When someone asks you to give them a character reference, it can be a bit daunting. But it’s also a great opportunity to help someone out and showcase their positive qualities. In this article, we’ll go over some tips for giving a character reference and provide several examples to help you get started. You can use these examples as templates and edit them as needed.
Tips for Giving A Character Reference
Before we dive into the examples, here are some tips to keep in mind when giving a character reference:
1. Be Honest
When giving a character reference, it’s important to be honest. Don’t exaggerate someone’s qualities or try to cover up their flaws. Instead, focus on their strengths and give specific examples of how they’ve demonstrated those qualities.
2. Be Specific
Don’t just say someone is a “great person.” Instead, give specific examples of how they’ve demonstrated positive qualities like kindness, honesty, or reliability. This can help make your reference more compelling and convincing.
3. Consider the Context
Think about the specific job or opportunity the person is applying for and tailor your reference to that context. For example, if they’re applying for a job that requires strong leadership skills, focus on examples of how they’ve demonstrated leadership in the past.
4. Get Permission
Before you give a character reference, make sure you have the person’s permission to do so. They may want to review what you plan to say or provide additional information for you to include.
5. Follow the Format
Some people may provide you with a specific format or set of questions to answer when giving a character reference. If so, make sure you follow that format closely.
Examples of Giving A Character Reference
Character Reference for a Job
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Doe for the position of sales manager. In my time working with John at XYZ Company, I was consistently impressed by his ability to lead and motivate his team. He has a knack for identifying each team member’s strengths and assigning tasks that play to those strengths. This resulted in a highly effective team that consistently exceeded its sales targets.
John is also an excellent communicator who is able to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. He has a talent for building relationships with colleagues and clients alike, and I have no doubt that he would excel in a leadership role.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Character Reference for College Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Emily Johnson for admission to your prestigious university. I have had the pleasure of working with Emily for the past two years as her advisor in the debate club, and I can confidently say that she is one of the brightest and most talented students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching.
Emily is not only highly intelligent but also incredibly hardworking and dedicated. She consistently goes above and beyond in her academic pursuits and has won numerous awards for her outstanding performance in debate competitions. She is also a compassionate and empathetic individual who is highly respected by her peers.
I have no doubt that Emily will excel at your university and make significant contributions to your academic community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Character Reference for Rental Application
Dear Prospective Landlord,
I am writing to recommend Jack Lee as a tenant for your rental property. I have known Jack for over five years and can confidently say that he is reliable, responsible, and conscientious.
Jack has always been an excellent tenant who pays his rent on time and takes good care of his living space. He is a quiet and respectful individual who always follows the rules and shows consideration for his neighbors. As a landlord, you can trust that Jack will take good care of your property and be a responsible tenant.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Samantha Chen
Character Reference for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Patel as a volunteer for your organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah on several volunteer projects in the past and can attest to her outstanding work ethic and dedication to serving others.
Sarah is a compassionate and empathetic individual who always goes above and beyond in her volunteer work. She has a talent for connecting with people from all walks of life and is highly respected by her peers. She is also an excellent team player who is able to work collaboratively towards a common goal.
I have no doubt that Sarah would be an asset to your organization and make a significant positive impact in the lives of those you serve.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Tom Johnson
Character Reference for Child Custody Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Maria Rodriguez in her child custody case. As Maria’s close friend for over a decade, I can confidently say that she is an excellent mother who always puts her children’s needs first.
Maria is a warm and loving parent who is highly attentive to her children’s emotional and physical well-being. She is an excellent role model who instills strong values in her children and leads by example. She works tirelessly to provide for her family and always makes sure they have what they need.
I believe that Maria would make an excellent custodial parent and that her children would thrive under her care.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily Kim
Character Reference for Immigration Application
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Ahmed Hassan in support of his immigration application. I have known Ahmed for several years and can attest to his outstanding character and contributions to our community.
Ahmed is a hardworking and dedicated individual who has made significant contributions to our community through his volunteer work and philanthropic efforts. He is a compassionate and empathetic individual who always shows consideration for others and is highly respected by his peers.
I believe that Ahmed would make a valuable addition to your country and that he would continue to make significant positive contributions to your community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Emma Davis
Character Reference for Legal Proceedings
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for James Smith in his upcoming legal proceedings. I have known James for several years and can confidently say that he is an honest, trustworthy, and responsible individual.
James is a person of strong character who always follows the rules and shows respect for authority. He is an excellent citizen who makes significant contributions to our community through his volunteer work and philanthropic efforts. He is highly respected by his peers and has a reputation for being a person of integrity.
I believe that James is innocent of the charges against him and that he deserves a fair trial. I hope that you will take this character reference into consideration when making your decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
John Lee
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference?
A character reference should include specific examples of the person’s positive qualities, such as their work ethic, integrity, and compassion. It should also provide context for those qualities, such as how they’ve demonstrated them in the past.
How do I start a character reference?
You can start a character reference with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Then, introduce yourself and state the purpose of the reference. Follow that with a brief overview of the person’s positive qualities.
How long should a character reference be?
A character reference should typically be one or two paragraphs long, or about 50 to 80 sentences. It should be concise and focused on the person’s positive qualities.
What if I don’t know the person well enough to give a character reference?
If you don’t know the person well enough to provide a character reference, it’s best to decline the request. Providing a reference for someone you don’t know well could do more harm than good.
Do I need to provide specific examples in a character reference?
Yes, providing specific examples of the person’s positive qualities can make your reference more compelling and convincing. It can also help give context for those qualities.
Can I give a character reference for a family member?
It’s generally not recommended to provide a character reference for a family member, as it may be seen as biased. Instead, try to find another person who can provide a reference.
Conclusion
Giving a character reference can be a great way to help someone out and showcase their positive qualities. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this article and using the examples provided, you can create a compelling and convincing reference that will help the person in their job search, college application, or legal proceedings.