If you have a friend who is in need of a character reference letter, it’s important to approach it with the same care and attention you would give to any professional document. In this article, we’ll provide you with examples of character letters for friends and explain what they should include.
A character reference letter for a friend is a document that provides insight into their personality, values, and behavior. This type of letter can be helpful in a variety of situations, such as job applications, college admissions, or legal proceedings. It’s important to note that a character reference letter is not the same as a letter of recommendation, which focuses on the person’s qualifications and skills for a specific job or academic program.
If you’re asked to write a character reference letter for a friend, you can find examples online and edit them as needed. However, it’s important to customize the letter to reflect your friend’s unique qualities and experiences. In the following examples, we’ll provide you with templates you can use as a starting point.
Tips
When writing a character reference letter for a friend, keep the following tips in mind:
Example 1: Character Letter for a Friend Applying for a Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for my friend [Name], who has recently applied for a job at your company. I have known [Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their exceptional character and work ethic.
[Name] is a highly responsible and dependable individual who always goes above and beyond to complete tasks on time and to the best of their ability. They are also an excellent communicator and have a knack for problem-solving. I am confident that [Name] would make a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for considering my friend’s application. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Character Letter for a Friend Applying to College
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for my friend [Name], who is applying to [Name of College/University]. As [Name]’s friend for [Number of Years] years, I can attest to their exceptional character, academic abilities, and personal qualities.
[Name] is a highly motivated and driven individual who is passionate about [Field of Study]. They have excellent critical thinking skills and are always eager to learn new things. Moreover, [Name] is a kind, empathetic, and respectful person who is highly regarded by their peers and community.
I believe that [Name] would make a valuable addition to your academic community and thrive in an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Thank you for considering my friend’s application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Character Letter for a Friend Seeking Custody of a Child
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for my friend [Name], who is seeking custody of [Child’s Name]. I have known [Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their exceptional character, parenting skills, and dedication to [Child’s Name].
[Name] is a highly responsible and loving parent who has always put the needs and well-being of [Child’s Name] first. They have provided a safe and nurturing environment for [Child’s Name] and have always been actively involved in their education and extracurricular activities. [Name]’s dedication to [Child’s Name] is truly admirable and inspiring.
I believe that [Name] would make an excellent custodian for [Child’s Name] and that their continued involvement in [Child’s Name]’s life is essential for their emotional and psychological well-being. Thank you for taking the time to consider my friend’s request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Character Letter for a Friend Seeking a Personal Loan
Dear [Lender’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for my friend [Name], who is seeking a personal loan from your institution. As [Name]’s friend for [Number of Years] years, I can attest to their exceptional character, financial responsibility, and ability to repay debt.
[Name] is a highly trustworthy and reliable individual who has always demonstrated excellent financial management skills. They have a stable income and have always paid their bills on time. Moreover, [Name] has a solid plan for using the loan funds and is committed to repaying the debt in a timely and responsible manner.
I believe that [Name] is a low-risk borrower who would make an excellent candidate for a personal loan. Thank you for considering my friend’s application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Character Letter for a Friend Seeking a Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for my friend [Name], who is seeking a volunteer position with your organization. As [Name]’s friend for [Number of Years] years, I can attest to their exceptional character, passion for community service, and ability to work effectively with others.
[Name] is a highly dedicated and committed volunteer who has contributed countless hours to [Name of Organization/Community Service Project]. They have excellent communication and leadership skills and are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the project or event. Moreover, [Name] is a kind and empathetic person who is highly regarded by their peers and the community.
I believe that [Name] would make an excellent addition to your volunteer team and that their skills and experience would be invaluable to your organization. Thank you for considering my friend’s application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Character Letter for a Friend Facing Criminal Charges
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for my friend [Name], who is facing criminal charges. I have known [Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their exceptional character, positive contributions to society, and lack of prior criminal history.
[Name] is a highly responsible and law-abiding citizen who has always demonstrated respect for the law and for others. They have an impeccable reputation in the community and are regarded as a role model and mentor to many. I believe that [Name]’s actions were out of character and that they have taken full responsibility for their mistakes.
I urge you to consider my friend’s character and contributions to society when making your decision. I believe that a lenient sentence would be appropriate given [Name]’s exceptional character and dedication to making amends for their actions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
FAQ
Q: What should I include in a character reference letter for a friend?
A: In a character reference letter for a friend, you should include information about their character, personal qualities, and behavior. You can provide specific examples of their positive qualities and experiences that demonstrate their suitability for the situation at hand. It’s also important to include your contact information in case the recipient of the letter has any further questions or requires additional information.
Q: How do I format a character reference letter for a friend?
A: A character reference letter for a friend should be formatted like a professional letter, with a clear and concise introduction, body, and conclusion. It should be written in a formal, respectful tone and avoid any language that could be seen as biased or unprofessional. It should also be addressed to the appropriate recipient and include your contact information.
Q: How long should a character reference letter for a friend be?
A: A character reference letter for a friend should be one to two pages long, depending on the situation and the specific requirements of the recipient. It should be long enough to provide sufficient detail and evidence to support your friend’s character and suitability for the situation, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or loses the reader’s interest.
Q: How do I start a character reference letter for a friend?
A: To start a character reference letter for a friend, you should begin with a clear and concise introduction that explains your relationship to the friend and the purpose of the letter. You can also provide a brief overview of the friend’s positive qualities and experiences that demonstrate their suitability for the situation at hand.
Q: Can I use a character reference letter for a friend more than once?
A: Yes, you can use a character reference letter for a friend more than once, but it’s important to update it as necessary to reflect any changes in your friend’s circumstances or experiences. It’s also important to customize the letter to the specific situation and recipient, rather than using a generic template for all situations.
Q: Is it legal to write a character reference letter for a friend?
A: Yes, it is legal to write a character reference letter for a friend, as long as the information in the letter is truthful and accurate. It’s important to avoid any language that could be seen as defamatory or biased, and to focus on the friend’s positive qualities and experiences that demonstrate their suitability for the situation at hand.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for a friend can be a valuable way to support them in a variety of situations. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a document that reflects your friend’s unique qualities and experiences, and helps them achieve their goals.