A character letter of recommendation is a document that is used to vouch for an individual’s personal qualities, such as their honesty, integrity, and work ethic. It is typically written by someone who knows the individual well, such as a teacher, employer, or colleague. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for writing a strong character letter of recommendation.
Tips for Writing a Character Letter of Recommendation
When writing a character letter of recommendation, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Start with a Title
Begin by giving your letter a clear and concise title that reflects its purpose. For example, “Character Letter of Recommendation for Jane Doe.”
2. Provide a Detailed Explanation
Explain why you are writing the letter and how you know the individual. Be sure to include specific examples of the individual’s qualities and skills that you are recommending them for.
3. Use Specific Examples
Avoid making general statements about the individual and instead use specific examples to support your claims. For example, if you are recommending someone for their leadership skills, give an example of a time when they demonstrated strong leadership abilities.
4. Be Honest
It’s important to be honest in your letter, even if it means acknowledging areas where the individual may need to improve. Be sure to balance any criticisms with positive comments.
5. Keep it Professional
Use a professional tone throughout your letter and avoid using slang or casual language. Be sure to proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors.
6. Consider the Audience
Think about who will be reading your letter and tailor your language accordingly. For example, if you are writing a letter for a job application, focus on the individual’s professional qualities and skills.
7. Offer to Provide Additional Information
End your letter by offering to provide additional information if needed. This shows that you are willing to support the individual in any way possible.
Examples of Character Letters of Recommendation
Character Letter of Recommendation for College Admissions
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for admission to your college. As Jane’s science teacher for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of watching her grow into a dedicated and hardworking student. She consistently demonstrates strong analytical skills and a passion for learning.
One specific example of Jane’s dedication to her studies was when she decided to take on an independent research project in her junior year. She spent countless hours researching and conducting experiments on the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, and she presented her findings at a regional science fair.
Jane is not only an excellent student but also a kind and compassionate person. She is always willing to help her classmates and is a leader in our class discussions. I believe that she will make a valuable contribution to your college community.
Sincerely,
Mr. Smith
Character Letter of Recommendation for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Doe for the position of Project Manager. I had the pleasure of working with John for five years at Acme Corporation, and I can attest to his exceptional leadership skills and work ethic.
During his time at Acme, John managed several high-profile projects that were critical to the company’s success. He consistently demonstrated strong organizational and communication skills, and his projects were always completed on time and within budget.
John is also a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that his team members are supported and motivated. His positive attitude and ability to inspire others make him a valuable asset to any team.
I am confident that John would excel in the role of Project Manager at your company, and I highly recommend him for the position.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Character Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for your scholarship program. I have had the pleasure of teaching Sarah for the past two years and have been impressed by her dedication to her studies and her passion for helping others.
Sarah is an exceptional student who has consistently earned high grades in all of her classes. She is a natural leader who is always willing to take on new challenges and go above and beyond what is expected of her.
One specific example of Sarah’s commitment to helping others was when she organized a fundraiser for a local homeless shelter. Sarah enlisted the help of her classmates and together they raised over $5,000 for the shelter.
I believe that Sarah would be an excellent recipient of your scholarship and that it would provide her with the support she needs to continue making a positive impact in her community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jones
Character Letter of Recommendation for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for your volunteer program. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael on several community service projects and can attest to his exceptional work ethic and dedication to helping others.
Michael is a natural leader who is always willing to take on new challenges and motivate others to get involved. He is a great communicator and is able to work effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
One specific example of Michael’s commitment to volunteer work was when he organized a clean-up event in our local park. He enlisted the help of several volunteers and together they were able to improve the appearance of the park and make it a safer place for families to enjoy.
I highly recommend Michael for your volunteer program and believe that he would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
Mr. Thompson
Character Letter of Recommendation for Adoption
Dear Adoption Agency,
I am writing to recommend Karen and Tom Johnson as adoptive parents. I have known Karen and Tom for over 10 years and can attest to their exceptional parenting skills and their love for children.
Karen and Tom have two biological children and have always wanted to expand their family through adoption. They are patient, nurturing, and committed to providing a safe and loving home for a child in need.
One specific example of Karen and Tom’s dedication to children was when they organized a fundraiser for a local children’s hospital. They enlisted the help of their friends and family and raised over $10,000 for the hospital.
I believe that Karen and Tom would make excellent adoptive parents and that any child placed in their care would be fortunate to have them as their parents.
Sincerely,
Ms. Davis
Character Letter of Recommendation for Immigration
Dear Immigration Officer,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for immigration to the United States. I have known Maria for over 10 years and can attest to her exceptional character and her contribution to our community.
Maria is a hardworking and honest person who has always been a positive influence on those around her. She is a natural leader who is always willing to help others and has volunteered countless hours in our community.
One specific example of Maria’s dedication to our community was when she organized a neighborhood watch program to address a rise in crime in our area. The program was a great success and resulted in a significant decrease in crime in our neighborhood.
I believe that Maria would be a valuable asset to the United States and that she would contribute greatly to our society. I highly recommend her for immigration.
Sincerely,
Mr. Garcia
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character letter of recommendation?
A character letter of recommendation should include specific examples of the individual’s personal qualities and skills that you are recommending them for. Be honest and use a professional tone throughout your letter.
Who should I address the letter to?
If you are writing a character letter of recommendation for a job application, address the letter to the hiring manager. If you are writing a letter for college admissions or another purpose, address the letter to the appropriate individual or committee.
How long should a character letter of recommendation be?
A character letter of recommendation should be 50 to 80 sentences long. Be sure to include specific examples and avoid making general statements about the individual.
Can I use the same letter for multiple purposes?
While you can use the same general letter for multiple purposes, it’s important to tailor your language to the specific purpose of the letter. For example, if you are writing a letter for a job application, focus on the individual’s professional qualities and skills.
Can I provide additional information or answer questions about the individual?
Yes, it’s a good idea to offer to provide additional information or answer any questions that the reader may have. This shows that you are willing to support the individual in any way possible.
Do I need to sign the letter?
Yes, be sure to sign your letter and include your contact information in case the reader needs to follow up with you.
Conclusion
A character letter of recommendation is a powerful document that can help an individual to achieve their goals. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write a strong and effective letter that will support the individual’s personal qualities and skills.