When it comes to creating a successful resume, including character references can be a great way to boost your credibility and stand out to potential employers. A character reference is a recommendation letter that vouches for your skills and character, written by someone who knows you well. In this article, we’ll provide you with seven examples of character references that you can use as a template for your own resume.
When applying for a job, it’s important to have a resume that not only showcases your skills and experiences but also presents you in a positive light. One way to achieve this is by including character references in your resume. These references can vouch for your work ethic, personality, and other important traits that make you a valuable candidate. In this article, we’ll provide you with examples of character references that you can use to enhance your resume.
Character references are typically written by individuals who have known you for some time and can attest to your character, values, and abilities. Including these references in your resume can help you stand out from other applicants and provide potential employers with more insight into who you are as a person. The examples we provide below can be edited as needed to fit your specific situation and can be used as a starting point for creating your own character references.
Readers can find examples and edit them as needed to create their own character references.
Examples
Example 1: Character Reference for a Sales Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Your Name] for the sales position at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Your Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their exceptional sales skills and strong work ethic.
[Your Name] has a natural ability to connect with people and build strong relationships, which translates well in sales. They are highly motivated and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their clients’ needs are met. Additionally, they consistently exceed their sales targets and bring in new business to the company.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your sales team and I highly recommend them for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Character Reference for a Teaching Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Your Name] for the teaching position at [School Name]. As [Your Name’s] former supervisor at [Previous School], I can attest to their exceptional teaching skills and strong work ethic.
[Your Name] is an excellent communicator and has a natural ability to connect with students. They create a positive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential. Additionally, [Your Name] is highly organized and always prepared for their classes.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your teaching team and I highly recommend them for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Character Reference for a Customer Service Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Your Name] for the customer service position at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of working alongside [Your Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their exceptional customer service skills and strong work ethic.
[Your Name] is a natural problem-solver and always puts the needs of the customer first. They are highly skilled at resolving conflicts and ensuring that customers are satisfied with their experience. Additionally, [Your Name] has excellent communication skills and is able to work well in a team.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your customer service team and I highly recommend them for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Character Reference for an Administrative Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Your Name] for the administrative position at [Company Name]. As [Your Name’s] former supervisor at [Previous Company], I can attest to their exceptional administrative skills and strong work ethic.
[Your Name] is highly organized and efficient, with a keen eye for detail. They are able to multitask and prioritize their workload effectively, ensuring that all tasks are completed on time and to a high standard. Additionally, [Your Name] has excellent communication skills and is able to work well in a team.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your administrative team and I highly recommend them for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Character Reference for a Marketing Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Your Name] for the marketing position at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of working alongside [Your Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their exceptional marketing skills and strong work ethic.
[Your Name] has a creative mind and is always coming up with innovative marketing ideas that drive results. They are highly skilled at developing and executing marketing campaigns, as well as analyzing results to improve future campaigns. Additionally, [Your Name] is a strong communicator and able to work well in a team.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your marketing team and I highly recommend them for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Character Reference for a Finance Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Your Name] for the finance position at [Company Name]. As [Your Name’s] former supervisor at [Previous Company], I can attest to their exceptional finance skills and strong work ethic.
[Your Name] is highly analytical and able to interpret financial data with ease. They have a keen eye for detail and are able to identify and solve problems quickly. Additionally, [Your Name] has excellent communication skills and is able to work well in a team.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your finance team and I highly recommend them for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Character Reference for an IT Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Your Name] for the IT position at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of working alongside [Your Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their exceptional IT skills and strong work ethic.
[Your Name] is highly skilled in troubleshooting technical issues and is able to handle complex problems with ease. They are also able to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements, ensuring that the company’s technology is always in top shape. Additionally, [Your Name] has excellent communication skills and is able to work well in a team.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] would make a valuable addition to your IT team and I highly recommend them for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Including Character References in Your Resume
When including character references in your resume, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the individuals you choose to write your references are reputable and can speak to your abilities and character. Additionally, be sure to ask for their permission before including their contact information in your resume.
It’s also important to tailor your character references to the specific position you’re applying for. Choose references who can speak to the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Finally, make sure that your character references are formatted professionally and that they complement the rest of your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a family member or friend as a character reference?
We generally recommend against using family members or close friends as character references. Instead, choose individuals who are impartial and can speak to your character and abilities in a professional setting.
How many character references should I include in my resume?
We recommend including three to four character references in your resume. Choose individuals who can speak to a variety of your strengths and abilities.
Should I include my character references’ contact information in my resume?
Yes, you should include your character references’ contact information in your resume. This typically includes their name, job title, company name, email address, and phone number.
Can I use the same character references for every job I apply for?
While you can certainly reuse your character references for multiple job applications, we recommend tailoring your references to the specific job you’re applying for. Choose references who can speak to the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.
How should I format my character references in my resume?
Your character references should be formatted professionally, with each reference listed on a separate line. Include their name, job title, company name, email address, and phone number. You can also include a brief description of their relationship to you (e.g. former supervisor, coworker, etc.).
What should I do if I don’t have any professional references?
If you don’t have any professional references, you can consider using personal references such as volunteer coordinators, religious leaders, or mentors. Be sure to choose individuals who can speak to your character and work ethic, even if they aren’t able to speak to your professional experience.
Conclusion
Including character references in your resume is a great way to stand out to potential employers and provide them with more insight into who you are as a person. By using the examples provided in this article and following the tips we’ve outlined, you can create character references that highlight your strengths and abilities and help you land your dream job.