If you’re looking for ways to improve your job applications, one strategy that can help is to include character references in your resume. By highlighting the people who know you best and can speak to your skills and work ethic, you can provide potential employers with important insights that may help you stand out from other candidates.
What are character references in a resume?
Character references are individuals who can vouch for your personal and professional qualities. They may be former colleagues, supervisors, clients, or anyone else who has worked closely with you in the past and can speak to your abilities and performance. Including character references in your resume can help provide potential employers with additional insights into who you are as a person and what you can bring to the job.
Readers can find examples of character references in a resume below. They can edit them as needed to fit their own personal situations.
Tips for including character references in your resume
Choose the right people
When selecting character references for your resume, it’s important to choose individuals who know you well and can provide meaningful insights. Consider reaching out to former supervisors, colleagues, or clients who you have maintained a positive relationship with. It’s also important to choose individuals who are respected in your industry and have a good reputation.
Ask for permission
Before including someone as a character reference in your resume, be sure to ask for their permission first. This will give them a chance to prepare and ensure that they are comfortable speaking on your behalf.
Provide context
When including character references in your resume, it’s important to provide some context about who they are and how they know you. This can help potential employers better understand the relationship and give more weight to their opinions.
Format appropriately
When including character references in your resume, it’s important to format them properly. This may include listing their name, title, and contact information, as well as providing a brief description of their relationship to you and why they are a good reference.
Examples of character references in a resume
For teamwork skills
Dear [Greeting],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any future job opportunities. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company], where they served as a valuable member of our team. Throughout their time at the company, [Name] demonstrated exceptional teamwork skills, always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that our projects were completed on time and to the highest standards.
It is with great confidence that I recommend [Name] for any position that requires a dedicated and hardworking team player. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Best regards,
[Your name]
For leadership skills
Dear [Greeting],
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name] for any future job opportunities. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company], where they served as a talented and effective leader. [Name] was responsible for managing a team of [Number] individuals, and consistently demonstrated excellent organizational and communication skills.
I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in any position that requires strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate a team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
For communication skills
Dear [Greeting],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any future job opportunities. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company], where they demonstrated excellent communication skills in their role as a [Position]. [Name] was responsible for [Task or Project], and consistently exceeded expectations in their ability to communicate with team members and stakeholders.
I am confident that [Name] would be an asset to any organization that values effective communication and collaboration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your name]
For time management skills
Dear [Greeting],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any future job opportunities. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company], where they served as a reliable and dedicated employee. One of [Name]’s greatest strengths is their ability to manage their time effectively, ensuring that projects were completed on time and to the highest standards.
I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in any position that requires strong time management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
For adaptability skills
Dear [Greeting],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any future job opportunities. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company], where they demonstrated excellent adaptability skills in their role as a [Position]. [Name] was responsible for [Task or Project], and consistently exceeded expectations in their ability to adjust and adapt to changing circumstances.
I am confident that [Name] would be an asset to any organization that values flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to think on their feet. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your name]
For problem-solving skills
Dear [Greeting],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any future job opportunities. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company], where they demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills in their role as a [Position]. [Name] was responsible for [Task or Project], and consistently exceeded expectations in their ability to identify and resolve complex issues.
I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in any position that requires strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
For technical skills
Dear [Greeting],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for any future job opportunities. I had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [Number] years at [Company], where they demonstrated excellent technical skills in their role as a [Position]. [Name] was responsible for [Task or Project], and consistently exceeded expectations in their ability to understand and utilize complex software and hardware systems.
I am confident that [Name] would be an asset to any organization that values technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to learn new skills quickly. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I don’t have any character references?
If you don’t have any character references, it’s a good idea to start building your network. Consider reaching out to former colleagues, classmates, or professors who you have maintained a positive relationship with. You can also consider volunteering or participating in networking events to meet new people who may be willing to vouch for your skills and work ethic.
How many character references should I include in my resume?
It’s generally a good idea to include between 2-4 character references in your resume. You want to make sure that you are providing potential employers with enough information to make an informed decision, without overwhelming them with too much information.
Do I need to include contact information for my character references?
Yes, it’s important to include contact information for your character references so that potential employers can reach out to them if needed. This may include their name, title, email address, and phone number.
Should I include references in my resume or on a separate page?
It’s generally a good idea to include references on a separate page, rather than in your resume itself. This can help keep your resume clean and streamlined, while still providing potential employers with important information about your character and work ethic.
Can I use the same character references for every job application?
While it’s tempting to use the same character references for every job application, it’s generally a good idea to tailor your references to each specific position. This can help ensure that you are providing potential employers with the most relevant and useful information possible.
Should I provide my character references with a copy of my resume?
Yes, it’s a good idea to provide your character references with a copy of your resume so that they can get a better sense of your skills, experience, and qualifications. This can also help them prepare to speak more effectively on your behalf.
Conclusion
By including character references in your resume, you can provide potential employers with important insights into who you are as a person and what you can bring to the job. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare your resume, and don’t be afraid to reach out to former colleagues and supervisors for their support. With a little effort and preparation, you can create a strong and compelling resume that helps you stand out from other candidates.