Character Reference Letter: What Is It and How to Write One? (+Examples)

A character reference letter is a special note where someone says good things about your personality. It's different from regular reference letters, which talk about your job skills. The character reference letter is about who you are as a person, and it's written by someone who knows you well.

Why should we care about it? In some jobs or situations, who you are matters a lot. For those times, a good character reference letter can help others see your best side. It can change minds and make them choose you.

Next, we'll talk about how to write a letter like this. It might help you, or a friend, get somewhere important. So, stick with me, and let's dive in!

WHAT is a character reference letter?

A character reference letter, sometimes called a "personal reference letter", is a document that describes a person's character traits. It's written by someone who knows the person well but isn't a family member. This might be a friend, a teacher, or a past employer.

Unlike a regular professional reference letter , which talks about work skills or academic achievements , a character reference letter is all about personality. It tells about things like dependability, honesty, kindness, or any traits that make a person unique and valued.

But when do you need a character reference letter?

There are many times when this letter can be very useful. For example, sometimes a job application asks for one. This is often for jobs where trust and character matter a lot, like childcare, nursing, or teaching.

So, you see, the value of a well-written character reference letter can be huge. Wouldn't you agree?

WHO should write a character reference letter?

Choosing the right person to write a character reference letter is vital. You want someone who knows you well and can speak honestly about your good qualities. Here are a few suggestions:

• Friend: A close friend who has known you for a long time can provide insights into your character. They can discuss traits like loyalty, kindness, and dependability.
• Teacher or coach: These individuals can talk about your commitment, motivation, team spirit, and how you handle challenges. They've seen you in action and can vouch for your behaviors and attitudes.
• Employer or colleague: Past or current employers or coworkers can write about your work ethics, responsibility, and how you get along with other people at work.

Remember, the person writing needs to know you well enough to give specific examples. It's those examples that can really show your character to the reader.

HOW to write a character reference letter?

Writing an effective character reference letter is both an art and a science. Which is why I'm here to break it down for you. Let’s look at each part of the letter and why it matters.

1. Open with a formal salutation

We begin with a formal greeting, such as "Dear ". This sets an immediate tone of respect and seriousness, essential for such a meaningful and impactful letter. Your tone should imply that the act of writing the letter is an honor, not a burden.

2. Introduce the sender and receiver

Next, move onto your personal introduction. Tell the reader who you are, how you know the person in question, and for how long you've known them.

It's crucial that you establish why you are in a position to write this letter. The better you know the person, the more weight your words will carry.

Also, take a moment to introduce the person you're writing about. Share some brief insight into their character right at the start to build foundation for the body of your letter.

3. Draft the main body — detailing the character attributes

Now, this is where your letter truly takes shape. The main body should enthusiastically highlight the most admired traits of the person.

Be more than just generic; offer specific instances and anecdotes where these traits shone brightly. Whether it's their resilience during a tough project or their kindness towards colleagues in everyday work, these stories bring life into the character sketch you're creating.

4. End with concluding remarks and your contact information

As we round off the letter, a neat conclusion is important. Reiterate your confidence in the individual's character and thank the reader for their time and consideration. Finishing on a supportive and polite note leaves a positive impression on the reader.

Once you wrap up, sign the letter and add your contact information. This demonstrates openness for further communication, should the reader need more insights or clarifications.

It's easy to view a character reference letter just as a formality. But when crafted with care, it can be a powerhouse document that offers invaluable insight into a person’s character.

It adds a touch of personality that a resume or CV often lacks. So take your time with it, be genuine, and let your appreciation for the person's character shine throughout your letter.

What makes a good character reference letter? (more writing tips)

Crafting an impactful character reference letter involves more than just stringing together positive adjectives. It requires the right mix of elements that convincingly portray the individual's character. Let's delve deeper into these elements:

• Genuineness: The power of a character reference letter lies in its authenticity. A letter that genuinely reflects the person's character will resonate more with the reader. It's not about over-the-top praising, but rather about making sure your respect for the person shines through your words. This honest insight establishes your credibility as the writer and validates the sentiments you express.
• Specificity: General praise can render your letter faceless amidst others. The magic is in the details. Specific instances, stories, or examples can bring out the person's character traits on a more realistic and relatable level. When you share how the person demonstrated responsibility or kindness, it paints a visible picture in the reader's mind. So, push past generic traits and dive into the specific moments that captured these traits.
• Conciseness: While it's important to be detailed, your letter should still be succinct. An overly wordy letter carries the risk of losing the reader's interest. Aim for a sharp, focused representation of the person. Every sentence should bring value and contribute toward the main goal: presenting a favorable and convincing view of the person's character.
• Politeness: Maintaining a cordial and respectful tone throughout your letter is key. Show regard towards the reader and the process by using polite language and expressions. A respectful letter will likely be more well-received and leave a positive impression on the reader.
• Contact information: Providing your contact information at the end of the letter gives the reader an opportunity to reach out if they want to discuss further or require more information. This transparency can help build trust and openness.

