When a friend asks you to write a character reference letter for them, it can be an honor but also a nerve-wracking task. It’s important to write a letter that highlights your friend’s positive qualities and character traits. In this article, we will provide you with a character reference template for a friend, along with some examples and frequently asked questions.
Template
Here is a template you can use as a guide when writing a character reference letter for a friend:
Greeting,
First paragraph: introduce yourself and your relationship with your friend. Mention how long you have known your friend and in what context. Provide an overview of your friend’s character, including their positive traits and characteristics.
Second paragraph: provide specific examples of your friend’s positive qualities and character traits. You can mention their work ethic, reliability, kindness, honesty, and any other traits that you feel are relevant. Use concrete examples to back up your statements.
Complimentary close,
Feel free to edit the template as needed to fit your friend’s specific situation.
Examples
Here are seven examples of character reference letters for a friend:
Letter for a job application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend my friend, John Smith, for the job that he has applied for. John and I have been friends for over ten years, and during that time, I have come to know him as a dependable, reliable, and trustworthy person. John has always been someone who takes his work seriously and is willing to go above and beyond to get the job done right.
For example, when we worked together on a group project in college, John took charge and made sure that everyone was on the same page. He delegated tasks effectively, communicated clearly, and made sure that everyone felt included and valued. His hard work paid off, and we ended up receiving an A on the project.
I am confident that John would be an asset to your team and would excel in the role that he has applied for. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information.
Best regards,
Letter for a rental application
Dear Landlord,
I am writing to recommend my friend, Sarah Jones, as a tenant in your rental property. Sarah and I have been close friends for several years, and I can attest to her trustworthiness, reliability, and responsible nature. She is a person of high character who always pays her bills on time and takes care of her belongings.
For example, when I went on vacation last year, I asked Sarah to take care of my cat. She did an excellent job of feeding him, giving him water, and cleaning out his litter box. She also took the time to play with him and give him some much-needed attention. When I returned from my trip, my cat was happy and healthy, and my apartment was clean and tidy.
I have no doubt that Sarah would make an excellent tenant and would take great care of your rental property. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information.
Sincerely,
Letter for a volunteer position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend my friend, Tom Nguyen, for the volunteer position that he has applied for. I have known Tom for several years and can attest to his kindness, generosity, and strong work ethic. He is always willing to lend a hand to those in need and has a passion for helping others.
For example, when our local community center was in need of volunteers to help with a fundraising event, Tom stepped up and took charge. He organized a team of volunteers, delegated tasks effectively, and made sure that everyone felt appreciated and valued. Thanks to his hard work, the event was a great success and raised a significant amount of money for the community center.
I believe that Tom would be an excellent addition to your team of volunteers and would make a positive impact on your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information.
Best regards,
Letter for a college application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend my friend, Mary Johnson, for admission to your college. Mary and I have been friends since childhood, and I have always been impressed by her intelligence, creativity, and dedication to her studies. She is a person of high character and has a passion for learning and personal growth.
For example, when we were in high school together, Mary took on a leadership role in our school’s drama club. She worked tirelessly to organize rehearsals and performances, and her hard work paid off when our school’s production won several awards at a local theater festival.
I am confident that Mary would be an excellent addition to your college community and would excel in her studies. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information.
Sincerely,
Letter for a personal reference
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, Emily Chen. Emily and I have been friends for several years, and I have come to know her as a person of high character and integrity. She is honest, trustworthy, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
For example, when I was going through a difficult time in my life, Emily was there for me. She listened to me when I needed to talk, offered words of encouragement, and helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her kindness and compassion made all the difference in the world, and I am forever grateful to her.
I highly recommend Emily as a person of high character and integrity. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information.
Best regards,
Letter for a child custody case
Your Honor,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, James Lee, in his child custody case. James and I have been friends for several years, and I have always been impressed by his love and devotion to his children. He is a responsible and caring father who always puts his children’s needs first.
For example, when James’s ex-wife was going through a difficult time, he stepped up and took on the role of primary caregiver for their children. He made sure that they were well-fed, well-clothed, and well-educated. He attended all of their school events and extracurricular activities and made sure that they felt loved and supported at all times.
I believe that James would make an excellent custodial parent and would provide a safe and nurturing environment for his children. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like further information.
Sincerely,
Letter for a court appearance
Your Honor,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend, Sarah Brown, who is appearing in court today. Sarah and I have been friends for many years, and I can attest to her honesty, integrity, and strong sense of morality. She is a person of high character who always does the right thing, even when it is difficult.
For example, when I was going through a difficult time in my life, Sarah was there for me. She offered words of encouragement, listened to me when I needed to talk, and never judged me for my mistakes. Her kindness and compassion made all the difference in the world, and I am forever grateful to her.
I believe that Sarah is a person of high character and integrity and would never do anything to intentionally harm anyone. Please take her character into account when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a template for a character reference letter?
Yes, using a template can be a great way to get started when writing a character reference letter for a friend. However, it’s important to personalize the letter and make sure that it reflects your friend’s specific situation and character traits.
What should I include in a character reference letter?
In a character reference letter, you should include an introduction that explains your relationship with your friend and an overview of their positive character traits. You should also provide specific examples of your friend’s positive qualities and character traits. Finally, you should wrap up the letter with a complimentary close and your contact information.
How long should a character reference letter be?
A character reference letter should be no longer than one or two pages. It’s important to be concise and to the point while still providing enough detail to support your friend’s character.
Do I need to provide my contact information in a character reference letter?
Yes, it’s important to provide your contact information in case the recipient has any questions or would like further information about your friend. Make sure to include your name, phone number, and email address.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter for a friend, it’s important to be honest and let them know. You can suggest that they find someone else who is better suited for the task.
Is it okay to exaggerate my friend’s positive qualities in a character reference letter?
No, it’s important to be honest and truthful when writing a character reference letter. Exaggerating your friend’s positive qualities could harm their chances of getting the job or opportunity they are applying for and could also harm your own reputation.
What should I do if I don’t have any personal experience with my friend’s character?
If you don’t have any personal experience with your friend’s character, it’s important to be honest and let them know. You can suggest that they find someone else who is better suited to write the letter.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for a friend can be a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to show your friend how much you value and appreciate them. By using the template and examples provided in this article, you can create a letter that highlights your friend’s positive qualities and character traits, and helps them achieve their goals. Remember to be honest, concise, and personalized, and your friend will be sure to appreciate your efforts.