When applying for a job, it’s important to have a character reference letter in addition to a resume and cover letter. A character reference letter is written by someone who knows the applicant well and can attest to their character and work ethic. In this article, we’ll provide tips for writing a character reference letter and seven examples you can use as a guide.
A character reference for work example is a letter of recommendation that attests to a person’s character and work ethic. It can be written by anyone who knows the applicant well, such as a former employer, colleague, or teacher. A character reference letter is an important part of a job application as it provides insight into the applicant’s personality and work style.
A character reference letter should provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills and abilities. It should highlight the applicant’s strengths and personality traits that would make them a good fit for the job. The letter should be written in a professional tone and focus on the applicant’s work history and accomplishments.
Readers can find examples of character reference letters below and edit them as needed to fit their specific situation.
Character Reference for Work Example: Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend John Smith for the sales position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with John for three years at ABC Company, where he was a top-performing sales representative. John is a hardworking, dedicated, and passionate sales professional who always puts his clients first.
John has exceptional communication skills, which allowed him to build strong relationships with his clients. He consistently exceeded his sales targets and was recognized as the top sales representative in the company for two years in a row. John is a team player who is always willing to lend a helping hand to his colleagues.
I am confident that John would be an asset to your company and would make an excellent addition to your sales team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for Work Example: Customer Service Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Sarah Lee for the customer service position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for two years at XYZ Company, where she was a dedicated and skilled customer service representative. Sarah is an excellent communicator who always goes above and beyond to help her clients.
Sarah has exceptional problem-solving skills, which allowed her to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently. She is patient, empathetic, and always willing to listen to her clients. Sarah’s positive attitude and professionalism made her a favorite among our clients and a valuable member of our team.
I am confident that Sarah would make an excellent addition to your customer service team and would represent your company with the highest level of professionalism. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Character Reference for Work Example: Teaching Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Ashley Johnson for the teaching position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Ashley for two years at ABC School, where she was a skilled and dedicated teacher. Ashley is a natural leader who inspires her students to learn and grow.
Ashley has exceptional classroom management skills, which allowed her to create a positive and engaging learning environment. She is patient, supportive, and always willing to go the extra mile to help her students. Ashley’s creativity and passion for teaching made her a favorite among her students and a respected member of our faculty.
I am confident that Ashley would be an excellent addition to your school and would make a positive impact on your students. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for Work Example: Management Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Michael Brown for the management position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Michael for five years at XYZ Corporation, where he was a skilled and respected manager. Michael is a natural leader who always puts the needs of his team first.
Michael has exceptional communication skills, which allowed him to effectively manage a team of over 50 employees. He is a strategic thinker who is always looking for ways to improve processes and increase productivity. Michael’s professionalism and dedication made him a valuable member of our team and a respected leader among his colleagues.
I am confident that Michael would be an excellent addition to your management team and would make a positive impact on your company. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Character Reference for Work Example: Internship
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Emily Jones for the internship position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Emily for six months at ABC Corporation, where she was a hardworking and enthusiastic intern. Emily is a quick learner who is always eager to take on new challenges.
Emily has exceptional research and analytical skills, which allowed her to complete complex projects with ease. She is a team player who is always willing to pitch in and help her colleagues. Emily’s positive attitude and professionalism made her a favorite among our team and a valuable contributor to our projects.
I am confident that Emily would be an excellent addition to your team and would make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference for Work Example: Freelance Writer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Alex Rodriguez for the freelance writing position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Alex for over three years on various writing projects. Alex is a talented writer who consistently delivers high-quality work.
Alex has exceptional research skills, which allowed him to write on a broad range of topics. He is dependable and always meets deadlines. Alex’s creativity and attention to detail make him a valuable asset on any writing project.
I am confident that Alex would be an excellent addition to your team and would make a positive impact on your writing projects. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Character Reference for Work Example: Non-Profit Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Samantha Lee for the non-profit position at your organization. I had the pleasure of working with Samantha for two years at XYZ Foundation, where she was a passionate and dedicated fundraiser. Samantha is a natural leader who is committed to making a positive impact in her community.
Samantha has exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which allowed her to build strong relationships with donors and supporters. She is a strategic thinker who is always looking for ways to increase donations and support for the organization. Samantha’s professionalism and commitment to the mission of the organization make her a valuable member of any team.
I am confident that Samantha would be an excellent addition to your organization and would make a positive impact on the community you serve. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter
When writing a character reference letter, keep in mind the following tips:
- Be specific: Provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills and abilities.
- Focus on work history: Highlight the applicant’s work history and accomplishments.
- Use a professional tone: Write the letter in a professional tone and avoid overly casual language.
- Use real-world examples: Use real-world examples to illustrate the applicant’s skills and abilities.
- Highlight strengths: Focus on the applicant’s strengths and personality traits that would make them a good fit for the job.
- Be honest: Only write what you can honestly say about the applicant. Avoid exaggerating or making false claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a character reference letter?
A character reference letter should include specific examples of the applicant’s skills and abilities, their work history and accomplishments, and their strengths and personality traits that would make them a good fit for the job.
Who can write a character reference letter?
A character reference letter can be written by anyone who knows the applicant well, such as a former employer, colleague, or teacher.
How long should a character reference letter be?
A character reference letter should be no more than one page long and should include specific examples of the applicant’s skills and abilities.
What should the greeting be in a character reference letter?
The greeting in a character reference letter should be formal and include the recipient’s name and job title, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern”.
What should the body of a character reference letter include?
The body of a character reference letter should include specific examples of the applicant’s skills and abilities, their work history and accomplishments, and their strengths and personality traits that would make them a good fit for the job.
What should the complimentary close be in a character reference letter?
The complimentary close in a character reference letter should be formal and include a closing phrase such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards” followed by your name and contact information.
Conclusion
A strong character reference letter can make a big difference in a job application. By following these tips and using our examples as a guide, you can create an effective character reference letter that highlights the applicant’s strengths and makes them stand out to potential employers.