Keep in mind, a well-crafted character reference letter beautifully blends these elements. It functions like a storyteller, bringing life to the person's character, while maintaining transparency and respect for the reader's role. A letter imbued with these elements doesn't just speak — it persuades.

Watch out for these 5 common pitfalls when writing a character reference letter

Now that you know what makes a great character reference letter and how to write one, let’s take a look at the common mistakes you might want to avoid.

1. Exaggerating: Be honest and realistic when you're describing the person's traits. Don't exaggerate or make up things. If you give a false impression of the person, it can backfire on them and you.
2. Discussing irrelevant things: Stick to what's important. The reader wants to understand the person's character, so avoid going off-topic. Leave out details about their life or characteristics that don't relate to their character.
3. Neglecting proofreading: Lastly, make sure to review your letter for errors or typos. Even a small mistake can distract the reader and make your letter seem less professional. Proofreading helps ensure your letter is clear and polished.
4. Using overly informal language: While your letter should be warm and personal, ensure it remains professionally toned. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or overly casual phrasing. Maintain a level of formality that respects the seriousness and importance of the reference letter.
5. Rushing the process: Writing a character reference letter isn't something you should rush. Speeding through it might lead to poor quality writing, lack of detail, or missing key elements. Take the time to reflect on the individual and choose your words carefully. Haste can undermine the effectiveness of your letter and the value it holds for the person you're writing it for.

Examples of character reference letters

So far we've explored the need for and elements of an effective character reference letter, but how does it all come together in actual practice? Let’s look at three examples that bring all these elements we discussed into one cohesive letter.

Example 1: For a job application

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to you in support of my friend, John Doe, who is applying for the position of Marketing Specialist at your company. I have known John for over 10 years and have seen him display impeccable character traits like honesty, hard work, and leadership.

John has always been the one to rely on in times of difficulty. During our college project, when our team leader fell sick, John stepped up and led us to a successful completion of the project.

John is respectful and has a knack for problem-solving, always going the extra mile to find effective solutions. His radiant positivity is contagious and uplifts those around him.

I'm confident that John will be an asset to your team. Should you have further questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected] .

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Example 2: Volunteer work letter

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am delighted to write a character reference for my neighbor and friend, Jane Smith, who wants to volunteer at your organization. I've known Jane for about 6 years, and her kindness and eagerness to help her community hasn't failed to impress me.

Jane has organized local clean-ups many times, showing commitment that inspires others. She's reliable and caring - the kind of person you want on your team.

I truly believe Jane will make a great volunteer. If you need more details, you can reach me at [email protected] .

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Example 3: For a student

Dear Admissions Committee,

It's my pleasure to recommend my student, Anaya, for your undergraduate program. I've been a teacher for 15 years, and Anaya's ambition and respect stand out.

Anaya works hard and helps her classmates. She's curious about the world and always kind to people. All this makes her great for your program.

I'm happy to back Anaya's application to your institute. For more updates, I'm at +1-555-555-5555 or teacher@ email . com

Kind Regards,

[Your Name]

Every person is unique. So while it's useful to have a structure like above, always tailor your letter to be as individual as the person you're writing about. Putting a bit of heart into it can take your letter from good to great.

Let’s wrap it up! (And good luck with your character reference letter)

And there you have it! We've navigated our way through the ins and outs of writing an effective character reference letter. We've explored what it is, when it's needed, and who can write one. We saw, in detail, how to compose a letter that does justice to the individual's character, and looked at the make-or-break elements that such a letter should include.

Don't forget to avoid the common pitfalls and remember to make your letter an authentic reflection of the individual's character. We saw how this is done through in-depth examples.

Why all this effort? Because a well-crafted character reference letter can be immensely powerful. In jobs, education, or legal matters, this "vouching for someone's character" makes people stand out in a sea of names and faces. It can sway decisions. It can open doors.

So next time you're asked to write a character reference letter, you'll know exactly what to do. And by doing it right, you just might change someone's life for the better. The pen, as they say, is mightier than the sword. Happy writing!