If a friend has asked you to write a character reference for them, it’s important to take the task seriously. A character reference is a written document that provides information about a person’s character and can be used in various situations such as job applications or court proceedings. In this article, we will provide you with tips and examples on how to write a character reference for a friend.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference for a Friend
Before diving into the examples, here are some tips to keep in mind while writing a character reference:
1. Start with a Title
Begin your character reference with a clear title that includes your friend’s name and the purpose of the reference. For example, “Character Reference for John Smith’s Job Application.”
2. Keep it Positive
Make sure to only include positive information about your friend in the reference. Avoid any negative or critical comments as they can harm your friend’s chances of getting the job or being successful in their case.
3. Discuss Relevant Traits
Focus on discussing traits that are relevant to the situation your friend is in. For a job application, discuss their work ethic and professionalism. For a court case, discuss their honesty and integrity.
4. Provide Specific Examples
Don’t just make general statements about your friend’s character. Provide specific examples of times when they demonstrated the traits you are discussing.
5. Be Honest
It’s important to be honest in your reference. If you don’t feel comfortable writing a reference for your friend, it’s better to decline the request rather than write a lukewarm or negative reference.
6. Edit and Proofread
Double-check your reference for any errors or typos before submitting it. It’s a good idea to have someone else read it over as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
7. Provide Examples for Readers to Edit
Keep in mind that the examples provided below are just templates. Readers should edit them as needed to fit their specific situation.
Character Reference Examples for a Friend
Character Reference for John Smith’s Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend my friend, John Smith, for the position he has applied for at your company. John is one of the most hardworking and dedicated individuals I know. He is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done right and on time. For example, when we worked together on a project last year, John stayed late every night to make sure we met our deadline.
I am confident that John would be an asset to your team and can’t recommend him highly enough.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for Mary Smith’s Child Custody Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, Mary Smith, who is currently involved in a child custody case. I have known Mary for over 10 years and can attest to her excellent parenting skills. She is a loving and devoted mother who always puts her children’s needs first.
For example, when one of her children was struggling in school, Mary spent countless hours working with them to ensure they got the extra help they needed. I have no doubt that Mary would continue to provide a safe and loving home for her children if granted custody.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Character Reference for Tom Smith’s Rental Application
Dear Landlord,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, Tom Smith, who is currently applying to rent one of your properties. I have known Tom for several years and can attest to his reliability and trustworthiness. He always pays his bills on time and takes excellent care of his living space.
For example, when Tom lived in my building, he was always willing to help his neighbors with odd jobs or errands. He is a true asset to any community and I believe he would be an excellent tenant.
Thank you for considering Tom’s application.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for Alex Smith’s Volunteer Application
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend my friend, Alex Smith, for the volunteer position he has applied for with your organization. Alex is one of the most compassionate and caring individuals I know. He has a passion for helping others and is always looking for ways to give back to his community.
For example, Alex has volunteered with several local organizations over the years, including a homeless shelter and a food bank. He is always willing to lend a hand and goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those around him.
I am confident that Alex would be a valuable addition to your team and can’t recommend him highly enough.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Character Reference for Lisa Smith’s Grad School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, Lisa Smith, who is applying to your graduate program. I have known Lisa for several years and can attest to her intelligence, dedication, and passion for her field of study.
For example, Lisa has been conducting research on her own for the past year and has already published two papers in her field. She is a true self-starter and is committed to her academic pursuits. I have no doubt that Lisa would excel in your graduate program and make valuable contributions to the academic community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for Michael Smith’s Immigration Case
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, Michael Smith, who is currently going through the immigration process. I have known Michael for several years and can attest to his honesty, integrity, and strong ties to his community.
For example, Michael has been an active member of our local church for many years and has volunteered with several community organizations. He is a valued member of our community and would be a great asset to any community he chooses to call home.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a character reference be?
A character reference should be no more than one page long. Try to keep it concise and to the point while still providing enough information to give the reader a clear picture of your friend’s character.
What information should I include in a character reference?
You should include information about your friend’s character, including their work ethic, honesty, integrity, and any other relevant traits. Provide specific examples of times when your friend demonstrated these traits.
Can I decline a request to write a character reference?
Yes, if you don’t feel comfortable writing a reference for your friend, it’s better to decline the request rather than write a lukewarm or negative reference.
Should I address a character reference to a specific person?
If you know the name of the person who will be reading the reference, it’s a good idea to address it to them directly. This shows that you have taken the time to personalize the reference and makes it more likely to be read carefully.
Can I use a character reference for multiple purposes?
It’s best to tailor your character reference to the specific purpose it will be used for. However, you can use certain parts of the reference, such as the introduction or conclusion, for multiple purposes as long as they are relevant.
Can I use a character reference from a family member?
While family members can provide a character reference, it’s generally better to use a reference from someone who is not related to the person in question. This is because family members may be seen as having a biased opinion and may not be considered as objective as someone who is not related.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference for a friend can be a rewarding experience that helps them achieve their goals. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a powerful and effective reference that highlights your friend’s positive traits and experiences. Remember to be honest, specific, and positive, and you’re sure to create a reference that your friend will appreciate.