Writing a personal character reference can be challenging, but it’s a great way to help a friend, colleague or family member obtain a job, college admission or other opportunities. In this article, we’ll provide you with some personal character reference examples to help get you started. These examples can be edited as needed to match your own circumstances.
When writing a personal character reference, it’s important to keep it concise and to the point. A reference letter should be no more than one page long. In the examples below, we’ll provide you with some guidance and tips to help you write a great reference letter.
Tips for Writing Personal Character Reference Examples
Before we jump into some examples, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with a strong introduction that explains the nature of the relationship with the person you are writing about.
- Highlight the positive qualities of the person you are writing about and give specific examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities.
- Avoid speaking negatively about the person or their past mistakes. Focus on their strengths and accomplishments.
- Be honest and authentic in your letter, but make sure to remain professional and respectful throughout.
- Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free of any errors or typos.
- End your letter with a strong conclusion that summarizes the person’s strengths and qualities.
Personal Character Reference Examples
Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Name] for the position of [Job Title] at your company. I have known [Name] for [Number] of years and can confidently say that [he/she] has an exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and is always willing to go above and beyond to exceed expectations.
For example, [Name] recently took on [Project] and was able to complete it within a very tight deadline, while producing high-quality work that was well received by the client. [He/She] also has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which helps [him/her] to work well with colleagues and clients alike.
I strongly believe that [Name] would be a valuable asset to your team and highly recommend [him/her] for the job. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Name], who is applying to [College/University] for the upcoming academic year. As [his/her] former teacher, I have had the opportunity to witness [his/her] passion for learning and [his/her] exceptional academic performance.
For instance, [Name] was consistently one of the top-performing students in [Subject] and demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter. [He/She] was also an active participant in class discussions, often sharing insights and observations that showed [his/her] critical thinking skills and creativity.
Moreover, [Name] is known for [his/her] leadership skills, as demonstrated by [his/her] involvement in extracurricular activities such as [Activity]. [He/She] was instrumental in [Achievement], which shows [his/her] ability to work well with others and achieve common goals.
I highly recommend [Name] for admission to [College/University], and I am confident that [he/she] will make significant contributions to your academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Apartment Rental Application
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who is applying to rent an apartment in [Building/Complex]. I have known [Name] for [Number] of years and can attest to [his/her] reliability, responsibility, and excellent character.
For example, [Name] has been a tenant in my building for the past [Number] of years, and I have never had any issues with [him/her]. [He/She] always pays rent on time, takes care of the apartment, and is respectful to [his/her] neighbors. [Name] is a quiet and friendly person who would make an excellent addition to any community.
I highly recommend [Name] as a tenant and believe that [he/she] would be an asset to your building. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Custody Hearing
Your Honor,
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Name], who is currently involved in a custody dispute. As [his/her] former teacher and mentor, I have had the opportunity to observe [his/her] parenting skills and how [he/she] interacts with [his/her] children.
For instance, [Name] has always been a loving and devoted parent who puts the needs of [his/her] children first. [He/She] has consistently provided [his/her] children with a safe and nurturing environment, and [he/she] is actively involved in [his/her] children’s education and extracurricular activities.
Moreover, [Name] is known for [his/her] patience, kindness, and empathy, which are all essential qualities for a good parent. [He/She] has demonstrated these qualities in [his/her] interactions with [his/her] children, their teachers, and other parents.
I highly recommend that [Name] be granted custody of [his/her] children and believe that [he/she] is the best person to provide them with the care and support they need. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Court
Your Honor,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who is currently facing criminal charges. While I do not condone the actions that [he/she] is accused of, I strongly believe that [he/she] is a good person who made a mistake.
For example, I have known [Name] for [Number] of years and have always found [him/her] to be a kind, honest, and hardworking individual. [He/She] is respected by [his/her] coworkers and peers and has always been a responsible and law-abiding citizen.
I believe that [Name] has learned from [his/her] mistake and is committed to taking responsibility for [his/her] actions. I urge you to consider [his/her] good character and to offer [him/her] the opportunity to make amends for [his/her] mistake and become a productive member of society once again.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Adoption Application
Dear Adoption Agency,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who is hoping to adopt a child through your agency. I have known [Name] for [Number] of years and can attest to [his/her] excellent character, strong values, and deep commitment to family.
For instance, [Name] is a devoted spouse and parent who cherishes [his/her] family above all else. [He/She] has a kind and nurturing personality and always puts the needs of others before [his/her] own. [Name] is also committed to providing [his/her] children with a safe, loving, and nurturing environment, where they can grow and thrive.
I believe that [Name] would make an excellent adoptive parent and have no doubt that [he/she] would provide a child with all the love, support, and guidance they need. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Immigration Application
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing this letter in support of [Name], who is applying for immigration to [Country]. I have known [Name] for [Number] of years and can attest to [his/her] excellent character, strong work ethic, and deep commitment to [his/her] family and community.
For example, [Name] is a hardworking and responsible individual who has always been law-abiding and respectful of others. [He/She] is also an active participant in [his/her] community and has contributed to various charitable causes and community events.
Moreover, [Name] is a loving and devoted spouse and parent who would make an excellent addition to [Country]. [He/She] is committed to building a better future for [his/her] family and making a positive contribution to [his/her] new home.
I highly recommend [Name] for immigration to [Country] and believe that [he/she] would make a valuable addition to your society. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or clarification.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a personal character reference?
A personal character reference should include an introduction, an explanation of your relationship with the person, and specific examples of their positive qualities or accomplishments. Avoid speaking negatively about the person, and make sure to remain professional and respectful throughout the letter. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it’s free of any errors or typos.
How long should a personal character reference be?
A personal character reference should be no more than one page long. Keep it concise and to the point, and focus on the person’s positive qualities and achievements.
What should I do if I don’t know the person very well?
If you don’t know the person very well, it’s best to decline the request to write a personal character reference. Writing a reference letter for someone you don’t know well can be difficult and may not be helpful to the person’s application.
Should I mention the person’s weaknesses in a personal character reference?
A personal character reference should focus on the person’s positive qualities and accomplishments. Avoid speaking negatively about the person or mentioning their past mistakes or weaknesses. If you have concerns about the person, it’s best to decline the request to write a personal character reference.
Do I need to address the letter to a specific person?
If you’re writing a personal character reference for a specific purpose, such as a job application or rental application, it’s best to address the letter to the appropriate person or department. If you’re writing a general reference letter, you can address it to “To Whom It May Concern” or leave it blank.
Can I use a personal character reference for multiple applications?
It’s generally best to write a new personal character reference for each application, as it allows you to tailor the letter to the specific requirements of the application. However, you can use a general reference letter as a starting point and edit it as needed.
Conclusion
Writing a personal character reference can be a great way to help someone obtain a job, college admission, or other opportunities. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write a strong and effective reference letter that highlights the person’s positive qualities and accomplishments.