If you’re looking for a way to boost your chances of getting hired for a job, adding character references to your resume can be a great way to do it. Character references can give employers a sense of your work ethic, reliability, and personal character that they might not get from your resume alone. Here, we’ll provide some examples of character reference letters that you can use as inspiration when creating your own.
Before diving into the examples, it’s important to note that character reference letters should be short and to the point. They should highlight your positive qualities and provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in the past. They should also be written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and abilities.
Readers can find examples and edit them as needed to fit their own personal circumstances and job applications.
Example 1: David Smith – Work Ethic
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend David Smith for the position of [Job Title]. I have worked with David for the past two years, and in that time I have been consistently impressed by his work ethic and dedication to his job.
David always goes above and beyond what is expected of him, and he is always willing to put in extra hours when necessary to get the job done. He is also extremely reliable and has never missed a deadline or failed to follow through on a commitment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Sarah Johnson – Attention to Detail
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of [Job Title]. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past three years, and in that time I have been consistently impressed by her attention to detail and her ability to get things done.
Sarah is extremely thorough in her work, and she always takes the time to make sure that everything is done correctly. She is also an excellent problem-solver and is always willing to go the extra mile to find a solution to a difficult problem.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: John Doe – Dependability
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend John Doe for the position of [Job Title]. I have worked with John for the past four years, and in that time I have come to rely on him as one of my most dependable and trustworthy colleagues.
John is always on time, always prepared, and always willing to help out whenever he can. He is also an excellent communicator and is always willing to listen to others’ ideas and concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Jane Smith – Creative Problem-Solving
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the position of [Job Title]. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past two years, and in that time I have been consistently impressed by her creative problem-solving skills and her ability to come up with innovative solutions to difficult challenges.
Jane is a natural problem-solver, and she always approaches challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to think outside the box. She is also an excellent collaborator and is always willing to work with others to find the best possible solution.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Tom Johnson – Communication Skills
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend Tom Johnson for the position of [Job Title]. I have worked with Tom for the past three years, and in that time I have been consistently impressed by his excellent communication skills and his ability to work well with others.
Tom is an excellent listener, and he always takes the time to understand others’ perspectives and concerns. He is also an excellent communicator himself, and he always makes sure that everyone is on the same page and that all important information is shared and understood.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Emily Brown – Leadership Skills
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend Emily Brown for the position of [Job Title]. I have had the pleasure of working with Emily for the past five years, and in that time I have been consistently impressed by her leadership skills and her ability to inspire and motivate others.
Emily is a natural leader, and she always leads by example. She is also an excellent communicator and is able to articulate her vision and goals clearly and effectively. She is also an excellent problem-solver and is always willing to roll up her sleeves and help out whenever needed.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Related Tips: How to Write a Character Reference for Your Resume
Adding a character reference to your resume can be a great way to stand out from the crowd and show potential employers that you have the personal qualities and work ethic they are looking for. Here are some tips to help you write a great character reference for your resume:
- Choose the right person to write your reference. It should be someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and abilities.
- Be specific about the qualities you want to highlight. Provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated those qualities in the past.
- Keep it short and to the point. Character references should be no more than a few paragraphs long.
- Make sure the reference is positive and enthusiastic. You want to show potential employers that you are someone worth hiring!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to include character references with my resume?
A: No, you do not need to include character references with your resume. However, you may want to have them available to provide to potential employers if they ask for them.
Q: Who should I ask to write a character reference for me?
A: You should ask someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and abilities. This could be a former boss, colleague, teacher, or mentor.
Q: Should I ask someone to write a character reference for me before or after I apply for a job?
A: It’s a good idea to ask for character references before you apply for a job, so that you have them available if a potential employer asks for them. However, if you forget to ask for them beforehand, you can always reach out to your contacts and ask them to write one for you after the fact.
Q: What should I do if someone declines to write a character reference for me?
A: If someone declines to write a character reference for you, don’t take it personally. There could be any number of reasons why they don’t feel comfortable doing so. Simply thank them for their time and move on to someone else.
Q: Should I include contact information for my character references on my resume?
A: No, you should not include contact information for your character references on your resume. Instead, you should have their contact information available to provide to potential employers if they ask for it.
Q: How many character references should I include with my job application?
A: You should include at least three character references with your job application. However, you may want to have more available in case potential employers ask for them.
Conclusion
Adding character references to your resume can be a great way to show potential employers that you have the personal qualities and work ethic they are looking for. By following the tips and examples provided here, you can create a compelling character reference letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed by hiring managers.