As you start to create your curriculum vitae, you may wonder whether or not including character references is necessary. In this article, we will explain what character references are and provide some tips for including them in your CV. Additionally, we will provide some examples that you can edit as needed to fit your specific needs.
A character reference is a written statement from someone who knows you well and can attest to your character. This type of reference is often used in job applications and can provide potential employers with a better understanding of who you are as a person. Character references can be written by anyone who knows you well, such as a former employer, teacher, or mentor.
When it comes to including character references in your curriculum vitae, it is important to only include those that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Additionally, you should always ask the person providing the reference for permission before including it in your CV.
Below are some tips for including character references in your curriculum vitae:
Tips
1. Only include relevant references
When choosing which character references to include in your CV, it is important to only include those that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in finance, a reference from your former boss at a restaurant may not be as relevant as a reference from a former coworker in the finance industry.
2. Ask for permission
Before including a character reference in your CV, it is important to ask for permission from the person providing the reference. Not only is this a common courtesy, but it also ensures that the person is willing and able to provide a reference if asked by a potential employer.
3. Provide context
When including a character reference in your CV, it is important to provide some context for the reference. This can include the relationship you have with the person, how long you have known them, and why you feel they are a good character reference for the job you are applying for.
4. Keep it brief
Character references should be kept brief and to the point. Your CV should not be filled with pages of references, but rather a few select references that provide potential employers with a better understanding of who you are as a person.
5. Edit as needed
The examples provided below can be edited as needed to fit your specific needs. It is important to customize your character references to fit the job you are applying for and the specific qualities that potential employers are looking for.
Examples
Greetings [Name of Hiring Manager],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name of Applicant]. I have known [Name of Applicant] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their [Positive Trait]. [He/She] is [Positive Trait] and [Positive Trait]. [He/She] has a great work ethic and is always willing to go above and beyond to get the job done. I highly recommend [Name of Applicant] for any position [He/She] may be applying for.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name of Applicant]. I had the pleasure of working with [Name of Applicant] for [Number of Years] and can attest to [His/Her] [Positive Trait]. [He/She] is a highly motivated individual who is always willing to go above and beyond to get the job done. [He/She] is [Positive Trait] and [Positive Trait], which makes [Him/Her] a great asset to any team.
Thank you for considering [Name of Applicant] for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name of Applicant]. I have known [Name of Applicant] for [Number of Years] and can attest to [His/Her] [Positive Trait]. [He/She] is a quick learner and is always eager to take on new challenges. [He/She] is [Positive Trait] and [Positive Trait], which makes [Him/Her] an excellent candidate for any position [He/She] may be applying for.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information about [Name of Applicant].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name of Applicant]. [He/She] is an extremely [Positive Trait] individual who is always willing to put in the time and effort to ensure a job is done right. [He/She] is [Positive Trait] and [Positive Trait], which makes [Him/Her] an excellent candidate for any position [He/She] may be applying for.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information about [Name of Applicant].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name of Applicant]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name of Applicant] for [Number of Years] and can attest to [His/Her] [Positive Trait]. [He/She] is [Positive Trait] and [Positive Trait], which makes [Him/Her] a valuable asset to any team. [He/She] is always eager to learn and is not afraid to take on new challenges.
Thank you for considering [Name of Applicant] for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name of Applicant]. I have known [Name of Applicant] for [Number of Years] and can attest to [His/Her] [Positive Trait]. [He/She] is a hardworking individual who is always willing to put in the time and effort to ensure the job is done right. [He/She] is [Positive Trait] and [Positive Trait], which makes [Him/Her] a great candidate for any position [He/She] may be applying for.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information about [Name of Applicant].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Name of Hiring Manager],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name of Applicant]. [He/She] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the job is done right. [He/She] is [Positive Trait] and [Positive Trait], which makes [Him/Her] an excellent candidate for any position [He/She] may be applying for.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information about [Name of Applicant].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are character references?
Character references are written statements from individuals who know you well and can attest to your character. They are often used in job applications to provide potential employers with a better understanding of who you are as a person.
Who should I ask for a character reference?
You can ask anyone who knows you well and can attest to your character, such as a former employer, teacher, or mentor. It is important to choose someone who can provide a positive and accurate portrayal of your character.
How many character references should I include in my CV?
Your CV should only include a few select character references that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It is important to choose references that can provide potential employers with a better understanding of who you are as a person.
Should I ask for permission before including a character reference in my CV?
Yes, it is important to ask for permission from the person providing the reference before including it in your CV. Not only is this a common courtesy, but it also ensures that the person is willing and able to provide a reference if asked by a potential employer.
How should I format my character references in my CV?
Your character references should be formatted in a clear and concise manner. It is important to provide some context for each reference, such as the relationship you have with the person and how long you have known them. Additionally, you should only include references that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
What should I do if I don’t have any character references?
If you don’t have any character references, you can consider asking a former coworker or supervisor for a professional reference. Additionally, you can ask a teacher or mentor for a personal reference. It is important to choose someone who can provide a positive and accurate portrayal of your character.
Conclusion
Character references can be a valuable addition to your curriculum vitae, providing potential employers with a better understanding of who you are as a person. When including character references in your CV, it is important to choose only those that are relevant to the job you are applying for and to provide some context for each reference. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a CV that showcases your character and highlights your strengths.