If you’re applying for a new job, you may need to provide a character reference letter to your potential employer. A character reference letter, also known as a personal reference, is a document that provides information about an individual’s character, work ethic, and professional achievements. In this article, we’ll provide tips and six character reference for employment examples to help you create an impressive letter.
What is a Character Reference Letter for Employment?
A character reference letter for employment is a document that provides an employer with information about the personal character, work ethic, and achievements of an individual. This letter is typically written by someone who knows the job candidate well, such as a former employer, coworker, or professor. Employers may request a character reference letter as part of the hiring process to gain insight into an individual’s character and work ethic.
If you’ve been asked to provide a character reference letter, you can find examples online and edit them as needed. Here are six character reference for employment examples to help guide you:
Character Reference for Employment Example 1: Management Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the management position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for the past [number] years, and I have been consistently impressed with [his/her] professionalism, work ethic, and leadership skills.
[Name] is a natural leader who is able to motivate and inspire [his/her] team to achieve their goals. [He/She] is also an excellent communicator who is able to articulate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. I have no doubt that [Name] would make a valuable addition to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Employment Example 2: Sales Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the sales position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional sales skills, work ethic, and professionalism.
[Name] is a natural salesperson who is able to build strong relationships with clients and close deals with ease. [He/She] is also extremely organized and detail-oriented, which allows [him/her] to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines. I have no doubt that [Name] would be an asset to your sales team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Employment Example 3: Customer Service Position
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the customer service position at your company. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Name] for [number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional customer service skills, work ethic, and positive attitude.
[Name] is a natural people person who is able to connect with customers and solve problems with ease. [He/She] is also extremely organized and efficient, which enables [him/her] to handle a high volume of calls and emails. I am confident that [Name] would make a valuable addition to your customer service team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Employment Example 4: Teaching Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the teaching position at your school. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional teaching skills, work ethic, and passion for education.
[Name] is a gifted educator who is able to inspire students and create a positive learning environment. [He/She] is also very knowledgeable about [subject], and is able to present complex concepts in a way that students can understand. I am confident that [Name] would be an asset to your school.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Employment Example 5: IT Position
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the IT position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional technical skills, work ethic, and problem-solving abilities.
[Name] is a talented IT professional who is able to diagnose and fix complex technical problems with ease. [He/She] is also able to communicate technical information in a clear and concise manner, which makes [him/her] a valuable asset to any team. I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in the IT position at your company.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Employment Example 6: Administrative Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the administrative position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for the past [number] years, and I have been consistently impressed with [his/her] professionalism, work ethic, and attention to detail.
[Name] is an organized and efficient administrative professional who is able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. [He/She] is also an excellent communicator who is able to interact with clients, vendors, and colleagues in a professional and courteous manner. I have no doubt that [Name] would make a valuable addition to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for Employment
1. Follow the requested format: Make sure you know the requested format for the letter and follow it precisely. This may include addressing the recipient and including the date and your contact information.
2. Introduce yourself and your relationship to the candidate: Begin the letter by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the candidate. This will give context to your recommendation.
3. Highlight the candidate’s strengths: In the body of the letter, focus on describing the candidate’s strengths and positive qualities that make them an ideal candidate for the job.
4. Be concise: Keep the letter concise and to the point. Stick to the most important facts and avoid including unnecessary details.
5. Use specific examples: If possible, use specific examples to illustrate the candidate’s strengths and achievements. This will provide concrete evidence of their abilities.
6. Edit and proofread: Before sending your letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who should write a character reference letter?
A: A character reference letter should be written by someone who knows the job candidate well, such as a former employer, coworker, or professor. This person should be able to provide insight into the candidate’s character, work ethic, and professional achievements.
Q: What should I include in a character reference letter?
A: A character reference letter should include an introduction that explains your relationship to the candidate, a description of the candidate’s strengths and positive qualities, and a conclusion that summarizes your recommendation.
Q: How long should a character reference letter be?
A: A character reference letter should be one to two pages long, with a maximum of about 500 words. Keep the letter concise and focus on the most important details.
Q: What tone should I use in a character reference letter?
A: A character reference letter should be written in a formal tone, but should also convey warmth and enthusiasm. Your letter should be engaging and demonstrate your sincere recommendation of the candidate.
Q: Can I use a character reference letter for multiple job applications?
A: Yes, you can use a character reference letter for multiple job applications, as long as the letter is not addressed to a specific employer or job opening. However, it’s important to always customize the letter to fit the specific job and employer you’re applying to.
Q: Should I include negative information in a character reference letter?
A: No, you should not include negative information in a character reference letter. The purpose of the letter is to highlight the candidate’s strengths and positive qualities, not to provide criticism or negative feedback.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for employment can be a challenging task, but with the right tips and guidance, you can create a letter that will impress potential employers. Use the examples and tips in this article to help you create a strong and effective character reference letter that will help you stand out from the competition.