When someone you know is applying for a job or seeking admission to a school, they may ask you to write a character reference letter. This letter is a document that highlights the person’s positive qualities, skills, and achievements. If you’re unsure how to write one, here are some tips and examples to help you get started.
If you’re asked to write a character reference letter, it’s essential to be clear and concise. In this article, we’ll provide you with some examples of what to include in your letter. By following these examples, you’ll be able to create a letter that showcases the person’s strengths and personal qualities.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter
When writing a character reference letter, it’s important to keep in mind the following tips:
Title
Start with a descriptive title that indicates the purpose of the letter.
For example, if you’re writing a letter to recommend someone for a job, your title might be “Recommendation for [Name] for [Job Title].”
Examples
Here are seven examples of character reference letters:
Recommendation for John Smith for Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m writing this letter to recommend John Smith for the Sales Position at your company. I’ve known John for over five years, and during that time, I’ve seen him grow into an exceptional salesman.
John has a natural ability to connect with people and build relationships. He’s also incredibly dedicated to his work and always goes above and beyond to meet his targets. His skills in sales have been recognized by his colleagues and his superiors, and I’m confident that he would be an asset to your team.
Thank you for considering John for this position. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Jane Doe for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I’m writing this letter to recommend Jane Doe for admission to your graduate program in Psychology. I had the pleasure of supervising Jane during her undergraduate degree, and I’m continually impressed by her intelligence, dedication, and commitment to her studies.
Jane possesses excellent research skills and the ability to analyze data with a critical eye. She has a passion for understanding human behavior and has already contributed significantly to the field of psychology through her research. I’m confident that she would excel in your program and bring a unique perspective to the classroom.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions regarding Jane’s qualifications.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Tom Johnson for Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I’m writing this letter to recommend Tom Johnson for the volunteer position with your organization. I’ve known Tom for many years, and he’s always been passionate about giving back to his community.
Tom has a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life and has a warm and welcoming personality. He’s also incredibly organized and reliable and has contributed significantly to other volunteer organizations in the past. I’m confident that he would be an asset to your team and make a positive impact on your organization.
Thank you for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Sarah Brown for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I’m writing this letter to recommend Sarah Brown for your scholarship program. I had the pleasure of teaching Sarah in her senior year of high school, and I was continually impressed by her intelligence, creativity, and commitment to her studies.
Sarah has a passion for the arts and has already contributed significantly to her community through her work as a volunteer art teacher. She’s also demonstrated excellent leadership skills and has a natural ability to inspire and motivate others. I’m confident that she will make a significant contribution to your program and bring a unique perspective to the classroom.
Please let me know if you require any additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Mark Davis for Promotion
Dear Human Resources Manager,
I’m writing this letter to recommend Mark Davis for promotion to the position of Sales Manager. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark for the past two years, and during that time, I’ve seen him grow into an exceptional salesperson and leader.
Mark has a natural ability to inspire and motivate his team and has contributed significantly to the success of our sales department. He’s also demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and has a talent for identifying new opportunities and markets. I’m confident that he would excel in the position of Sales Manager and make a positive contribution to our company.
Please feel free to contact me for additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Maria Hernandez for Housing Application
Dear Housing Authority,
I’m writing this letter to recommend Maria Hernandez for your housing program. I’ve known Maria for many years, and during that time, I’ve seen her face many challenges with resilience and determination.
Maria is a hardworking and responsible individual who values her community and family. She’s also demonstrated excellent financial management skills and has always paid her bills on time. I’m confident that she would be an excellent tenant and make a positive contribution to your community.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Alex Johnson for Study Abroad Program
Dear Study Abroad Committee,
I’m writing this letter to recommend Alex Johnson for your study abroad program. I had the pleasure of teaching Alex in her junior year of college, and I was continually impressed by her intelligence, creativity, and commitment to her studies.
Alex has a passion for exploring new cultures and has already contributed significantly to the international community through her volunteer work. She’s also demonstrated excellent leadership skills and has a natural ability to inspire and motivate others. I’m confident that she will make a significant contribution to your program and bring a unique perspective to the classroom.
Please let me know if you require any additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference letter?
A character reference letter should include your relationship to the person you’re recommending, the length of time you’ve known them, and a statement about their positive qualities, skills, and achievements. You should also indicate how you believe they would benefit from the opportunity they are seeking.
Who can I write a character reference letter for?
You can write a character reference letter for a friend, family member, colleague, or student. You should only write a letter if you know the person well and have a positive relationship with them.
What should I avoid including in a character reference letter?
You should avoid including any negative or irrelevant information in a character reference letter. Stick to the person’s positive qualities and don’t make any false statements or exaggerate their achievements.
How long should a character reference letter be?
A character reference letter should be concise and to the point. It should be no longer than one or two pages and should include specific examples of the person’s positive qualities and achievements.
How should I format my character reference letter?
Your character reference letter should be formatted like a traditional business letter, with your contact information, the recipient’s contact information, and a formal greeting and closing. You should also use a professional font and format the letter for easy readability.
Can I use a template to write my character reference letter?
Yes, there are many templates available online that you can use as a guide when writing your character reference letter. However, it’s important to customize the letter to the specific person and opportunity you’re recommending them for.
How should I sign my character reference letter?
You should sign your character reference letter with a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name, title, and contact information.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and examples, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Remember to focus on the person’s positive qualities and achievements and customize the letter to the specific opportunity they are seeking. By doing so, you’ll be able to create a letter that showcases their strengths and helps them stand out from the crowd.