
A strong recommendation should:
When reviewing recommendations, look for patterns and specifics. Do they consistently highlight leadership, problem-solving, or collaboration? Are examples concrete and measurable? Combine these insights with structured interviews and reference checks to ensure a fair and complete evaluation. Recommendations are not a substitute for interviews or references, but they can reveal soft skills and team dynamics that are harder to assess otherwise.
Sources: LinkedIn Global Hiring Trends Report; LinkedIn Insights.
LinkedIn recommendations are not just nice-to-haves. They are strategic assets. Whether you're a candidate trying to stand out or a recruiter looking for deeper insights, recommendations can help you make better decisions.
Ready to strengthen your LinkedIn presence? Reach out to our LinkedIn specialist, Jacob Lundén-Welden, for personalised tips and support. We recommend you contact our LinkedIn specialist, Jacob Lundén-Welden