When someone asks you to write a character reference letter for them, it’s important to understand what they are looking for. A generic character reference letter is a letter that can be used for a variety of situations, such as employment, housing, or legal matters. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for writing a generic character reference letter.
Tips for Writing a Generic Character Reference Letter
When writing a generic character reference letter, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a strong introduction that establishes your relationship with the person you are writing the letter for.
- Be specific about the person’s positive qualities and how they have demonstrated them.
- Include any relevant examples or experiences that you have had with the person.
- Emphasize the person’s reliability, responsibility, and trustworthiness.
- Provide your contact information in case the reader has any further questions.
- Encourage the reader to contact you if they need more information or clarification.
Examples of Generic Character Reference Letters
Character Reference Letter for Employment
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who has asked me to serve as a reference for their job application. I have known [Name] for [number] years, and in that time, I have had the pleasure of watching them grow both personally and professionally.
[Name] is a hard-working and reliable individual who is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. They have a positive attitude and are able to work well under pressure. I believe that [Name] would be an asset to any team, and I highly recommend them for any employment opportunities that may arise.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter for Housing
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who has asked me to provide a character reference for their application for housing. I have known [Name] for [number] years, and in that time, I have found them to be a responsible and reliable individual.
[Name] is a quiet tenant who always pays their rent on time and takes care of their living space. They are respectful of their neighbors and are always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. I believe that [Name] would make an excellent tenant and I highly recommend them for any housing opportunities that may arise.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter for Legal Matters
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who has asked me to provide a character reference for their legal case. I have known [Name] for [number] years, and in that time, I have found them to be a trustworthy and honest individual.
[Name] has always conducted themselves with the utmost integrity, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so in this legal matter. I believe that [Name] is a person of good character who would never intentionally cause harm to anyone or anything. I highly recommend [Name] and ask that you take their character into consideration when making your decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who has asked me to provide a character reference for their volunteer application. I have known [Name] for [number] years, and in that time, I have found them to be a kind and compassionate individual.
[Name] has a passion for helping others and is always looking for ways to make a positive impact in their community. They have volunteered their time and skills to various organizations over the years, and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so with the same enthusiasm and dedication. I highly recommend [Name] as a volunteer and believe that they would be an asset to any organization.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter for School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who has asked me to provide a character reference for their school application. I have known [Name] for [number] years, and in that time, I have found them to be a diligent and hard-working student who is committed to their education.
[Name] takes their studies seriously and has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a thirst for knowledge. They are an active participant in class and are always willing to help their peers. I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in any academic program they choose to pursue, and I highly recommend them for any school opportunities that may arise.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference Letter for Personal Reasons
Dear [Recipient],
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who has asked me to provide a character reference for personal reasons. I have known [Name] for [number] years, and in that time, I have found them to be a caring and compassionate individual.
[Name] is someone who always puts others first and is always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. They have faced numerous challenges in their life, but have always approached them with grace and resilience. I believe that [Name] is a person of strong character who has overcome adversity and emerged stronger as a result. I highly recommend [Name] and ask that you take their character into consideration when making your decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a generic character reference letter?
A generic character reference letter is a letter that can be used for a variety of situations, such as employment, housing, or legal matters. It is a letter that speaks to a person’s character and positive qualities, rather than specific skills or accomplishments.
What should I include in a generic character reference letter?
In a generic character reference letter, you should include specific examples of the person’s positive qualities, such as their reliability, responsibility, and trustworthiness. You should also provide any relevant examples or experiences that you have had with the person, and emphasize their strengths and personal characteristics that would make them an asset in any situation.
How long should a generic character reference letter be?
A generic character reference letter should be no more than one page in length. It should be clear, concise, and to the point, while still providing enough information to give the reader a good sense of the person’s character and positive qualities.
Can I use a generic character reference letter for any situation?
While a generic character reference letter can be used for a variety of situations, it is important to make sure that the letter is tailored to the specific situation at hand. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and include any specific information or requirements that the reader has requested.
Do I need to sign a generic character reference letter?
Yes, you should sign a generic character reference letter, and include your full name, address, and contact information. This will help the reader to verify your identity and contact you if they have any further questions or concerns.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter, it is important to be honest with the person who has asked you. Let them know that you don’t feel like you would be the best person to provide a reference for them, and offer to help them find someone who would be better suited to the task.
Conclusion
Writing a generic character reference letter can be a daunting task, but with these tips and examples, you should be well on your way to creating a letter that speaks to the person’s character and positive qualities. Remember, the most important thing is to be honest and specific, and to provide the reader with a good sense of the person’s strengths and personal characteristics.