Social networking site LinkedIn rolled out endorsements, which allows users to check off a box to back another user’s skills and expertise, last September. Similar to the Facebook “Like†option, LinkedIn’s skill endorsements have received mixed reviews with some complaining that users they don’t know endorsing them, while others feel they’re getting endorsed for skills they don’t want to be recognized for.
However, when the new tool is used appropriately, it can allow your connections to provide you with a quick recommendation. In March, LinkedIn reported that 58 million professionals have been recognized for their skills, and more than 1 billion endorsements have been given out.
The Daily Muse has broken down everything you need to know about LinkedIn endorsements:
Quality, Not Quantity
Instead of concerning yourself with how many endorsements you have, concentrate on who they’re coming from.
For starters, seek endorsements from at least five people who will add credibility to your profile. But, if you see that you have an endorsement of low value, remove it, advises Debra Wheatman of The Daily Muse. To do so, go to the “Skills & Expertise†section, click “Manage Endorsements,†and use the “hide†feature.