If you work in human resources, you may be asked to write a character reference letter for an employee. This type of letter is used to vouch for the employee’s skills, reliability, and work ethic. It can be helpful for a current employee who is applying for a new job, or for a former employee who is seeking a reference. In this article, we will provide you with seven examples of character reference letters that you can use as a template for your own letters.
Example 1: Recommendation for a Sales Associate
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the position of sales associate at your company. Jane worked for me for three years at XYZ Corporation and was an outstanding employee. She was always punctual, reliable, and professional.
Jane has excellent communication skills and was always able to build strong relationships with our clients. She was also a top performer in our sales department, consistently meeting or exceeding her targets. I have no doubt that she would be an asset to your team.
Best regards,
John Doe
Example 2: Reference for a Customer Service Representative
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Tom Jones for the position of customer service representative at your company. Tom worked for me for two years at ABC Corporation and was an excellent employee. He was always friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
Tom has great problem-solving skills and was always able to resolve customer issues in a timely and satisfactory manner. He was also a team player and was always willing to help his colleagues. I am confident that he would make a great addition to your customer service team.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 3: Letter of Recommendation for a Software Developer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Lee for the position of software developer at your company. Sarah worked for me for four years at DEF Corporation and was one of our top developers. She was always up to date with the latest technologies and was able to create high-quality software products.
Sarah is an excellent problem solver and was able to find innovative solutions to complex problems. She was also a great team player and was always willing to help her colleagues. I have no doubt that she would be an asset to your development team.
Best regards,
John Smith
Example 4: Reference for an Administrative Assistant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Lisa Brown for the position of administrative assistant at your company. Lisa worked for me for three years at GHI Corporation and was a highly valued member of our team. She was always organized, efficient, and detail-oriented.
Lisa has excellent communication skills and was able to handle a variety of tasks, including scheduling appointments, managing files, and coordinating events. She was also a great problem solver and was able to find solutions to challenging problems. I highly recommend Lisa for the position of administrative assistant.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 5: Letter of Recommendation for a Marketing Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Mike Johnson for the position of marketing manager at your company. Mike worked for me for five years at JKL Corporation and was a key member of our marketing team.
Mike is an excellent communicator and was able to develop and execute effective marketing campaigns. He was also a great team leader and was able to motivate his team to achieve their goals. I am confident that Mike would be a valuable asset to your marketing team.
Best regards,
John Doe
Example 6: Reference for a Financial Analyst
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Emily Davis for the position of financial analyst at your company. Emily worked for me for two years at MNO Corporation and was an exceptional employee. She was always detail-oriented, analytical, and reliable.
Emily has excellent problem-solving skills and was able to analyze complex financial data to provide accurate recommendations. She was also great at working under tight deadlines and was able to deliver results on time. I highly recommend Emily for the position of financial analyst.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Example 7: Letter of Recommendation for a Project Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for the position of project manager at your company. David worked for me for three years at PQR Corporation and was an outstanding employee. He was always organized, efficient, and detail-oriented.
David has excellent leadership skills and was able to manage complex projects with ease. He was also great at communicating with stakeholders and was able to keep everyone informed of project progress. I believe that David would be an excellent addition to your project management team.
Best regards,
John Smith
Tips for Writing a Character Reference for an Employee
If you have been asked to write a character reference letter for an employee, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be honest: Be truthful in your letter and only include information that you can verify.
- Be specific: Use specific examples to illustrate the employee’s skills and work ethic.
- Be positive: Use positive language to describe the employee and their achievements.
- Use a professional tone: Keep your letter formal and avoid using slang or casual language.
- Proofread your letter: Make sure your letter is free of errors and typos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference letter?
In a character reference letter, you should include the employee’s name, your relationship to the employee, how long you have known the employee, and specific examples of their skills and work ethic.
How should I format my character reference letter?
Your character reference letter should be formatted like a formal business letter. It should include your name and contact information, the date, the recipient’s name and contact information, a salutation, the body of the letter, and a complimentary close.
Should I mention any weaknesses or negative traits in my character reference letter?
No, you should only focus on the employee’s strengths and positive attributes in your character reference letter. If you have concerns about the employee’s performance, you should address them separately with the employee or their supervisor.
Do I need to include the employee’s resume or other documents with my character reference letter?
No, you do not need to include any additional documents with your character reference letter. Your letter should stand alone as a recommendation for the employee.
Should I use company letterhead for my character reference letter?
If you are writing a character reference letter on behalf of your company, you may use company letterhead. If you are writing a personal letter of recommendation, you may use your personal letterhead or stationery.
Can I write a character reference letter for a family member or friend?
While you may be asked to write a character reference letter for a family member or friend, it is generally not recommended. Your letter may be seen as biased or unprofessional, and may not be taken seriously by the recipient.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for an employee can be a valuable opportunity to help someone in their career. By following our tips and using our letter samples as a guide, you can create a compelling letter that showcases the employee’s strengths and work ethic. Remember to be honest, specific, and positive in your letter, and proofread carefully before sending it off.