If you are applying for a job, you may be required to submit a resume along with a character reference. A character reference is a letter written by someone who knows you personally, which can help potential employers to assess your character and suitability for a job. In this article, we will explain what character reference means in a resume, provide tips on how to write one and give you examples that you can use as a guide.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference in a Resume
Writing a character reference in a resume can be tricky, but with these tips, you can create an impressive one:
1. Follow a Formal Format
When writing a character reference, it is important to follow a formal format. Start with the date, followed by the employer’s name and address. Then, address the letter to the hiring manager, followed by a salutation.
Example:
Date: [Date of writing]
Employer Name: [Name of employer]
Address: [Address of employer]
Dear Hiring Manager,
[Letter body]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
2. Highlight Your Relationship with the Candidate
When writing a character reference, start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the candidate. This will help establish your credibility and give the employer more context about your letter.
3. Mention the Candidate’s Strengths
A character reference should highlight the candidate’s strengths, such as their work ethic, positive attitude, or interpersonal skills. Be specific and provide examples that illustrate these strengths.
4. Be Honest
While it’s important to highlight the candidate’s strengths, it’s equally important to be honest. Don’t exaggerate or fabricate information, as this can harm the candidate’s chances of getting the job.
5. Edit and Proofread
Before you submit your character reference, make sure you edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the tone is professional and friendly.
6. Keep it Concise
A character reference should be no longer than one page. Keep your letter concise and focused, and only include information that is relevant to the job.
7. Use a Formal Tone
When writing a character reference, use a formal tone that is appropriate for a professional setting. Avoid using slang or colloquialisms, and make sure your letter is well-structured and easy to read.
Examples of Character Reference in a Resume
Example 1: Character Reference for a Sales Associate
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this character reference for [Candidate Name] who is applying for the position of Sales Associate in your company. I have known [Candidate Name] for the past five years and have had the pleasure of working with him for two years as a co-worker.
[Candidate Name] has a great work ethic and excellent customer service skills. He has a positive attitude towards work and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. He is a great team player and can work effectively in a team environment.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of Sales Associate as he has the necessary skills, experience and attitude to excel in this role. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Character Reference for a Project Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this character reference for [Candidate Name] who has applied for the position of Project Manager in your organization. I have known [Candidate Name] for the past eight years and have worked with him as a colleague and supervisor.
[Candidate Name] is an excellent project manager with exceptional leadership skills. He has successfully led several projects from conception to completion, delivering them on time and within budget. He has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which enable him to work effectively with team members, stakeholders, and clients.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of Project Manager as he has the necessary skills, experience and attitude to excel in this role. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Character Reference for a Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this character reference for [Candidate Name] who is applying for the position of Teacher in your school. I have known [Candidate Name] for the past ten years and have worked with her as a colleague and supervisor.
[Candidate Name] is an excellent teacher who is passionate about her work. She has excellent subject knowledge and is able to communicate complex concepts to students in a simple and effective manner. She has exceptional classroom management skills and is able to create a positive learning environment for her students.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of Teacher as she has the necessary skills, experience and attitude to excel in this role. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Character Reference for an Accountant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this character reference for [Candidate Name] who has applied for the position of Accountant in your organization. I have known [Candidate Name] for the past seven years and have worked with him as a colleague and supervisor.
[Candidate Name] is an exceptional accountant with excellent attention to detail. He has a great work ethic and is able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. He is a quick learner and can adapt to new technologies and software quickly. He has excellent communication skills and is able to liaise effectively with clients and stakeholders.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of Accountant as he has the necessary skills, experience and attitude to excel in this role. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Character Reference for a Software Developer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this character reference for [Candidate Name] who is applying for the position of Software Developer in your organization. I have known [Candidate Name] for the past six years and have worked with him on several software development projects.
[Candidate Name] is an exceptional software developer with excellent programming skills. He has experience in developing software applications using a variety of programming languages and tools. He is a quick learner and is able to adapt to new technologies and software quickly. He has excellent communication and teamwork skills, which enable him to work effectively with other developers, stakeholders and clients.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of Software Developer as he has the necessary skills, experience and attitude to excel in this role. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Character Reference for a Marketing Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this character reference for [Candidate Name] who is applying for the position of Marketing Manager in your organization. I have known [Candidate Name] for the past five years and have worked with her on several marketing campaigns.
[Candidate Name] is an exceptional marketing manager with excellent leadership skills. She has experience in developing and executing marketing campaigns and strategies that have resulted in increased sales and revenue. She has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which enable her to work effectively with team members, stakeholders and clients.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of Marketing Manager as she has the necessary skills, experience and attitude to excel in this role. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is character reference in a resume?
A character reference in a resume is a letter written by someone who knows the candidate personally, which can help potential employers to assess their character and suitability for a job.
Who can write a character reference in a resume?
A character reference can be written by anyone who knows the candidate well, such as a friend, colleague, teacher, or mentor.
What should be included in a character reference in a resume?
A character reference in a resume should include the writer’s relationship with the candidate, the candidate’s strengths, and their suitability for the job. It should be well-structured and concise.
How long should a character reference in a resume be?
A character reference in a resume should be no longer than one page.
What is the tone of a character reference in a resume?
A character reference in a resume should have a formal tone that is appropriate for a professional setting.
How should a character reference in a resume be formatted?
A character reference in a resume should follow a formal format, with the date, employer’s name and address, and the writer’s signature. It should be well-structured and easy to read.
Conclusion
A character reference in a resume can be an effective way to showcase your character and suitability for a job. By following the tips provided in this article and using the examples as a guide, you can create an impressive character reference that will help you stand out from other job applicants.