I get requests for LinkedIn recommendations from connections on an almost daily basis. Being someone that is honest and believes we should stand behind our word I have a hard time writing recommendations for people that I don’t believe cut the mustard.

Years ago I read Sleeping dogs don’t lay from Richard Lederer. The book was a true gem for anyone that loves the idiosyncrasies of the English language. He had some great examples of writing double-meaning recommendations (below are a few ambiguous recommendations.) Great, cutting humor!

LinkedIn recommendations

You’ll be lucky to get this person to work for you!

I cannot recommend this person too highly.

recommend this person too highly. I recommend this candidate with no qualifications whatsoever!

whatsoever! She has made immeasurable contributions to our firm.

contributions to our firm. Nobody is better than this man!

is better than this man! I found myself frequently raving about her work!

about her work! We were teetering on the threshold of bankruptcy last year, and her efforts pulled us through .

. For the services he has rendered to our firm over the years, we find ourselves deeply indebted !

! I would place her research on the cutting edge.

She is now ready to strike out in a career.

in a career. Whatever task he undertakes, he will be fired with enthusiasm !

! I would place this student in a class by herself.

Now you’ll know how to write that next LinkedIn recommendations even when you don’t want to! The next LinkedIn recommendation you write you can be sure to be honest!