20+ Sample Character Reference Letters

What Is a Character Reference Letter?

A character reference letter is a reference or recommendation letter which presents the characteristics and qualities of an individual from the perspective of another person. This document is written by a reference who is expected to know the candidate for some time. A lot of character reference letters are used in the processes of hiring, recruitment, and employment. However, the usage of the specific document is not limited to these. There are also character reference letters that are developed for academic-, community-, and personal-related purposes.

Types of Character Reference Letters

There are different kinds of character reference letters that you can create depending on the purpose of the document’s usage. With this, you have to be very specific with how a specific person can benefit from the letter. If you are asked to be a character reference, make sure that you will ask a candidate or any individual who asked you to write one on where the character reference letter will be actually used. To serve as a guide, here are some types of character reference letters:

1. Character Reference Letters for Educational and Academic Endeavors

A character reference letter for educational and academic endeavors can come in different forms. Scholars need a character reference letter whenever they apply for a grant. Candidates for admissions also need a character reference letter during the processes of college application. More so, a character reference letter can be incorporated in an internship recommendation letter or a college recommendation letter if the reference wants to align the discussion of the characteristics of a candidate with the candidate’s academic background.

2. Character Reference Letters for Work Application

A character reference letter for work application is an essential document that employers review so they can have an idea about the behavior of a candidate. Employers need to make sure that their potential employee will not cause any harm in the operations or towards the stakeholders of the organization. Hence, a character reference letter is very important as it highlights the qualities which can present a work candidate as a well-mannered and sociable individual.

3. Character Reference Letter for Personal Intentions

A character reference letter for personal intentions can be used by individuals who would like to join a non-profit organization, to try volunteering works, to get involved in community services, and/or to look for possible sponsors for a particular endeavor. If you are making this type of character reference letter, you have to clarify the special and specific purpose in which the document will be used. Through this, you can focus on discussing the character of the person which are aligned with the processes where he or she will be immersed in if his or her application gets accepted.

Key Points of a Comprehensive Character Reference Letter

There are specific items that are essential to be included in a character reference letter. If you want to have a detailed and complete document, it is of utmost importance for you to look into all the subject matters that should be seen by the screening committee in the letter that you will make. If you are already in the midst of planning the content presentation and discussion flow of the specific document, the key points of a comprehensive character reference letter are as follows:

The discussion of the character of the candidate: Focus on who the candidate is as a person for you. You need to make sure that the characteristics of the candidate which you think are very appealing should be included in the character reference letter. However, you need to put a limit on the characteristics that you will write and talk about as you do not want the character reference letter to be too lengthy or all over the place.The purpose of the character reference letter: Ask the individual on where he or she will use the character reference letter. The discussion of this matter can give you an idea on how you can make the character reference letter become interesting to the letter recipient. The more information you know about the character reference letter’s purpose, the easier it will be for you to develop a quality and pleasing content.The circumstances or events which showcased the qualities of the candidate: Your statements about the qualities and characteristics of the candidate or any individual who needs the letter may not be enough. It is essential for you to be able to prove your point. Hence, your character reference letter must contain a number of instances where you have seen the candidate show his or her character may it be through leading a team or extending a helping hand.

Advantages of Writing an Effective Character Reference Letter

Your character reference letter can greatly impact the chances of an individual to get accepted to a job, a university, an organization, or any other functions where the document will be used. Aside from this, there are many benefits that can be experienced by involved entities if you can make sure that your character reference letter is well-developed. The many advantages of writing an effective character reference letter include the following:

A character reference letter can give you the chance to showcase the strongest qualities and characteristics of an individual: Sometimes, applications can be focused on the expertise and another deliverable of an individual. However, there are employers who make sure that they will look into the character of a candidate. By having a character reference letter, you can present a more personal aspect of the candidate. This is a great way for an organization to further know more about the candidate and how he or she deals with other people and circumstances.A character reference letter can strengthen the application of an individual whose professional experiences are not that strong: If a person lacks in professional experiences but is mostly qualified for the job because of his or her skills, your character reference letter might just convince an employer to hire him or her. The same goes when an individual would like to volunteer but does not have enough volunteering involvement. Your character reference letter plays an important role in assuring organizations that the person whom you are talking about has the potential to be an added value to their operations.A character reference letter can make it easier for the screening committee to have a well-rounded impression of who the candidate is: 78% of recruiters have found quality candidates, who can best take the open work position, through the help of referrals (source: jobvite). A character reference letter may still be necessary even if you have already referred a candidate to make the process become more formal. With this, the specific document can be reviewed by other stakeholders which can impact the decision making of the screening committee. If you want an organization to have a positive impression and perception about an individual, make sure that your character reference letter is filled with positive notes and statements.

