When you write a glowing LinkedIn recommendation, you’re likely aiming to help someone’s career—not hold it back. But new research reveals that women are consistently described in more “concrete” terms than men, even when they’re in the same roles. And that bias, though subtle, might be impacting who gets promoted, who is seen as a leader, and who’s stuck doing the grunt work. If you’re wondering “why do women get fewer leadership opportunities on LinkedIn?”—the answer may lie in how we describe them. Let’s unpack why this matters and how we can fix it.
Gender Bias in LinkedIn Recommendations: What the Study Found
In a groundbreaking analysis of over 500,000 LinkedIn profiles, researchers found that women were 13% more likely to be described with concrete terms like “detail-oriented” and “precise.” Meanwhile, men were 22% more likely to be described using abstract words like “visionary” or “strategic.” These patterns persisted even when comparing men and women in identical roles and industries. The takeaway? This isn’t about job types—it’s about perception. Even fictional profiles tested in the studies showed the same bias. These stereotypes may be unconscious, but they have very real consequences.
Why Describing Women as “Detail-Oriented” Can Backfire
While being called “meticulous” or “exact” might sound like praise, these traits often align with low-status, execution-heavy tasks, not leadership roles. Abstract thinkers are seen as more powerful, more capable of strategic thinking, and more likely to rise. So, when women are consistently labeled as concrete thinkers—even when they’re not—it can pigeonhole them into support roles, stalling their career growth. Ironically, some studies even showed women scoring higher than men on both abstract and concrete traits, but still being perceived primarily as concrete thinkers.
How to Write Better LinkedIn Recommendations That Break the Mold
Want to help close the gender gap in leadership? Start with your words. When writing a LinkedIn recommendation for a woman, ask yourself if you’re only highlighting her execution skills, or if you’re also recognizing her ability to lead, strategize, and innovate. Use terms like “forward-thinking,” “visionary,” or “big-picture thinker” if they apply. Language shapes perception—and perception shapes opportunity. By being intentional, you’re not just helping one person; you’re challenging a system.