If you have been asked to write a reference letter for someone, you may be wondering where to start. Writing a reference letter can be a daunting task, especially if you are not sure what to include. In this article, we will discuss the character traits that should be highlighted in a reference letter, as well as provide some examples that you can use as a starting point.
What Are Reference Letter Character Traits?
Reference letter character traits are the personal qualities that someone possesses that make them a good candidate for a job, scholarship, or other opportunity. These traits can include things like honesty, reliability, and a strong work ethic. When writing a reference letter, it is important to highlight the character traits that make the person an ideal candidate for the opportunity they are pursuing.
Examples of reference letter character traits can be found below. You can use these examples as a starting point and edit them as needed to fit the specific situation you are writing about.
Reliability
Dear [Hiring Manager/Admissions Officer/Scholarship Committee Member],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity]. During the time that [Name] worked for me as a [Job Title], I found [them] to be extremely reliable. [Name] always showed up on time and completed [their] work in a timely and efficient manner. [They] were always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that [their] work was completed to the best of [their] ability.
I believe that [Name] would be an excellent candidate for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity] due to [their] strong work ethic and commitment to [their] responsibilities. I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Honesty
Dear [Hiring Manager/Admissions Officer/Scholarship Committee Member],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity]. During the time that [Name] worked for me as a [Job Title], I found [them] to be extremely honest and trustworthy. [Name] always provided accurate and truthful information, even when it was difficult.
[Name] has a strong moral compass and is committed to doing the right thing, even when it is not the easiest path. [Their] honesty and integrity make [them] a valuable asset to any team.
I believe that [Name] would be an excellent candidate for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity] due to [their] strong character and commitment to ethical behavior. I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Teamwork
Dear [Hiring Manager/Admissions Officer/Scholarship Committee Member],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity]. During the time that [Name] worked for me as a [Job Title], I found [them] to be an excellent team player. [Name] was always willing to collaborate with others and actively sought out opportunities to contribute to the team.
[Name] has excellent communication skills and is able to work effectively with a wide range of personalities and work styles. [Their] ability to collaborate and work well with others makes [them] an ideal candidate for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity].
I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Adaptability
Dear [Hiring Manager/Admissions Officer/Scholarship Committee Member],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity]. During the time that [Name] worked for me as a [Job Title], I found [them] to be extremely adaptable. [Name] was able to quickly adjust to changes in the work environment and was always willing to take on new challenges.
[Name] has a strong ability to think on [their] feet and is able to come up with creative solutions to complex problems. [Their] adaptability and problem-solving skills make [them] an asset to any team.
I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Leadership
Dear [Hiring Manager/Admissions Officer/Scholarship Committee Member],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity]. During the time that [Name] worked for me as a [Job Title], I found [them] to be an excellent leader. [Name] was able to motivate and inspire [their] team to achieve great results.
[Name] has excellent communication skills and is able to clearly articulate [their] vision and goals. [Their] leadership skills and ability to bring out the best in others make [them] an ideal candidate for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity].
I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Responsibility
Dear [Hiring Manager/Admissions Officer/Scholarship Committee Member],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity]. During the time that [Name] worked for me as a [Job Title], I found [them] to be extremely responsible. [Name] always took ownership of [their] work and ensured that it was completed to the highest standard.
[Name] has a strong sense of accountability and is committed to meeting deadlines and delivering quality work. [Their] responsibility and attention to detail make [them] an ideal candidate for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity].
I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Positive Attitude
Dear [Hiring Manager/Admissions Officer/Scholarship Committee Member],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Job/Scholarship/Opportunity]. During the time that [Name] worked for me as a [Job Title], I found [them] to have an extremely positive attitude. [Name] was always willing to lend a hand and had a can-do attitude that was contagious.
[Name] has the ability to see the best in any situation and is able to maintain a positive outlook even in challenging circumstances. [Their] positivity and enthusiasm make [them] an asset to any team.
I strongly recommend [Name] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include information about the person’s character and qualifications for the opportunity they are pursuing. This may include their work ethic, reliability, honesty, teamwork skills, adaptability, leadership skills, responsibility, and positive attitude.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should typically be one to two pages long. It should be long enough to provide a detailed assessment of the person’s character and qualifications, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or overly detailed.
How should I format a reference letter?
A reference letter should be formatted like a formal business letter. It should include the date, the recipient’s name and address, a salutation, an introduction, a body, a conclusion, and a closing. It should also be printed on high-quality paper and signed by the writer.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a reference letter?
If you do not feel comfortable writing a reference letter for someone, it is important to be honest with them. Explain that you do not feel that you are the best person to write the letter and offer to connect them with someone who may be able to provide a more detailed assessment of their character and qualifications.
What should I do if I receive a reference letter that I do not agree with?
If you receive a reference letter that you do not agree with, it is important to address your concerns with the writer. Explain your reasons for disagreeing with their assessment and provide specific examples to support your position. It may also be helpful to seek out additional references to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the person’s character and qualifications.
How important are reference letters in the hiring process?
Reference letters can be an important part of the hiring process, as they provide insight into the person’s character and qualifications from someone who has worked with them in the past. However, they are not always required and may carry less weight if the writer is not well-known or respected in the industry.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter can be a challenging task, but by highlighting the person’s character traits and qualifications, you can provide valuable insight to potential employers, admissions officers, or scholarship committees. Use the examples provided in this article as a starting point, and remember to always be honest and specific in your assessment of the person’s character and qualifications.