If someone has asked you to write a character reference for them, it means that they trust you and value your opinion. Writing a good character reference can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a great character reference.
Tips for Writing A Good Character Reference
1. Understand the purpose of the reference. A character reference is a letter that evaluates the personal traits, qualities, and achievements of an individual. It is often requested for employment, housing, or educational opportunities.
2. Ask for details. Ask the person who has requested the reference what they would like you to include in the reference letter. Be sure to ask for any relevant job descriptions, requirements, and deadlines.
3. Use specific examples. Use specific examples to illustrate the person’s character traits and professional qualities. This can make the letter more persuasive and credible.
4. Be honest. Be honest in your assessment of the person’s character and abilities. Do not exaggerate or make false claims.
5. Be concise. Keep the letter brief and to the point. A good character reference should be no more than two pages.
6. Edit and proofread. After writing the reference letter, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
Examples of Writing A Good Character Reference
Character Reference for Employment
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the position of [Position Title]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to work well in a team.
[Candidate’s Name] is highly organized and efficient, which makes them a valuable asset to any team. They are also an excellent communicator and have a talent for resolving conflicts and overcoming challenges.
I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] would be an excellent addition to your team and would contribute greatly to your organization’s success. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Housing
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Tenant’s Name]. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can confidently say that they are a responsible, trustworthy, and reliable individual.
[Tenant’s Name] is a quiet and respectful tenant who takes great pride in keeping their living space clean and well-maintained. They always pay their rent on time and have never caused any problems or disturbances in the building.
I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe they would be an asset to any community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name] for admission to [Name of Graduate School]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their exceptional academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to their field of study.
[Applicant’s Name] has a keen intellect and a passion for learning that is evident in their academic achievements and research projects. They have also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as president of the [Name of Organization] and have made valuable contributions to the community through their volunteer work with [Name of Organization].
I believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be an outstanding addition to your graduate program and would make significant contributions to your academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Applicant’s Name]’s qualifications in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Child Custody
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Parent’s Name] in the matter of [Child’s Name] custody case. I have known [Parent’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their love, dedication, and commitment to their children.
[Parent’s Name] is a loving and caring parent who always puts their children’s needs first. They have a strong bond with their children and are actively involved in their education, extracurricular activities, and emotional well-being.
I am confident that [Parent’s Name] would continue to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for their children if granted custody. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Parent’s Name]’s parenting skills in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Volunteer Work
Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the position of volunteer at [Name of Organization]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their dedication, enthusiasm, and reliability.
[Applicant’s Name] is a passionate and committed volunteer who always goes above and beyond to support the goals and mission of the organization. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as a volunteer coordinator and have made valuable contributions to the community through their volunteer work with [Name of Organization].
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be an asset to your organization and would make significant contributions to your programs and initiatives. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Applicant’s Name]’s qualifications in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Immigration
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name] in support of their immigration application. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can confidently say that they are a person of good character and moral standing.
[Applicant’s Name] is a hardworking, honest, and responsible individual who has made valuable contributions to their community. They have a positive attitude towards life and are always willing to help others in need.
I believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be an asset to any community and would make a positive contribution to the cultural, social, and economic life of [Country of Destination]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Applicant’s Name]’s character and qualifications in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing A Good Character Reference
What is a character reference?
A character reference is a letter that evaluates the personal traits, qualities, and achievements of an individual. It is often requested for employment, housing, or educational opportunities.
What should I include in a character reference?
You should include specific examples of the person’s character traits and professional qualities, such as their work ethic, dependability, communication skills, and ability to work well in a team. You should also provide your contact information and offer to answer any further questions the recipient may have.
How long should a character reference be?
A good character reference should be no more than two pages long.
What should I avoid in a character reference?
You should avoid making false claims or exaggerating the person’s abilities. You should also avoid commenting on topics that are irrelevant to the purpose of the reference, such as the person’s personal life or political views.
Who can write a character reference?
Anyone who knows the person well and can provide an honest and accurate assessment of their character and abilities can write a character reference. This may include teachers, employers, colleagues, friends, or family members.
Do I need to use specific formatting for a character reference?
There is no specific formatting requirement for a character reference, but it should be professional in tone and well-organized. You may use a standard business letter format or a more casual format if appropriate for the context.
Conclusion
Writing a good character reference can be a valuable way to support someone you know and help them achieve their goals. By following these tips and examples, you can craft a persuasive and compelling reference letter that showcases the person’s strengths and abilities.