Example Character Reference Letter With Writing Tips

· Updated September 14, 2024 · 6 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

Example Character Reference Letter With Writing Tips. The character reference letter is important because it gives the employer an idea of what kind of person the job candidate is, outside of their professional qualifications. An employer may request a character reference letter to get a better sense of who the job candidate is as a person. 

When should a character Reference Letter be submitted? The completed letter should be submitted along with the job candidate’s other application materials. It is usually sent directly to the employer by the person who is writing it.

What Is a Character Reference Letter?

A character reference or a personal reference is a letter written by someone who knows the candidate and can speak to their character and abilities. Unlike professional references, the person writing the reference is not an employer. Character reference letters describe the skills and traits you display outside the workplace. The people who write these letters know you personally. They can include teachers, coaches, landlords or people you know from your volunteer work or worship group. Choose your character referenceswith care to get the job you want.

Examples of people who can make great character references letter:

• Client or customer. 
• Vendor or business acquaintance. 
• Fellow student or graduate from an educational program.
• Professor or academic advisor.
• Neighbor or friend.
• Coworker.
• Co-volunteer or volunteer leader.
• Coach.
• Personal or professional mentor.

When to ask for a character reference?

Character reference letters can be requested by employers, universities, volunteer opportunities or professional organizations. If you’re applying for a job and an employer doesn’t request a character reference, you have the option of offering it to them.

What Do You Write In A Character Reference Letter?

Only accept the request character reference for someone in your network if you know the person well enough to speak on their behalf.

Listed below is what to include in a Character Reference Letter:

• State your relationship with the person requesting the letter and mention how long you have known them.
• The secondly, the body of your letter should focus on one or two of the candidate’s strongest qualities or skills that you think will make them stand out in the job search. 
• Provide any contact information that you feel comfortable sharing with the employer at the end of the letter.
• Why you believe they would be a good fit for the job they are applying for.

How to write a Personal letter or Character Reference letter

Step 1. Explain your relationship to the candidate: 

Be as specific as possible. For example, “I volunteered alongside John building homes for Habitat for Humanity,” or “Mandy lives next door to my family and is my children’s babysitter.”

Step 2. State how long you’ve known the candidate:

How many years have you known this person? For example, “I have known Roberto for more than six years, including two years together in business school,” or “Julia and I have worked together for four years.”

Step 3. Share positive personal qualities with specific examples: 

Share at least three personal qualities that would help the employer better understand the candidate and how they’d benefit the company. These qualities could include things like dedication, positive attitude, efficiency, communication skills, leadership abilities, commitment to quality and other relevant soft skills.

Step 4. End with a statement of recommendation and contact information: 

Your final statement should declare your recommendation. For example, “For these reasons, I recommend Susan for this position and feel she would be a worthy asset to any organization.” Also Include at least two pieces of contact information, such as your email address and personal phone number.

Character Reference Letter Example

Example 1

To Whom It May Concern:

I’ve known John Rim for several years. He has been a close friend of my son’s since they were in grade school. I’ve watched him grow up into the friendly, confident young man he is today.

While he was in high school, Fred helped me coach a community soccer team of 9- and 10-year-old boys. A skilled player himself, John was a keen leader who always maintained his professionalism. With patience and an ability to explain and show strategy clearly, he drew out the best from these boys, who, in turn, looked up to him.

I know John to be dependable, responsible, honest and courteous. He is a popular server in the restaurant where he now works. While dining there, I’ve more than once overheard customers asking to be seated in his section.

John will be an asset to any organization. I can confidently recommend him for any position or undertaking that he chooses to pursue.

Please do not hesitate to call me if you would like to discuss this recommendation further.

Sincerely,

John C. Doe
123-444-1414.

Writing Tips for a Character Reference Letter

• Specific examples are important: While a list of qualities is helpful, detailed examples that support and illustrate these qualities help employers better understand how a candidate might perform in various real-life scenarios.
• Avoid private details: The reference letter shouldn’t go into detail about a candidate’s personal struggles or other intimate matters they may not want to be shared with their prospective employer.
• Reference letters should be positive: This is not the place to list someone’s personal or professional shortcomings. Candidates should always select references they’re confident can speak well of them, and references should only agree if they feel they can authentically speak to the contact’s best attributes.
• Research the position: Look at the job listing or the school website for a sense of the qualities the employer or school might be looking for. Provide an example of a time the person demonstrated each of these qualities.
• Use business letter format: If you are sending the letter by mail, use business letter format when writing your letter. Include the contact information of the employer at the top, the date, and your contact information.
• Be specific: In your letter, focus on two or three specific qualities or abilities the person has that make them a good fit for the job or school.

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