When someone asks you to provide a character reference, it means they trust your opinion and judgement. As such, it’s important to take this task seriously and provide an honest and thoughtful assessment of the person in question. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a good character reference and provide some tips and examples to help you write one.
What is a Good Character Reference?
A good character reference is a letter or statement that provides an assessment of someone’s personality, character, and qualities. It’s typically used by employers, landlords, or organizations to determine if a person is trustworthy, reliable, and a good fit for a particular role or opportunity.
If you’ve been asked to provide a character reference, it’s important to be honest and objective. Don’t feel like you have to exaggerate or downplay any traits or behaviors – simply provide a fair and accurate assessment of the person in question.
Below you’ll find some tips and examples to help you create a strong character reference.
Tips for Writing a Good Character Reference
Start with a Strong Opening
Begin your character reference with a strong opening that explains your relationship to the person and how you know them. For example:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past two years at XYZ Corporation, where she has consistently impressed me with her skills, dedication, and professionalism.
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for John Doe, who has rented an apartment in my building for the past three years. During this time, I have found John to be a responsible, reliable, and respectful tenant who takes great care of his apartment.
Provide Specific Examples
When writing your character reference, try to provide specific examples of the person’s character, skills, and qualities. These examples can help illustrate your points and give the reader a more complete picture of the person in question. For example:
Throughout the time I have worked with Jane, she has shown a keen understanding of marketing strategies and an ability to develop creative campaigns that engage customers and increase sales. In fact, her most recent campaign resulted in a 25% increase in online sales for our company.
Furthermore, Jane is a natural leader who is able to inspire and motivate her team members to achieve their goals. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and has a talent for bringing out the best in her colleagues.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know John over the past few years and have found him to be a trustworthy and responsible individual. He always pays his rent on time and takes great care of his apartment. In fact, I have received several compliments from other tenants about how well John maintains his living space.
Moreover, John is an active member of the community and regularly volunteers his time to local charities and events. He has a passion for helping others and is always looking for ways to make a positive impact in his community.
Be Professional and Courteous
When writing your character reference, it’s important to be professional and courteous. Use a respectful tone and avoid any language that might be considered offensive or inappropriate. Remember, your letter is a reflection of your own character and integrity, as well as the person you’re writing about.
Offer to Provide More Information
At the end of your character reference, offer to provide more information if needed. This can show that you’re willing to go above and beyond to help the person in question, and can also give the reader a chance to ask any follow-up questions they may have.
If you have any further questions about Jane’s qualifications or experience, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.
Examples of a Good Character Reference
Character Reference for a Job Applicant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Sales Manager at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past three years at ABC Corporation, where she has consistently demonstrated her skills, dedication, and professionalism.
During her time at ABC Corporation, Sarah has shown an exceptional ability to build strong relationships with clients and exceed their expectations. She is a natural communicator who is able to listen to clients’ needs and propose effective solutions that meet their requirements.
Furthermore, Sarah is a natural leader who is able to inspire and motivate her team members to achieve their goals. She has a talent for building strong teams and creating a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
I believe Sarah would make an excellent addition to your team and would bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role of Sales Manager. If you have any further questions about Sarah’s qualifications or experience, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Character Reference for a Tenant
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for Rachel Lee, who is applying to rent an apartment in your building. I have known Rachel for the past five years and have found her to be a responsible, reliable, and respectful individual.
During this time, Rachel has consistently shown her ability to take care of her living space and maintain a clean and organized home. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her neighbors and has a talent for building strong relationships with those around her.
Furthermore, Rachel is a trustworthy individual who always pays her bills on time and respects the rules and regulations of any community she is a part of. I believe Rachel would make an excellent tenant and would be an asset to your building.
If you have any further questions about Rachel’s character or background, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for a Volunteer Opportunity
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Jason Wang, who is applying to volunteer at your organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Jason for the past year at a local charity, where he has consistently shown his dedication, compassion, and reliability.
