If you are in the process of applying for a job, you may be asked to provide a character reference. A character reference is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your personal qualities and character. In this article, we will provide examples of character references for job applications.
If you need to provide a character reference for a job application, you can find examples online and edit them as needed to fit your situation. A character reference should be written in a formal tone and include specific examples of your good character traits.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference
When writing a character reference for a job application, it is important to follow these tips:
1. Get the Details
Before you start writing, make sure you have all the details you need about the job and the person you are writing the character reference for. You should also ask the person you are writing the reference for what specific qualities the employer is looking for.
2. Use a Professional Tone
A character reference should be written in a professional tone, using formal language and proper grammar. Avoid using slang or personal anecdotes.
3. Be Specific
Use specific examples to demonstrate the person’s good character traits. For example, instead of saying “John is a hard worker,” you could say “John always goes above and beyond to complete his work on time and to a high standard.”
4. Keep it Concise
A character reference should be no longer than one or two pages. Keep it concise and to the point.
5. Edit and Proofread
Before submitting the character reference, make sure it is free of errors and typos. Have someone else read it over to check for any mistakes.
6. Use a Specific Format
There is no set format for a character reference, but it should include a greeting, an introduction, a body, and a closing. See the examples below for guidance.
Character Reference Examples for Job
1. Character Reference for a Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend John Smith for the sales position at your company. John is an exceptional salesperson who is always willing to go the extra mile to close a deal. He is knowledgeable, personable, and has a can-do attitude that makes him a valuable asset to any sales team.
John has consistently exceeded his sales targets and has received numerous accolades from both his colleagues and clients. He is a team player who is always willing to help out his colleagues and share his knowledge and expertise.
I am confident that John would be an excellent addition to your sales team and would make a positive contribution to your company. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Jane Doe
2. Character Reference for a Teaching Position
Dear Principal,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Jones for the teaching position at your school. I have known Sarah for over five years and have had the pleasure of working with her as a colleague in the education field.
Sarah is a dedicated and passionate teacher who always puts her students first. She is patient, caring, and has an innate ability to connect with her students on a personal level. She is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure her students are receiving the best education possible.
Throughout her career, Sarah has consistently received positive feedback from her students and their parents. She is a natural educator who has a gift for teaching and inspiring young minds. I have no doubt that she would make an excellent addition to your teaching team.
Thank you for considering Sarah for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
John Smith
3. Character Reference for an Administrative Assistant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Jane Johnson for the administrative assistant position at your company. Jane has been my personal assistant for the past three years and has been an invaluable asset to my team.
Jane is a highly organized and efficient individual who is able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. She has excellent communication skills and is able to work well under pressure. Jane is a quick learner who is always willing to take on new challenges and go above and beyond what is required of her.
I have no doubt that Jane would make an excellent addition to your administrative team. She is a hard worker who is dedicated to her job and always strives to do her best.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
David Brown
4. Character Reference for a Customer Service Representative
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Tom Wilson for the customer service representative position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Tom for the past two years and have been consistently impressed with his customer service skills.
Tom is a friendly and outgoing individual who has a natural ability to connect with his customers. He is patient, understanding, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. He has a deep understanding of the products and services offered by our company and is able to answer any questions or concerns our customers may have.
Tom is a team player who is always willing to help out his colleagues. He has a positive attitude and is able to work well under pressure. I have no doubt that he would make an excellent addition to your customer service team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
Jennifer Lee
5. Character Reference for a Project Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Michael Brown for the project manager position at your company. Michael has been my colleague for the past five years and has been a key member of our project management team.
Michael is an exceptional project manager who is able to lead a team to success. He has excellent organizational skills and is able to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Michael is a natural problem-solver who is able to quickly identify and resolve issues that may arise during a project.
Michael is a team player who is always willing to help out his colleagues. He is a great communicator who is able to effectively manage stakeholders and keep them informed of project progress. I have no doubt that he would make an excellent addition to your project management team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
David Kim
6. Character Reference for a Graphic Designer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to recommend Emily Jones for the graphic designer position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Emily for the past three years and have been consistently impressed with her design skills.
Emily is a talented graphic designer who has a keen eye for detail. She is able to take a client’s vision and turn it into a stunning design. Emily is a great communicator who is able to effectively communicate with clients and understand their needs.
Emily is a team player who is always willing to help out her colleagues. She is able to work well under pressure and consistently meets project deadlines. I have no doubt that she would make an excellent addition to your design team.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
Samantha Williams
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family member write a character reference for a job?
Yes, a family member can write a character reference for a job. However, it is important to disclose the relationship in the letter and to ensure that the letter is not biased or overly personal.
Who should I ask to write a character reference for me?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and personal qualities. This could be a former employer, colleague, teacher, or mentor.
Can a character reference be used in place of a professional reference?
No, a character reference should be used in addition to a professional reference. A professional reference should be written by someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity and can vouch for your work experience and skills.
What should I include in a character reference?
A character reference should include specific examples of your good character traits and personal qualities. It should also include your relationship to the person you are writing the reference for and how long you have known them.
Should a character reference be handwritten or typed?
A character reference should be typed and printed on professional letterhead if possible. Handwritten letters may be difficult to read and can appear unprofessional.
How many character references should I provide?
You should provide at least two character references, but it is common to provide three or four references. It is important to choose references who can provide different perspectives on your character and personal qualities.
Conclusion
Providing a character reference for a job application can be a valuable asset in helping you secure the position. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write a strong and effective character reference that highlights your good character traits and personal qualities.