If you’ve been asked to write a character reference letter for a job application, you might be wondering where to start. While it may seem daunting, writing a character reference letter is a great opportunity to help someone you know land their dream job. In this article, we’ll provide tips, examples, and frequently asked questions about writing a character reference letter for a job application.
Tips
1. Understanding the Purpose of a Character Reference Letter
A character reference letter is a document that provides insight into a candidate’s personal and professional qualities, as perceived by someone who knows them well. When asked to write a character reference letter, it’s important to keep in mind the purpose of the letter: to help the candidate stand out from other applicants and showcase their strengths.
2. Use a Formal Tone
When writing a character reference letter, it’s important to use a formal tone of voice. While you may be close with the candidate, the letter should still come across as professional and respectful.
3. Customize the Letter to the Job
Take the time to customize your character reference letter to the job the candidate is applying for. This means highlighting specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the position.
4. Provide Specific Examples
To make the letter more compelling, provide specific examples of the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments. This will help the hiring manager get a better sense of the candidate’s abilities and potential.
5. Edit and Proofread
Before submitting the letter, make sure to edit and proofread for grammar and spelling errors. A well-written, error-free letter will make a stronger impression on the hiring manager.
Character Reference Letter Examples for Job Applications
Character Reference Letter Sample for Customer Service Job
Greeting,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the customer service job at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Candidate Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their excellent communication skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
As a [Previous Role], I have seen firsthand how [Candidate Name] goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. For example, [Provide Specific Example].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would make a valuable addition to your team and strongly recommend them for the customer service job.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter Sample for Sales Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the sales job at [Company Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their excellent interpersonal skills and ability to close deals.
As a [Previous Role], I have seen firsthand how [Candidate Name] consistently exceeded sales targets and built strong relationships with clients. For example, [Provide Specific Example].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would make a valuable addition to your sales team and strongly recommend them for the job.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter Sample for Teaching Job
Dear Principal,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the teaching job at [School Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their passion for teaching and dedication to their students.
As a [Previous Role] at [School Name], I have seen firsthand how [Candidate Name] creates a positive and engaging learning environment. For example, [Provide Specific Example].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would make a valuable addition to your teaching staff and strongly recommend them for the job.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter Sample for Healthcare Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the healthcare job at [Hospital Name]. I have known [Candidate Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their excellent clinical skills and compassionate patient care.
As a [Previous Role] at [Hospital Name], I have seen firsthand how [Candidate Name] consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. For example, [Provide Specific Example].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would make a valuable addition to your healthcare team and strongly recommend them for the job.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter Sample for Accounting Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the accounting job at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
As a [Previous Role] at [Company Name], I have seen firsthand how [Candidate Name] consistently delivered accurate financial reports and provided valuable insights to management. For example, [Provide Specific Example].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would make a valuable addition to your accounting team and strongly recommend them for the job.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter Sample for Engineering Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the engineering job at [Company Name]. As a fellow engineer, I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their excellent technical skills and ability to solve complex problems.
As a [Previous Role] at [Company Name], I have seen firsthand how [Candidate Name] designed innovative solutions that saved the company time and money. For example, [Provide Specific Example].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would make a valuable addition to your engineering team and strongly recommend them for the job.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter Sample for Legal Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for the legal job at [Law Firm Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their excellent legal skills and ability to provide practical and effective advice.
As a [Previous Role] at [Law Firm Name], I have seen firsthand how [Candidate Name] successfully represented clients in high-profile cases and provided valuable guidance to colleagues. For example, [Provide Specific Example].
I am confident that [Candidate Name] would make a valuable addition to your legal team and strongly recommend them for the job.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference letter?
A character reference letter should include an introduction of the candidate, specific examples of their strengths and accomplishments, and a conclusion that strongly recommends them for the job.
How long should a character reference letter be?
A character reference letter should generally be one to two pages long, with specific examples that highlight the candidate’s strengths and abilities.
What is the difference between a character reference letter and a professional reference letter?
A character reference letter focuses on the personal qualities of the candidate, while a professional reference letter focuses on their professional skills and accomplishments.
Who should I address the letter to?
Address the letter to the hiring manager or the person who requested the reference letter.
What if I don’t know the candidate very well?
If you don’t know the candidate well enough to write a strong reference letter, it’s best to decline the request.
Can I use a character reference letter for multiple job applications?
While you can use the same basic letter for multiple job applications, it’s important to customize the letter to the specific job and company to make it more effective.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for a job application can be a great way to help someone you know succeed in their career. By following the tips in this article and using the examples provided, you’ll be able to create a strong reference letter that showcases the candidate’s strengths and abilities.