When someone asks you to write a character reference for a job, it is important to take the task seriously. A character reference can make or break someone’s chances of getting hired. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for writing a great character reference.
Tips for Writing A Character Reference For A Job
Writing a character reference for a job can be daunting, but these tips can make the process easier:
1. Understand the job requirements
Before you begin writing the reference, make sure you understand the job requirements. This will help you tailor your reference to the specific job and highlight the skills and traits that are most relevant.
2. Be specific
Provide specific examples of the person’s skills, qualities, and accomplishments. This will help the potential employer get a sense of the person’s strengths and how they might contribute to the company.
3. Use a professional tone
While the reference may be personal in nature, it is important to maintain a professional tone. Use formal language and avoid slang or casual expressions.
4. Include your contact information
Include your name, phone number, and email address so that the potential employer can contact you if they have any questions.
5. Edit and revise
Once you have finished writing the reference, read it over carefully and make any necessary edits. Ask someone else to read it over for you as well to ensure that it is clear and effective.
6. Be honest
While it may be tempting to exaggerate or sugarcoat the person’s skills and qualities, it is important to be honest in your reference. Employers can usually tell when a reference is insincere, and it can harm the person’s chances of getting hired.
7. Keep it brief
A character reference should be no more than one page long. Be concise and only include information that is relevant to the job.
Examples of Writing A Character Reference For A Job
Example 1: Character Reference for a Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the sales position at your company. I worked with John for two years at XYZ Corporation, where he consistently exceeded his sales targets and was a valued member of our team.
John has exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which make him an effective salesperson. He is also highly organized and pays close attention to detail, which is critical in a sales role.
I believe that John would be a great asset to your sales team and would excel in this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
[email protected]
555-555-5555
Example 2: Character Reference for an Administrative Assistant Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the administrative assistant position at your company. I have worked with Jane for three years at ABC Corporation, where she has consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational and administrative skills.
Jane is highly skilled in managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and coordinating travel arrangements. She is also an excellent communicator and has a friendly and professional demeanor that makes her a pleasure to work with.
I am confident that Jane would be an asset to your team and would excel in this position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
John Doe
[email protected]
555-555-5555
Example 3: Character Reference for a Teaching Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the teaching position at your school. I have known Sarah for five years and have had the pleasure of working with her as a colleague and seeing her in action as a teacher.
Sarah is an exceptional teacher who is highly skilled in creating engaging and effective lesson plans. She is also highly dedicated to her students and goes above and beyond to ensure that they are successful.
I believe that Sarah would be an asset to your school and would excel in this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mark Davis
[email protected]
555-555-5555
Example 4: Character Reference for a Customer Service Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for the customer service position at your company. I have worked with Michael for two years at LMN Corporation, where he consistently provided exceptional customer service.
Michael is highly skilled in resolving customer issues and has a friendly and professional demeanor that makes him well-suited for a customer-facing role. He is also highly organized and pays close attention to detail, which is critical in a customer service position.
I believe that Michael would be an asset to your team and would excel in this position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Karen Smith
[email protected]
555-555-5555
Example 5: Character Reference for a Marketing Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michelle Lee for the marketing position at your company. I have worked with Michelle for three years at PQR Corporation, where she has consistently demonstrated exceptional marketing skills.
Michelle is highly skilled in creating effective marketing campaigns and has a deep understanding of consumer behavior. She is also highly creative and always brings fresh ideas to the table.
I am confident that Michelle would be an asset to your team and would excel in this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
David Johnson
[email protected]
555-555-5555
Example 6: Character Reference for a Software Development Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Alex Kim for the software development position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Alex for two years at RST Corporation, where he consistently demonstrated exceptional programming skills.
Alex is highly skilled in a variety of programming languages and has a deep understanding of software architecture. He is also highly creative and always brings fresh ideas to the table.
I believe that Alex would be an asset to your team and would excel in this position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Lisa Chen
[email protected]
555-555-5555
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference for a job?
You should include specific examples of the person’s skills, qualities, and accomplishments that are relevant to the job they are applying for. You should also include your contact information and be honest in your assessment of the person.
How long should a character reference for a job be?
A character reference for a job should be no more than one page long.
Can a character reference for a job be personal in nature?
While a character reference for a job may be personal in nature, it is important to maintain a professional tone and use formal language.
Should I exaggerate the person’s skills and qualities in a character reference?
No, it is important to be honest in your assessment of the person. Employers can usually tell when a reference is insincere, and it can harm the person’s chances of getting hired.
How should I address the hiring manager in a character reference?
You should address the hiring manager formally, using their full name and job title.
What should I do after I have written the character reference?
After you have written the character reference, read it over carefully and make any necessary edits. Ask someone else to read it over for you as well to ensure that it is clear and effective. Then, send it to the person who asked for the reference.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference for a job can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be an effective tool for helping someone get hired. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can write a great character reference that highlights the person’s strengths and sets them apart from other candidates.