Character reference letters are a great way to vouch for someone’s personal and professional qualities. If you’ve been asked to write a character reference letter, you might be wondering where to start. This article provides some tips and examples to help you write an effective character reference letter.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter
When writing a character reference letter, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Start by addressing the letter to the appropriate person or organization.
- Introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the person you’re writing about.
- Highlight the person’s positive qualities and provide specific examples.
- Use a professional tone and avoid using overly emotional language.
- Include your contact information in case the recipient needs to follow up with you.
- Proofread your letter carefully for spelling and grammar errors.
Remember that the purpose of a character reference letter is to provide an honest and accurate portrayal of the person you’re writing about. If you don’t feel comfortable writing a positive letter, it’s better to decline the request than to write a negative or lukewarm letter.
Examples of Character Reference Letters
Character Reference Letter for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. John and I worked together at XYZ Corporation for three years, and I can attest to his excellent work ethic, strong communication skills, and ability to manage complex projects on tight deadlines.
John is a natural leader who always goes above and beyond to ensure that his team meets their goals. He is also a great collaborator who is always willing to lend a hand to colleagues in other departments. His positive attitude and can-do spirit make him a valuable asset to any team.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Character Reference Letter for College Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to your university. I have known Sarah for four years as her science teacher, and I can attest to her academic talent, strong work ethic, and impressive leadership skills.
Sarah is a top-performing student who consistently earns As in all of her classes. She is also a natural leader who has served as president of the school’s science club for the past two years. Under her leadership, the club has organized several successful fundraisers and community service events.
I have no doubt that Sarah will excel academically and contribute positively to your campus community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
John Smith
Character Reference Letter for Immigration
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Maria Rodriguez, who is applying for permanent residency in the United States. I have known Maria for five years as a neighbor and friend, and I can attest to her strong moral character and positive contributions to our community.
Maria is a hardworking and responsible individual who always goes out of her way to help others. She volunteers at the local food bank and participates in neighborhood clean-up projects. She is also a devoted mother who takes great care of her children and instills in them the values of kindness and respect.
I strongly believe that Maria will make a positive contribution to American society and would be an asset to any community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lee
Character Reference Letter for Court Appearance
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for David Brown, who is appearing in court on charges of theft. I have known David for ten years as a coworker and friend, and I can attest to his honesty, integrity, and strong moral character.
David is a hardworking and reliable individual who always strives to do the right thing. He has never been involved in any criminal activity before, and I believe that the charges against him are out of character. I know that he deeply regrets his actions and is committed to making amends and moving forward in a positive direction.
I urge you to consider David’s character and the positive contributions he has made to our community when making your decision. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson
Character Reference Letter for Child Custody
Dear Family Court,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Lisa Garcia, who is seeking custody of her two children. I have known Lisa for five years as a coworker and friend, and I can attest to her strong commitment to her children’s well-being and her ability to provide a stable and nurturing home environment.
Lisa is a devoted mother who always puts her children’s needs first. She has worked hard to provide for them financially and emotionally and has always been an active and involved parent. She is also a kind and compassionate individual who is respected and admired by all who know her.
I strongly believe that Lisa is the best person to provide for her children’s needs and to give them the love and support they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Emily Davis
Character Reference Letter for Rental Application
Dear Landlord,
I am writing to recommend Mark Johnson as a tenant for your rental property. I have known Mark for five years as a coworker and friend, and I can attest to his strong work ethic, responsible nature, and good character.
Mark is a reliable and trustworthy individual who always pays his bills on time and takes care of his living space. He is also a friendly and respectful neighbor who is well-liked by those around him. I have no doubt that he will be an excellent tenant and a positive addition to your community.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss Mark’s application further.
Best regards,
Jennifer Lee
Character Reference Letter for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Susan Smith as a volunteer for your organization. I have known Susan for three years as a coworker and friend, and I can attest to her strong commitment to community service and her ability to work well with others.
Susan is a dedicated and passionate individual who has volunteered at several local organizations over the years. She has a great deal of experience working with people of all ages and backgrounds and is always willing to lend a hand where needed. Her positive attitude and friendly demeanor make her a pleasure to work with.
I have no doubt that Susan will be an asset to your organization and will make a positive impact on those she serves. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
John Johnson
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference letter?
In a character reference letter, you should include your relationship to the person you’re writing about, their positive qualities and specific examples of those qualities, and your contact information in case the recipient needs to follow up with you.
How long should a character reference letter be?
A character reference letter should be one to two pages long. It should provide enough detail to give the reader a strong sense of the person’s character and abilities, but should not be overly long or repetitive.
What if I don’t feel comfortable writing a positive character reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a positive character reference letter, it’s better to decline the request than to write a negative or lukewarm letter. You can simply explain that you don’t feel that you can provide the kind of enthusiastic endorsement that the person is looking for.
Who should I address a character reference letter to?
You should address a character reference letter to the appropriate person or organization. If you’re not sure who to address the letter to, you can call or email the organization and ask for clarification.
Can I use a character reference letter template?
Yes, there are many character reference letter templates available online that you can use as a starting point for your own letter. However, it’s important to personalize the letter and provide specific examples that relate to the person you’re writing about.
When should I provide a character reference letter?
You may be asked to provide a character reference letter in a variety of situations, such as job applications, college admissions, immigration proceedings, court appearances, child custody cases, rental applications, and volunteer work. It’s always a good idea to be prepared in case you’re asked to provide a letter in the future.
Do I need to send a hard copy of the character reference letter?
It depends on the situation and the recipient’s preferences. Some organizations may prefer a hard copy of the letter, while others may accept an electronic copy. If you’re not sure, you can ask the recipient what their preferred method of delivery is.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter can be a powerful way to help someone achieve their goals and succeed in their endeavors. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write an effective letter that highlights the positive qualities and achievements of the person you’re writing about. Remember to be honest, specific, and professional in your writing, and to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off. Good luck!