Throughout my career in the gaming industry, from launching hit titles in Southeast Asia to organizing major esports events, I've learned the immense value of a well-crafted recommendation. When writing a recommendation, it's crucial to write the best one possible. It's not just a favor; it's an act of service that can significantly impact someone's career trajectory.

The Impact of Thoughtful Recommendations in the Gaming World

In the fast-paced and highly competitive gaming industry, a powerful recommendation can be the differentiator that opens doors to new opportunities. During my time at Riot Games, I witnessed firsthand how strong endorsements could elevate talented individuals to new heights in their careers.

For instance, a recommendation I wrote for a team member highlighted their exceptional project management skills in organizing the League of Legends Rift Rivals event. This endorsement played a crucial role in their successful transition to a senior position at another major gaming company.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Impactful Recommendations Based on my experience, here's how I approach writing recommendations:

1. Offer the recommendation proactively. Don't make them ask. This shows that you value their work and are willing to advocate for them.
2. Ask what would make this recommendation great. Are there specific skills or experiences they want highlighted? This ensures that your recommendation aligns with their career goals.
3. Send it to them to review for accuracy. This isn't about fibbing or fabricating reality, but ensuring that your imperfect memory got the information right. When I wrote recommendations for team members who helped build Vietnam's first esports stadium, I always double-checked the specific contributions they wanted to emphasize.
4. Post it. This final step is crucial. A well-crafted recommendation that isn't shared doesn't serve its purpose.

Remember, it doesn't take much time to write a recommendation, but it can mean a lot to the recipient.

Beyond LinkedIn: Leveraging Recommendations Across the Gaming Ecosystem

While LinkedIn is an excellent platform for recommendations, their value extends far beyond. In the gaming industry, where portfolios and project-based work are common, recommendations can be powerful additions to job applications and interviews.

For example, when I transitioned from my role at Riot Games to becoming a life coach, I leveraged recommendations that highlighted my leadership and mentoring skills. These endorsements provided credibility to my new venture, showcasing how my gaming industry experience translated into valuable coaching skills.

Encourage the recipients of your recommendations to incorporate these endorsements into their professional portfolios. Whether it's a personal website showcasing their game development projects or a reel of their esports production work, a well-placed recommendation can add significant weight to their professional presentation.

Moreover, strong recommendations can play a crucial role in building and strengthening industry networks. In the relationship-driven world of gaming and esports, a glowing endorsement from a respected industry figure can open doors to new collaborations and opportunities.

In conclusion, writing powerful recommendations is more than just a professional courtesy – it's a way to contribute to the growth and success of others in our industry. It doesn't take much, but it can mean a lot. So, go out there and write a powerful recommendation today! Your words could be the catalyst that propels someone's career to new heights in the exciting world of gaming and esports.