A character reference letter is a document that provides a personal recommendation about an individual’s character and abilities. This type of letter is often required in New Zealand for employment, immigration, or legal purposes. A character reference letter should be written by someone who knows the individual well and can attest to their positive qualities.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter NZ
When writing a character reference letter in New Zealand, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Begin by addressing the letter to the appropriate person or organization.
- Introduce yourself and your relationship to the individual being referenced.
- Provide specific examples of the individual’s positive traits and abilities.
- Avoid making negative comments or criticisms.
- End the letter with a statement of recommendation and contact information for the writer.
Readers can find examples of character reference letters in various formats to edit as needed. Below are seven examples of character reference letters that can be used as inspiration for your own letter.
Character Reference for Employment
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to support [Individual’s Name]’s application for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As [Individual’s Name]’s former manager at [Previous Company], I can attest to their strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively with others. Their positive attitude and dedication to their work make them an ideal candidate for the position.
I highly recommend [Individual’s Name] for the role and believe they would be a valuable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Immigration
Dear [Immigration Officer’s Name],
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Individual’s Name] to support their application for immigration to New Zealand. I have known [Individual’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can confirm that they are a person of good character and would make a positive contribution to New Zealand society.
[Individual’s Name] is a hardworking and responsible individual who is committed to their family and community. They have always been respectful and courteous to others and are well-liked by those who know them. I have no doubt that they will be an asset to New Zealand and make a positive contribution to society.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Court Appearance
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Individual’s Name] to provide you with some insight into their character and personal circumstances. I have known [Individual’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their honesty, integrity, and good moral character.
[Individual’s Name] is a hardworking and responsible individual who has always conducted themselves with dignity and respect. They have made positive contributions to their community and are well-liked by those who know them.
I believe that [Individual’s Name] is truly remorseful for their actions and is committed to making positive changes in their life. I ask that you take their good character and personal circumstances into consideration when making your decision.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Rental Application
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Individual’s Name] who has applied to rent your property at [Address]. I have known [Individual’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their honesty, reliability, and responsible nature.
[Individual’s Name] is a trustworthy individual who always pays their bills on time and takes good care of their property. They are respectful to their neighbors and have a good relationship with them.
I would highly recommend [Individual’s Name] as a tenant and believe they would take excellent care of your property. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Volunteer Work
Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],
I am writing to support [Individual’s Name]’s application to volunteer with your organization. I have known [Individual’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their kind-heartedness, dedication, and generosity.
[Individual’s Name] is a selfless individual who is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. They have volunteered with various organizations in the past and have always been a valuable member of the team.
I believe that [Individual’s Name] would make an excellent volunteer for your organization and would be an asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Student
Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Individual’s Name] for admission to your [Degree Program] program. I have had the pleasure of teaching [Individual’s Name] in [Course Name] and can attest to their intelligence, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning.
[Individual’s Name] is a hardworking student who takes their education seriously. They are always prepared for class and actively participate in discussions. They are a team player who is willing to help their classmates and contribute to group projects.
I believe that [Individual’s Name] would be an excellent addition to your program and would thrive in an academic environment. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Child Custody
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of [Individual’s Name] who is seeking custody of their child [Child’s Name]. I have known [Individual’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their love, care, and devotion to their child.
[Individual’s Name] is a loving and responsible parent who always puts their child’s needs first. They have provided a safe and stable home for their child and have been actively involved in their education and extracurricular activities.
I believe that [Individual’s Name] is the best person to provide care for their child and that granting them custody would be in the best interest of the child. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a character reference letter?
A character reference letter is a document that provides a personal recommendation about an individual’s character and abilities. It is often required for employment, immigration, or legal purposes.
Who should I ask to write a character reference letter for me?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can attest to your positive qualities. This could be a former employer, coworker, teacher, or community member.
What should I include in a character reference letter?
You should include your personal information, your relationship to the individual being referenced, specific examples of the individual’s positive traits and abilities, and a statement of recommendation.
How long should a character reference letter be?
A character reference letter should be one to two pages long, depending on the requirements of the organization or individual requesting the letter.
What should I avoid in a character reference letter?
You should avoid making negative comments or criticisms about the individual being referenced. You should also avoid exaggerating or embellishing their positive qualities.
Can I use a character reference letter from another country?
It depends on the requirements of the organization or individual requesting the letter. You should check with them to see if a letter from another country is acceptable.
Do I need to provide contact information for the writer of the character reference letter?
Yes, you should provide contact information for the writer so that the organization or individual requesting the letter can verify its authenticity.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter in New Zealand requires attention to detail and specific guidelines. By following the tips provided and using the examples as inspiration, you can write a compelling letter that highlights the individual’s positive qualities and supports their application. Remember to ask someone who knows the individual well and can provide an honest and positive recommendation.