A friend of mine has asked me to be a reference for her for a new professional opportunity. I am happy to do this for them as a friend.
I happen to know they are filling the vacancy left by someone else I did know distantly who I thought of as being very haughty, full of themselves, eager to flaunt their acquisitions and eager to jump to the next great promotion. The predecessor humiliated a good friend of mine in a public forum, shames others and I haven't forgotten it.
If called, should I just stick to referencing to my friend or could I also choose my words in a way to illustrate indirectly they are much better than the predecessor?
E.g. Kelly is a very considerate, compassionate person who puts others ahead of herself and if hired will surely be a long term loyal employee.
I live over 1,000 miles away and have no present linkage (social media, linkedin etc) to the former employee so my comments would not be perceived as knowingly referring to them.
Also, I have never had nor sought to have any dating relationship with either one.