When someone asks you to write a character reference, it can be a bit overwhelming. What should you say? What shouldn’t you say? How long should it be? Here’s a guide to help you give a character reference that will help your friend or colleague get the job they want.
How to Write a Character Reference
When you write a character reference, you should keep it short and sweet. You don’t need to go into great detail about the person’s life or accomplishments. Instead, focus on their positive qualities and how they would be a great fit for the job they’re applying for.
Here’s a breakdown of what your reference should include:
Greeting
Start your letter by addressing the person who will be reading it. If you don’t know their name, you can use a generic greeting like “To Whom It May Concern.”
Letter Body
In the first paragraph of your letter, introduce yourself and explain how you know the person you’re giving a reference for. In the second paragraph, talk about the person’s positive qualities and how they would be a great fit for the job they’re applying for.
Complimentary Close
End your letter with a complimentary close like “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.”
Remember, you can find examples of character references online and edit them as needed. Just make sure that the final letter reflects your personal experience with the person you’re giving a reference for.
Example Character References
Character Reference for a Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the position of [Job Title]. I have known [Name] for [Length of Time] and have always found [him/her] to be a reliable, hardworking, and friendly individual.
[Name] possesses excellent communication skills and is a great team player. [He/She] is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. I am confident that [Name] would be an asset to your team and would excel in this role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for admission to [College/University]. I have known [Name] for [Length of Time] and have always been impressed by [his/her] intelligence, work ethic, and dedication to [his/her] academic pursuits.
[Name] is a natural leader who is able to work well with others. [He/She] is always willing to help out classmates and is known for [his/her] ability to think critically and solve problems. I am confident that [Name] would be an asset to your institution and would excel in [his/her] chosen field of study.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the volunteer position with your organization. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Length of Time] and have always been impressed by [his/her] dedication to helping others.
[Name] possesses excellent organizational skills and is able to handle multiple tasks at once. [He/She] is also a great communicator who is able to work well with people from all backgrounds. I am confident that [Name] would be a great addition to your team and would make a positive impact on your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Rental Application
Dear Landlord,
I am writing to recommend [Name] as a tenant for your property. I have known [Name] for [Length of Time] and have always found [him/her] to be a responsible and reliable individual.
[Name] is a great communicator who is always on top of [his/her] finances. [He/She] takes great care of [his/her] living space and is respectful of others’ property. I am confident that [Name] would make an excellent tenant and would take great care of your property.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Child Custody Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing to recommend [Name] as a responsible parent in [his/her] child custody case. I have known [Name] for [Length of Time] and have always found [him/her] to be a loving and caring parent.
[Name] is dedicated to [his/her] children’s well-being and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that they are happy and healthy. [He/She] is a great communicator who is able to work well with others to ensure that [his/her] children’s needs are met. I am confident that [Name] would make an excellent co-parent and would always act in [his/her] children’s best interests.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Personal Loan
Dear Loan Officer,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for a personal loan. I have known [Name] for [Length of Time] and have always found [him/her] to be a responsible and trustworthy individual.
[Name] is excellent at managing [his/her] finances and has always been careful to pay bills on time. [He/She] is a great communicator who is able to explain [his/her] financial situation clearly and honestly. I am confident that [Name] would be a responsible borrower and would pay back the loan in a timely manner.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Child Adoption
Dear Adoption Agency,
I am writing to recommend [Name] as a prospective adoptive parent. I have known [Name] for [Length of Time] and have always found [him/her] to be a loving and caring individual.
[Name] has a great deal of experience working with children and is dedicated to providing a loving and stable home. [He/She] is a great communicator who is able to work well with others to ensure that children’s needs are met. I am confident that [Name] would make an excellent parent and would provide a loving and nurturing home for a child.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say in a character reference?
In a character reference, you should focus on the person’s positive qualities and how they would be a great fit for the job or situation they’re applying for. Keep it short and sweet, and use specific examples to illustrate your points.
How long should a character reference be?
A character reference should be no more than one or two pages long. Keep it short and to the point.
How do I address a character reference letter?
If you know the name of the person who will be reading the letter, address it to them directly. If you don’t know their name, you can use a generic greeting like “To Whom It May Concern.”
Can I use a character reference for a job application?
Yes, a character reference can be a great addition to a job application, especially if the person has limited work experience. Make sure that the reference is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
What if I don’t feel comfortable giving a character reference?
If you don’t feel comfortable giving a character reference, it’s okay to decline. Be honest with the person and explain your reasons.
Can I give a character reference for a family member?
Yes, you can give a character reference for a family member, but make sure that you’re able to provide an objective assessment of their abilities and character.
Do I need to sign a character reference letter?
Yes, you should sign a character reference letter to show that you stand behind the information you’ve provided.
Conclusion
Giving a character reference can be a great way to help someone get the job or situation they want. Just remember to keep it short and sweet, focus on the person’s positive qualities, and use specific examples to illustrate your points.