If you have been asked to write a character reference letter for someone who is looking for a job, but you are not sure where to start, this article can help you. A character reference letter is a document that provides insight into an individual’s character and work ethic. It can help employers get a better understanding of who the candidate is beyond their resume and application. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to write a character reference letter and seven examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter
If you have been asked to write a character reference letter, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
- Start with a title: Begin your character reference letter with a title that clearly states the purpose of the letter.
- Be detailed and in-depth: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills, qualities, and work ethic. The more specific you can be, the better.
- Use NLP language: Use natural language processing (NLP) to make your letter sound more conversational and engaging.
- Be honest: Do not exaggerate or embellish the candidate’s abilities or accomplishments in the letter. Stick to the facts and be truthful.
- Proofread: Read over your letter carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and typos.
Example 1: Character Reference Letter for Sales Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the sales job at [Company Name]. From my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I can confidently say that they possess exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. They have a natural ability to connect with people and build strong relationships with customers.
[Candidate’s Name] is also highly organized, motivated, and committed to delivering results. They have a proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets, and I have no doubt that they will bring the same level of dedication and enthusiasm to their work at [Company Name].
I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would be an asset to your sales team and I highly recommend them without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Character Reference Letter for Customer Service Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the customer service job at [Company Name]. In my time working with [Candidate’s Name], I have been impressed by their ability to effectively communicate with customers and resolve complex issues in a timely manner.
[Candidate’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is committed to providing excellent customer service. They possess excellent interpersonal skills and have a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Their positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond for customers make them an asset to any team.
I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] would excel in the customer service role at [Company Name], and I highly recommend them without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Character Reference Letter for Administrative Assistant Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the administrative assistant job at [Company Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] for [length of time], and during that time, I have been consistently impressed by their attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
[Candidate’s Name] is a highly motivated and reliable individual who takes pride in their work. They possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to interact with people at all levels of an organization. Their positive attitude and willingness to help others make them a valuable asset to any team.
I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would excel in the administrative assistant role at [Company Name], and I highly recommend them without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Character Reference Letter for IT Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the IT job at [Company Name]. From my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I can attest to their exceptional technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
[Candidate’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is committed to delivering results. They have a proven track record of success in the IT field and are always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. Their ability to work independently and as part of a team make them a valuable asset to any organization.
I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would be an excellent fit for the IT role at [Company Name], and I highly recommend them without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Character Reference Letter for Teaching Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the teaching job at [School Name]. From my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I can confidently say that they possess exceptional communication, interpersonal, and classroom management skills.
[Candidate’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is committed to providing the best possible education to their students. They have a natural ability to connect with young people and make learning fun and engaging. Their positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond for their students make them an asset to any school.
I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would excel in the teaching role at [School Name], and I highly recommend them without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Character Reference Letter for Managerial Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the managerial job at [Company Name]. From my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I can confidently say that they possess exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
[Candidate’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is committed to achieving success. They have a proven track record of success in managing teams and are always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. Their ability to inspire and motivate others make them an asset to any organization.
I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would be an excellent fit for the managerial role at [Company Name], and I highly recommend them without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Character Reference Letter for Entrepreneurial Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the entrepreneurial job at [Company Name]. From my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I can attest to their exceptional creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities.
[Candidate’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who is committed to bringing new ideas to life. They have a proven track record of success in developing and launching new products and services, and are always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. Their ability to think outside the box and take calculated risks make them an asset to any organization.
I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would excel in the entrepreneurial role at [Company Name], and I highly recommend them without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I format the character reference letter?
The character reference letter should be formatted like a professional business letter. It should include your name, address, and contact information in the top left corner, followed by the date and the recipient’s name and address. The letter should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph, and use a professional font and size.
What should I include in the character reference letter?
The character reference letter should include an introduction that clearly states the purpose of the letter, a brief explanation of your relationship with the candidate, and specific examples of the candidate’s skills, qualities, and work ethic. You should also include a conclusion that summarizes your recommendation and provides your contact information in case the recipient has any questions or needs further information.
What should I avoid including in the character reference letter?
You should avoid including any information that is not relevant to the candidate’s qualifications for the job. You should also avoid exaggerating or embellishing the candidate’s abilities or accomplishments, as this could be seen as dishonest and could harm their chances of getting the job.
How long should the character reference letter be?
The character reference letter should be one to two pages long, depending on the specific requirements of the employer. It should be long enough to provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills and qualifications, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read.
Can I use a character reference letter for multiple job applications?
Yes, you can use a character reference letter for multiple job applications as long as the letter is relevant to the job requirements and the recipient is willing to accept it. However, it is recommended that you tailor the letter to each specific job application to ensure that it is as effective as possible.
Can I ask the candidate to review the character reference letter before sending it?
Yes, it is recommended that you ask the candidate to review the character reference letter before sending it to ensure that it accurately reflects their skills, qualities, and work ethic. However, you should make it clear that you will not make any changes that are not based on a factual error or typo.
How important is the character reference letter in the job application process?
The character reference letter can be an important part of the job application process, as it provides insight into the candidate’s character and work ethic. However, it is not the only factor that employers consider when making hiring decisions. Other factors, such as the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and interview performance, also play a significant role.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for employment can seem daunting, but with the right tips and examples at your disposal, you can create a letter that effectively showcases the candidate’s skills and qualities. Remember to be honest, specific, and professional in your writing, and to tailor the letter to the specific job requirements. With a well-crafted letter in hand, you can help the candidate stand out from the competition and increase their chances of landing their dream job.