When asked to write a reference letter, it’s important to accurately describe the person’s character to the best of your knowledge. A well-written reference letter can help someone obtain a job, get into a school, or secure a promotion. In this article, we will provide tips on how to properly describe someone’s character for a reference, along with examples that readers can edit as needed.
Tips for Describing Someone’s Character For A Reference
Here are some tips on how to properly describe someone’s character for a reference:
1. Start with a Title
Start the letter with a clear and concise title that describes the purpose of the letter.
2. Be specific
Provide specific examples of the person’s character traits, such as their work ethic, reliability, and ability to work well with others.
3. Use Positive Language
Use positive language to describe the person, highlighting their strengths and positive attributes.
4. Avoid Negative Language
Avoid using negative language or discussing any negative aspects of the person’s character or work performance.
5. Be Honest
Be honest and truthful in your description of the person, providing an accurate portrayal of their character and abilities.
6. Keep it Professional
Keep the letter professional and focused on the person’s qualifications and character, avoiding personal or emotional language.
7. Edit and Proofread
Review and edit the letter carefully, checking for grammar and spelling errors, and ensuring that the letter is well-organized and easy to read.
Examples of Describing Someone’s Character For A Reference
Letter of Recommendation for a Former Employee
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend John Smith for any position he may be applying for. As John’s supervisor for four years, I can attest to his exceptional work ethic and dedication to his job. He is reliable, punctual, and consistently produced high-quality work. John is a team player who is well-respected by his colleagues and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the team. I have no doubt that he would be an asset to any organization that he joins.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Letter of Recommendation for a College Applicant
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for admission to your university. I had the pleasure of teaching Jane in several courses during her time in high school, and I can attest to her exceptional intellect, work ethic, and character. Jane consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, and her inquisitive nature and analytical skills made her a standout student in my classes. Beyond her academic achievements, Jane is a compassionate and empathetic person who always goes out of her way to help others. I have no doubt that she will be an outstanding student at your university.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Letter of Recommendation for a Promotion
Dear Human Resources,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Brown for a promotion to Manager. In her current role as Assistant Manager, Sarah has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills. She is highly respected by both her colleagues and subordinates, and her ability to motivate and inspire her team has been instrumental in the success of our department. Sarah is highly organized, detail-oriented, and possesses excellent communication skills. She is a natural leader who is capable of managing complex projects and delegating tasks effectively. I am confident that she will excel in a managerial role and provide valuable leadership to our organization.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Letter of Recommendation for a Volunteer
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to highly recommend Jim Smith for any volunteer work he may be applying for. Jim has been a dedicated volunteer at our organization for over two years, and his contributions have been invaluable. He is highly dependable, always punctual, and willing to take on any task that needs to be done. Jim is a team player who is well-liked by his colleagues and volunteers, and his positive attitude and enthusiasm are infectious. He is a compassionate and caring person who always goes out of his way to help others. I have no doubt that he will be an asset to any organization that he joins as a volunteer.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Letter of Recommendation for a Law School Applicant
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Tom Brown for admission to your law school. I had the pleasure of teaching Tom in several courses during his time in college, and I can attest to his exceptional intellect, work ethic, and character. Tom is a highly analytical and logical thinker who excels in his academic pursuits. Beyond his academic achievements, Tom is a compassionate and empathetic person who always goes out of his way to help others. He is a natural leader who possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I have no doubt that Tom will be an outstanding law student and a successful lawyer in the future.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Letter of Recommendation for a Job Applicant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Mary Smith for any position she may be applying for. As Mary’s supervisor for three years, I can attest to her exceptional work ethic and dedication to her job. She is highly skilled, reliable, and consistently produced high-quality work. Mary is a team player who is well-respected by her colleagues and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of the team. She is a natural problem-solver who possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I have no doubt that Mary would be an asset to any organization that she joins.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid when describing someone’s character for a reference?
Avoid using negative language or discussing any negative aspects of the person’s character or work performance. Keep the letter professional and focused on the person’s qualifications and character, avoiding personal or emotional language.
What are some tips for writing a good reference letter?
Some tips for writing a good reference letter include being specific, using positive language, avoiding negative language, being honest, keeping it professional, and editing and proofreading the letter carefully.
What should I include in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include a clear and concise title, an introduction that explains the purpose of the letter, a detailed and specific description of the person’s character and qualifications, and a conclusion that summarizes the person’s strengths and positive attributes.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should be no longer than one page in length, and should be well-organized and easy to read.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a reference letter, it’s best to politely decline the request. It’s important to be honest and upfront about your feelings, and to avoid writing a letter that is insincere or inaccurate.
How should I address the letter?
You should address the letter to the appropriate person, such as the hiring manager, admissions committee, or volunteer coordinator. Use a formal salutation, such as “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
Can I provide examples in the reference letter?
Yes, you can provide specific examples of the person’s character traits, work performance, or other relevant qualities to support your recommendation.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter is an important responsibility that should be taken seriously. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can accurately and effectively describe someone’s character for a reference. Remember to be honest, specific, and professional, and to carefully edit and proofread the letter before sending it off. With a well-written reference letter, you can help someone achieve their goals and succeed in their endeavors.