PR Start by Nick Lucido

Lately, I’ve had a couple experiences that have expanded my perspective of a recommendation. Moreover, I’ve learned that a recommendation isn’t just a letter. You can forward a connection on LinkedIn, introduce two people at a networking event and even recommend followers on Twitter through #followfriday. There are a lot of ways to help build others’ networks, but that means there are also more ways for you to lose credibility.

What’s important to remember is that recommending someone, especially when you are young in your career, should not be taken lightly and your credibility is at stake. Whether you’re recommending a friend or a connection for an internship, leadership position or offering your approval on LinkedIn, you can be tied to that person’s successes and failures. I found a good post on LinkedIn’s blog that discusses the reputation economy and it’s a good read for advice on how and when to recommend someone, particularly in using LinkedIn.

It’s easy for college students to not even think twice about connecting a good friend to a recruiter at the company you’ve worked for. I know it’s happened to me before. However, it’s important for young professionals to remember some things about making recommendations. Here are some tips about who to recommend and when:

• Make a recommendation based on a joint project or while working for the same company/organization. Whether you are recommending a colleague, or someone higher up or below you, you should be able to describe several experiences with positive or meaningful outcomes you have shared with that person.
• Don’t be afraid to say no when asked for a recommendation. If you feel that you haven’t worked enough with that person to justify writing a quality and accurate recommendation, it will show in what you write. Offer other help, such as a resume critique, mock interview or send a few job postings.
• Be clear and concise. If you determine you can make a recommendation, make sure you explicitly state how you have worked with that person and what the experience was like. Offer advice on what kind of situations you know that person would do well in.
• Be sure to take the recommendation seriously. The best recommendations I’ve received haven’t been wordy descriptions of my abilities, but they have been professional, accurate representations of what I am capable of. Write a compelling lead and make sure you keep your reader involved throughout the recommendation.
• Your credibility is at stake. When you recommend someone who does not follow through, it reflects poorly on you and it might impact your relationship with recruiters.
• As with everything, be honest with your recommendation. If you over exaggerate abilities and skills in the letter, it’s only going to reflect poorly on you.

Also, a couple people in my Twitter network chimed in with their thoughts. Here’s what they had to say:

• Becky Johns said she only recommends people to contacts if she can actually vouch for their work.
• According to Karen Russell, recommend with caution — that is, your reputation is on the line, too.
• Tressa Robbins said to be absolutely sure before recommending them OR say that you’re not sure but think they’d be worth interviewing.

What would you add about recommending other young professionals? Any advice for those swimming in these waters?