When applying for a job, you may be asked to provide a character reference. This is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character, work ethic, and professionalism. A character reference can be a great asset when applying for a job, especially if you have limited work experience or are changing careers. In this article, we will provide tips and examples of character reference letters that you can use as a guide when writing your own.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter
If you have been asked to write a character reference letter, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a strong opening statement that explains your relationship to the candidate and how long you have known them.
- Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills, work ethic, and character traits.
- Use concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
- Avoid vague or general statements and stick to the facts.
- Mention any relevant qualifications or skills that the candidate possesses.
- Include your contact information and offer to provide additional information if needed.
- Proofread and edit your letter carefully before submitting it.
Character Reference Letter Examples
Character Reference Letter for Customer Service Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
It is my pleasure to write this character reference letter for Jane Doe, who has asked me to vouch for her skills and work ethic. I have known Jane for five years in my capacity as her supervisor at ABC Retail, where she worked as a customer service representative. During that time, Jane consistently impressed me with her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
One example of her outstanding work was when she handled a difficult customer complaint with tact and diplomacy, turning a negative experience into a positive one. Jane is a skilled communicator who has a talent for diffusing tense situations and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
I am confident that Jane would be an asset to your team and I highly recommend her for the customer service position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
ABC Retail
Character Reference Letter for Teaching Job
Dear Principal,
I am writing this character reference letter on behalf of Sarah Johnson, who has asked me to speak to her qualifications as a teacher. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for three years as a fellow teacher at XYZ Elementary School, where she has distinguished herself as a dedicated, innovative, and effective educator.
One example of her creativity was when she designed and implemented a project-based learning unit on ecology that engaged her students and helped them develop critical thinking skills. Sarah is a skilled communicator who has a gift for making complex concepts accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities.
I have no doubt that Sarah would be a fantastic addition to your teaching staff and I wholeheartedly recommend her for the position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Mary Jones
XYZ Elementary School
Character Reference Letter for Sales Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Adam Lee for the sales position at your company. I have known Adam for four years in my capacity as his supervisor at Acme Corporation, where he has consistently demonstrated his exceptional sales skills and customer service abilities.
One example of Adam’s success was when he closed a major deal with a new client that resulted in a 30% increase in revenue for our department. Adam is a skilled negotiator who is able to build strong relationships with clients and identify their needs in order to provide tailored solutions.
I have no doubt that Adam would excel in the sales position at your company and I highly recommend him for the job. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Lisa Chen
Acme Corporation
Character Reference Letter for Administrative Assistant Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Emily Nguyen for the administrative assistant position at your company. I have known Emily for three years in my capacity as her supervisor at XYZ Nonprofit, where she has consistently demonstrated her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
One example of her outstanding work was when she organized a fundraising event that raised over $50,000 for our organization. Emily is a skilled multitasker who is able to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines with ease.
I have no doubt that Emily would excel in the administrative assistant position at your company and I highly recommend her for the job. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
David Kim
XYZ Nonprofit
Character Reference Letter for Engineering Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Alex Chen for the engineering position at your company. I have known Alex for five years in my capacity as his professor at ABC University, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering with honors.
One example of his exceptional skills was when he designed and built a prototype for a new type of wind turbine that was more efficient and cost-effective than existing models. Alex is a skilled problem solver who is able to apply his technical knowledge to real-world challenges.
I have no doubt that Alex would be a valuable addition to your engineering team and I highly recommend him for the job. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rachel Lee
ABC University
Character Reference Letter for IT Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for the IT position at your company. I have known Michael for eight years in my capacity as his colleague at XYZ Corporation, where he has consistently demonstrated his exceptional technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.
One example of his success was when he led a team of developers to create a new software application that improved our company’s productivity by 25%. Michael is a skilled communicator who is able to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate effectively across departments.
I have no doubt that Michael would excel in the IT position at your company and I highly recommend him for the job. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Wu
XYZ Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a character reference letter?
A character reference letter is a document written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character, work ethic, and professionalism. It is often requested by employers or other organizations as part of a job application or background check process.
Who should I ask to write a character reference letter for me?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills, character, and work ethic. This could be a former supervisor, coworker, teacher, mentor, or community leader. It is important to choose someone who can write a strong and positive letter on your behalf.
What should I include in my character reference letter?
You should include a strong opening statement that explains your relationship to the candidate and how long you have known them. Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills, work ethic, and character traits. Use concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Mention any relevant qualifications or skills that the candidate possesses. Include your contact information and offer to provide additional information if needed.
How long should my character reference letter be?
Your character reference letter should be one to two pages long, depending on the specific requirements of the job application or background check process. It should be concise and to the point, focusing on the most important qualities and skills of the candidate.
Can I use a character reference letter for multiple job applications?
Yes, you can use a character reference letter for multiple job applications, as long as the letter is relevant to the specific job requirements and you have the permission of the person who wrote the letter.
Should I include my resume or other supporting documents with my character reference letter?
No, you should not include your resume or other supporting documents with your character reference letter unless specifically requested by the employer or other organization. Your character reference letter should stand on its own as a testament to your skills and character.
How should I thank the person who wrote my character reference letter?
You should thank the person who wrote your character reference letter for their time and effort in writing the letter. A handwritten note or email expressing your gratitude is appropriate.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter can be a valuable asset when applying for a job. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a strong and effective letter that highlights your skills, work ethic, and character traits. Remember to choose someone who knows you well and can write a positive and honest letter on your behalf. Good luck!