My question is, how would employers view a character reference received from someone whose relationship with the candidate extends only as far as online interaction through gaming?
Not your problem. You've just been asked to write a reference. It's up to the recipient to decide it's usefulness.
Should I be frank about the nature of our relationship or should I skirt around it in more generic language?
The more specific and detailed, the better the reference. It is what it is, and there is not point in hiding the context or being "ashamed" of it. A good game admin needs plenty of skills that are useful in any other real world context as well: conflict resolution, complex management problems, day-to-day trade offs, etc.
Do I defend it and explain why I think my appraisal of his character is meaningful or do I just own it and pretend as if it's the most natural thing (which really, it is)?
Neither. Just assume it's a normal thing to do (which it is) and focus on the skills and specific examples: problem solving, management skills, conflict resolution, achievements, etc.
manpreet![Tuteehub forum best answer]()
Best Answer
2 years ago
A fellow admin of a PlayStation gaming clan is applying for a job in real life and have asked me to write a character reference for him. I have no problem doing this as I admire him and would not hesitate to recommend him to any company who might consider him for a position.
Having served on the same admin team for about 2 years now I feel that I know a bit about his interpersonal and managerial skills, although not in the conventional context that employers might be used to reading about in character references.
My question is, how would employers view a character reference received from someone whose relationship with the candidate extends only as far as online interaction through gaming? Should I be frank about the nature of our relationship or should I skirt around it in more generic language? Do I defend it and explain why I think my appraisal of his character is meaningful or do I just own it and pretend as if it's the most natural thing (which really, it is)?
I'd really like to provide him with a character reference that would help him land this job but I'm struggling to word it in a convincing way that doesn't sound like we're just a bunch of kids who play computer games together. I mean we're both middle aged adults with professional careers.