When creating a resume, it’s important to include character references. A character reference is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can attest to your character, skills, and work ethic. It can be a great addition to your resume as it can give potential employers a sense of who you are as a person. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to include character references in a resume for students, as well as examples and frequently asked questions.
Tips for Including Character References in a Resume for Students
When it comes to including character references in a resume for students, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right People
When selecting people to write a character reference, it’s important to choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your character and work ethic. This could be a teacher, coach, or mentor.
2. Ask for Permission
Before including a character reference in your resume, make sure to ask for permission from the individual who wrote it. This shows respect and professionalism.
3. Format Correctly
When including a character reference in your resume, make sure to format it correctly. This means including the individual’s full name, title, and contact information, as well as the date the letter was written.
4. Edit as Needed
Each character reference should be tailored to the specific job or opportunity you are applying for. You can find examples online and edit them as needed to fit your personal situation.
Examples of Character References in a Resume for Students
Character Reference for Marketing Internship
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the marketing internship position. John has been a student in my marketing class for the past two years and has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for marketing. He is a creative thinker and has shown excellent communication skills in his coursework and in group projects.
John is a motivated individual who is always looking for ways to improve his skills and knowledge in the field. He is a team player and is always willing to lend a helping hand to his classmates. I am confident that he would be an asset to your organization.
Thank you for considering John for the position.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Marketing Professor
XYZ University
Character Reference for Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the volunteer position at your organization. Sarah has been a member of our church youth group for the past three years and has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to service and helping others.
Sarah is a responsible and reliable individual who always shows up on time and is willing to take on any task. She has a positive attitude and is able to work well with others. I have no doubt that she would be a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering Sarah for the position.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Youth Group Leader
ABC Church
Character Reference for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Davis for the scholarship program. Emily has been a student in my history class for the past year and has consistently demonstrated a strong passion for learning and a dedication to her studies.
Emily is a hardworking and diligent student who always goes above and beyond in her coursework. She is a natural leader and has shown excellent communication skills in group projects and presentations. I am confident that she would be a valuable asset to your scholarship program.
Thank you for considering Emily for the program.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
History Professor
XYZ University
Character Reference for Part-Time Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Johnson for the part-time job position. Michael has been a member of our community theater group for the past two years and has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for the arts.
Michael is a creative and talented individual who always brings his best to every project. He is a team player and is able to work well with others. I am confident that he would be an asset to your organization.
Thank you for considering Michael for the position.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Theater Director
Community Theater Group
Character Reference for College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Lee for admission to your college. David has been a member of our high school debate team for the past three years and has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.
David is a natural leader and has shown excellent communication skills in his debates and presentations. He is a hardworking and dedicated student who always goes above and beyond in his coursework. I believe that he would be an excellent addition to your college community.
Thank you for considering David for admission.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Debate Coach
XYZ High School
Character Reference for Study Abroad Program
Dear Study Abroad Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Rachel Kim for the study abroad program. Rachel has been a student in my Spanish class for the past year and has consistently demonstrated a strong passion for language and culture.
Rachel is a curious and adventurous individual who is always eager to learn about new cultures and ways of life. She is a responsible and mature student who I believe would thrive in a study abroad program. I highly recommend her for the opportunity.
Thank you for considering Rachel for the program.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Spanish Professor
XYZ University
Character Reference for Summer Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Samantha Lee for the summer job position. Samantha has been a volunteer at our local animal shelter for the past year and has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for animals.
Samantha is a responsible and reliable individual who always shows up on time and is willing to take on any task. She is a quick learner and is able to work well with others. I believe that she would be an excellent addition to your team.
Thank you for considering Samantha for the position.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Animal Shelter Manager
Local Animal Shelter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include more than one character reference in my resume?
Yes, you can include more than one character reference in your resume. However, it’s important to make sure that each reference is relevant to the job or opportunity you are applying for.
What if I don’t have any work experience?
If you don’t have any work experience, you can still include character references in your resume. Choose individuals who can speak to your skills, character, and work ethic, such as a teacher or mentor.
Should I include the character reference letters with my resume?
No, you don’t need to include the character reference letters with your resume. Instead, you can provide them upon request.
How many character references should I include in my resume?
There is no set number of character references that you should include in your resume. However, it’s important to make sure that each reference is relevant to the job or opportunity you are applying for.
How do I ask someone to write a character reference for me?
When asking someone to write a character reference for you, it’s important to be polite and professional. Explain why you need the reference and provide any relevant information about the job or opportunity you are applying for. Be sure to ask for permission and provide a deadline for when you need the reference.
What should the character reference letters include?
The character reference letters should include the individual’s full name, title, and contact information, as well as the date the letter was written. The letter should also include information about your character, skills, and work ethic, as well as any relevant experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the job or opportunity you are applying for.
Conclusion
Including character references in a resume for students can be a great way to showcase your character, skills, and work ethic to potential employers or institutions. By choosing the right people, formatting the references correctly, and tailoring them to the job or opportunity you are applying for, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, these references should be used to support your resume, not replace it.