During his time at the charity, Jason has contributed significantly to our fundraising efforts by organizing events, reaching out to donors, and promoting our cause through social media. He is a natural communicator who is able to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in our community.
Moreover, Jason is a responsible and reliable individual who always shows up on time and is willing to go above and beyond to help others. He has a passion for making a positive impact in his community and is always looking for ways to get involved and make a difference.
If you have any further questions about Jason’s character or experience, please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe he would be an excellent addition to your team of volunteers.
Sincerely,
Samantha Chen
Character Reference for a College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Michael Johnson, who is applying to your college. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael for the past three years as his English teacher, and have consistently been impressed with his maturity, intelligence, and dedication.
Michael is a natural leader who is able to inspire his peers and create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. He is always willing to help other students and has a talent for explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
Moreover, Michael is a responsible and thoughtful individual who takes his studies seriously and is always looking for ways to challenge himself and grow as a person. He has a passion for learning and for making a positive impact in his community.
If you have any further questions about Michael’s character or academic performance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe he would be an excellent addition to your college community.
Sincerely,
Emily Brown
Character Reference for a Professional Networking Opportunity
Dear Networking Contact,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Lee for any professional opportunities that may arise in your industry. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past two years at a technology startup, where she has consistently demonstrated her skills, creativity, and dedication.
During her time at the startup, Sarah was responsible for managing a team of designers and developers, as well as overseeing the development of several key products. She is a natural problem-solver who is able to think creatively and find innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Furthermore, Sarah is a natural communicator who is able to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. She is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget, and has a talent for managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
If you have any further questions about Sarah’s experience or qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe she would be an excellent addition to your professional network and would bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to any opportunity she pursues.
Sincerely,
John Kim
Character Reference for a Volunteer Award
Dear Volunteer Award Committee,
I am writing to nominate Alex Chen for the Volunteer of the Year award. I have had the pleasure of working with Alex for the past two years at a local community center, where he has consistently demonstrated his dedication, compassion, and leadership.
During his time at the community center, Alex has volunteered in numerous capacities, including coaching youth sports teams, organizing fundraising events, and leading community outreach initiatives. He is a natural leader who is able to inspire and motivate others, and has a talent for turning ideas into action.
Moreover, Alex is a responsible and dependable individual who always shows up on time and is willing to go above and beyond to help others. He has a passion for making a positive impact in his community and is always looking for ways to get involved and make a difference.
If you have any further questions about Alex’s character or contributions to our community, please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe he deserves recognition for his outstanding volunteer work and would make a worthy recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award.
Sincerely,
Samantha Wu
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference?
A character reference should include an introduction that explains your relationship to the person in question, specific examples of their character, skills, and qualities, and a conclusion that offers to provide more information if needed.
Who can I ask to provide a character reference?
You can ask anyone who knows you well and can provide an honest and accurate assessment of your character and qualities. This might include former employers, teachers, colleagues, or community members.
What format should a character reference be in?
A character reference should be in letter format, with a professional tone and language. It should be typed and printed on letterhead, if possible, and signed by the author.
How long should a character reference be?
A character reference should be one to two pages long, or roughly 300 to 500 words. It should be concise and to the point, while still providing enough detail to give the reader a complete picture of the person in question.
What if I don’t feel comfortable providing a character reference?
If you don’t feel comfortable providing a character reference for someone, it’s important to be honest and respectful. You can simply explain that you don’t feel you know the person well enough to provide an accurate assessment of their character and qualities.
Can I edit examples of character references to fit my needs?
Yes, you can edit examples of character references to fit your needs. Simply use the examples as a guide, and make any necessary changes to ensure that your letter is an accurate and honest assessment of the person in question.
Conclusion
A good character reference can be a powerful tool in helping someone achieve their goals and aspirations. By providing an honest and thoughtful assessment of someone’s character, skills, and qualities, you can help them stand out from the crowd and demonstrate their value to employers, landlords, and organizations. Use the tips and examples in this article to help you create a strong and effective character reference that truly reflects the person in question.