If you are asked to write a reference letter describing character, it means that someone trusts you to provide an honest and accurate assessment of another person’s personality, work ethic, and overall character. This type of reference letter is often requested by potential employers or educational institutions, and it can have a significant impact on the person’s future opportunities. In this article, we will provide tips and examples to help you write an effective reference letter describing character.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter Describing Character
Before you begin writing a reference letter describing character, it is essential to understand the purpose of the letter and what information it should include. Here are some tips to guide you:
1. Understand the purpose of the letter
Before you start writing the reference letter, make sure you understand the purpose of the letter. Typically, character reference letters are written to support job or school applications, immigration applications, court cases, and other legal matters. The tone and content of the letter will vary depending on the application, so it’s essential to understand the context for which the letter is written.
2. Introduce yourself
Start the letter by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the person you are writing about. This will give credibility to the letter and provide context for the reader. If you have a professional relationship with the person, mention your job title and how long you have worked with them.
3. Describe the person’s character traits
In the letter, describe the person’s character traits and how they have demonstrated them in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and provide context for the reader. You can also mention the person’s work ethic, reliability, and interpersonal skills.
4. Be honest and objective
When writing a reference letter describing character, it’s essential to be honest and objective. Do not exaggerate or embellish the person’s qualities, as this could backfire in the long run. Be truthful and provide a balanced view of the person’s strengths and weaknesses.
5. Provide your contact information
At the end of the letter, provide your contact information, including your phone number and email address. This will allow the reader to contact you if they have any questions or need further information.
6. Edit and proofread your letter
Before submitting the letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and read it aloud to ensure that it flows smoothly and makes sense.
Examples of Reference Letters Describing Character
Character Reference Letter for a Job Applicant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past two years at ABC Inc., where she has consistently demonstrated her excellent work ethic, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills.
Jane is a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. She is a natural leader who inspires those around her to do their best work. Jane is also an excellent communicator who is able to clearly articulate complex ideas and convey them to a variety of audiences.
Overall, I believe that Jane would be an asset to your team and an excellent fit for the Marketing Manager position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Marketing Director, ABC Inc.
Character Reference Letter for a College Applicant
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to express my support for Jane Smith’s application to your university. I have known Jane for over three years as her academic advisor and have been continuously impressed by her intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and strong interpersonal skills.
Jane has consistently been one of the top performers in her class, maintaining a high GPA while engaging in various extracurricular activities. She has demonstrated excellent critical thinking skills, and her writing is clear, concise, and well-organized. Jane is also a natural leader who inspires her peers to do their best work.
I am confident that Jane will thrive at your university and make significant contributions to your academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Academic Advisor, XYZ University
Character Reference Letter for a Legal Proceeding
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this reference letter on behalf of John Smith, whom I have known for the past ten years. John is an upstanding citizen who has always conducted himself with integrity and honesty, and I have no doubt that he would be an asset to any organization.
John is currently involved in a legal proceeding, and I am writing this letter to attest to his character and provide my support. Throughout the time that I have known John, he has always been honest, trustworthy, and reliable. He is a hard worker who is dedicated to his family and community, and I have no doubt that he will continue to be an asset to society.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information about John’s character.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Community Leader
Character Reference Letter for a Volunteer
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing this letter to recommend Jane Smith for a volunteer position at your organization. I have known Jane for the past five years as a colleague and a friend, and I have been continuously impressed by her dedication to helping others.
Jane is a compassionate and selfless person who is always willing to lend a hand. She has volunteered at various organizations in the past, and her contributions have been invaluable. Jane is also an excellent communicator and is able to work effectively with people from all walks of life.
I believe that Jane would be an excellent addition to your team of volunteers and would make a significant impact on the lives of those you serve. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Community Organizer
Character Reference Letter for a Housing Application
Dear Housing Authority,
I am writing this letter to support John Smith’s application for housing assistance. I have known John for the past five years as his neighbor, and I can attest to his excellent character and sense of responsibility.
John is a hardworking individual who is dedicated to providing for his family. He is a reliable and trustworthy person who always pays his bills on time and maintains his property to the highest standards. John is also a caring and compassionate neighbor who is always willing to lend a hand to those in need.
I believe that John would be an excellent candidate for your housing assistance program and would make a positive contribution to your community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Neighbor
Character Reference Letter for Military Service
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for military service. I have known John for the past ten years as his coach and mentor, and I have been continuously impressed by his character, work ethic, and leadership skills.
John is a natural leader who inspires his peers to do their best work. He is a disciplined and focused individual who is always striving to improve himself and those around him. John is also a team player who is able to work effectively in high-pressure situations.
I believe that John has the potential to be an outstanding member of the military and would make significant contributions to the defense of our country. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Coach and Mentor
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should be included in a reference letter describing character?
A reference letter describing character should include an introduction, a description of the person’s character traits, examples that illustrate those traits, and your contact information. It should be honest and objective, and provide a balanced view of the person’s strengths and weaknesses.
How long should a reference letter describing character be?
A reference letter describing character should be concise and to the point, typically no more than one or two pages. It should provide enough detail to support the person’s application but not be overly verbose or repetitive.
Can I use a reference letter describing character for multiple applications?
Yes, you can use a reference letter describing character for multiple applications as long as the context is appropriate. However, it’s essential to ensure that the letter is tailored to the specific application and includes relevant information that supports the person’s candidacy.
Who should write a reference letter describing character?
A reference letter describing character should be written by someone who knows the person well and can provide an honest and accurate assessment of their character and work ethic. This could be a supervisor, colleague, academic advisor, coach, or community leader.
Can I write a reference letter describing character for a family member?
While it’s not recommended to write a reference letter describing character for a family member, it’s not necessarily prohibited. If you do decide to write a letter for a family member, make sure that you can provide an objective and honest assessment of their character and work ethic.
Do I need to sign a reference letter describing character?
Yes, you should sign the reference letter describing character and include your contact information. This will provide credibility to the letter and allow the reader to contact you if they have any questions.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter describing character can be a daunting task, but with the tips and examples provided in this article, you should be able to write a compelling letter that supports the person’s application. Remember to be honest, objective, and concise, and to tailor the letter to the specific context for which it is written.