When it comes to writing a character reference, it is important to keep it concise and focused. The purpose is to provide a positive assessment of the person’s character, so it is important to choose your words carefully. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a good character reference, as well as seven examples for different scenarios.
Tips for Writing A Good Character Reference
Before beginning the letter, it is important to understand the purpose of the character reference. Typically, it is to provide a positive assessment of the person’s character, usually for a job or legal situation. Here are some tips to help you write a good character reference:
1. Be Specific: Provide specific examples of the person’s positive attributes, such as their work ethic, reliability, or honesty.
2. Use Formal Language: Use a formal tone and language in the letter, as it is a professional document.
3. Keep it Concise: The letter should not be too long, as the purpose is to provide a brief assessment of the person’s character.
4. Include Contact Information: Provide your contact information, in case the person reading the letter wants to follow up with you.
5. Edit and Review: Before sending the letter, make sure to edit and review it for any errors or typos.
For those who need more guidance, there are plenty of examples of character references that can be found online. Use them as a starting point and edit them as needed to fit the specific situation.
Examples of Writing A Good Character Reference
Character Reference for a Job
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing this character reference for [Name] who has applied for a job at your company. I have known [Name] for [Number] years in both a personal and professional capacity, and I can confidently say that [Name] would be an asset to your team.
[Name] has consistently shown a strong work ethic and has always been reliable and punctual. [He/She] is a quick learner and always takes the initiative to go above and beyond in [his/her] work. [He/She] also has excellent communication skills and is a great team player, always willing to help out and collaborate with others.
I highly recommend [Name] for the job and am confident that [he/she] would be a valuable addition to your company.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Tenant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who is applying to rent your property. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and can confidently say that [he/she] is a responsible and trustworthy individual.
[Name] has always been a reliable and considerate tenant, who always pays rent on time and takes great care of the property. [He/She] is always respectful of the neighbors and keeps noise levels to a minimum.
I highly recommend [Name] as a tenant and am confident that [he/she] will continue to be a responsible and reliable tenant in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Volunteer Position
Dear [Organization’s Name],
I am writing this character reference for [Name], who has applied to be a volunteer at your organization. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and can confidently say that [he/she] is a dedicated and reliable individual.
[Name] has always shown a strong commitment to helping others and has volunteered in various capacities in the past. [He/She] is always willing to lend a helping hand and is great at working with others to achieve common goals.
I highly recommend [Name] for the volunteer position and am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Scholarship
Dear [Scholarship Committee’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who is applying for a scholarship at your institution. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and can confidently say that [he/she] is an intelligent and hardworking individual.
[Name] consistently achieves high grades and has shown a strong commitment to academic excellence. [He/She] is also involved in various extracurricular activities and has shown great leadership skills in these capacities.
I highly recommend [Name] for the scholarship and am confident that [he/she] will continue to excel academically and contribute positively to the community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Custody Battle
Dear [Judge’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who is involved in a custody battle. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and can confidently say that [he/she] is a loving and responsible parent.
[Name] has always put the children’s needs first and has shown a great deal of patience and understanding in difficult situations. [He/She] is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that the children are well taken care of and have a stable home environment.
I highly recommend [Name] as a parent and am confident that [he/she] will continue to provide a loving and nurturing environment for the children.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Friend
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing this character reference for my friend, [Name], who is applying for [Reason]. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and can confidently say that [he/she] is a trustworthy and loyal individual.
[Name] is always there for [his/her] friends and family and is always willing to lend a helping hand. [He/She] is a true friend and has shown great compassion and empathy in difficult situations.
I highly recommend [Name] for [Reason] and am confident that [he/she] will excel in whatever [he/she] sets [his/her] mind to.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for a Legal Situation
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing this character reference for [Name], who is involved in a legal situation. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and can confidently say that [he/she] is an upstanding and honest individual.
[Name] has always shown a strong commitment to following the law and has never been involved in any illegal activities. [He/She] is a trustworthy and reliable individual who always tells the truth.
I highly recommend [Name] and am confident that [he/she] will continue to conduct [himself/herself] with the utmost integrity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference?
A character reference should include specific examples of the person’s positive attributes, such as their work ethic or reliability. It should also be written in a formal tone and be concise.
How long should a character reference be?
A character reference should not be too long, as the purpose is to provide a brief assessment of the person’s character. It should be no longer than one page.
Can I use a template for a character reference?
Yes, there are many templates available online that can be used as a starting point. However, it is important to edit the template as needed to fit the specific situation.
Who should I address the character reference to?
The character reference should be addressed to the recipient of the letter, such as the employer or judge.
What is the purpose of a character reference?
The purpose of a character reference is to provide a positive assessment of the person’s character, usually for a job or legal situation.
Should I provide my contact information in the character reference?
Yes, it is important to provide your contact information in case the person reading the letter wants to follow up with you.
Conclusion
Writing a good character reference is an important task that requires focus and attention to detail. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a letter that effectively communicates the person’s positive attributes and helps them achieve their goals.