9 Steps for Developing an Appealing Character Reference Letter

When creating a character reference letter, you have to be very concise with the things that you will present. Since you are dealing with the characteristics of an individual, it is necessary for you to ensure that the document will be well-received by the screening committee. Knowing the crucial steps that you need to take so you can come up with a highly effective character reference letter should be on top of your priorities. Do you want to have a process guide for this endeavor? Here are nine steps that can help you develop an appealing character reference letter:

Step 1: Download a Character Reference Letter Template That You Can Modify

Utilize a character reference letter template so you can easily structure the entire layout format of the document. You can use a letter of reference long template or a letter of reference short template depending on the number of details that you would like to discuss in the document that you will be making.

Step 2: Present Basic Business Letter Content

Write the date when you have written the character reference letter. After this, place an inside address followed by a subject line and/or a salutation. You have to ensure that all the basic details of a business letter are found in your character reference letter so you can present formality to the letter recipient.

Step 3: Write an Introduction Which States the Purpose and Other Key Points of the Letter

Let the reader know that you are writing the letter to act as the reference of a candidate. Present the purpose of the letter and state why you have decided to serve as the other person’s reference. Your introduction should be able to catch the attention of the screening committee so they can become more interested to read and review the rest of the letter.

Step 4: Tell Something About Yourself and Your Relationship With the Candidate

Make sure to specify the kind of relationship that you have with the candidate. Aside from this, you can also tell a few things about yourself. Introducing who you are and why you are a suitable reference can make it easier for you to get the trust of the entities who will look into the character reference letter.

Step 5: Discuss the Qualities of the Candidate That You Are Impressed With

The most important part of the character reference letter is the provision or discussion of information aligned with the candidate’s personality and characteristics. Describe the qualities of the person which you think makes him or her a suitable candidate. It will be best if you can be concise with your presentation so the letter recipient can easily and precisely get what you mean.

Step 6: Provide Instances Where You Have Seen a Candidate’s Characteristics in Action

Prove to the screening committee that you are not only making up your statements. Think of personal experiences, observations, and circumstances where you were able to see how a person exemplified his or her character. Having two to three instances with different set-ups can enable you to assure the readers of the letter that you are a credible source of first-hand information.

Step 7: Develop a Conclusion That Can Most Likely Appeal to the Screening Committee

To end the character reference letter, make sure to have a conclusion where you will restate your willingness to become someone’s character reference because you believe in him or her. Your conclusion should be memorable so that the candidate whom you are trying to recommend or refer can also be well remembered by the letter recipient.

Step 8: Refine All the Details of the Character Reference Letter

Finalize your character reference letter. Make sure that there are no more errors in the document. Update or modify things if necessary so you can ensure the accuracy and precision of all the details of the character reference letter before you submit it to your target reader.

Step 9: Put a Complimentary Close and a Signature Block at the Bottom of the Character Reference Letter

Use a complimentary close to formally and professionally close the character reference letter. After this, affix your signature in the signature block where your name and work designation are both located.

FAQs:

What Should You Do If You’re Looking for References?

Are you looking for your first job or have you been out of work for a while? Do you require a recommendation but lack professional references, or are you concerned about the references provided by your employer? You may require a character reference while applying for jobs or school, but you may also need one when asking for a bank loan or when renting an apartment. A reference is a vote of confidence in a candidate from an employer, school, landlord, or bank.

Who Should You Approach for a Character Reference?

Inquire of someone you know well and who can attest to your character and ability. You might be able to get a reference from your neighbors or acquaintances. Referrals from business associates, professors/academic advisors, clients, and vendors are also useful. You might even be able to utilize a friend as a job reference. Consider using leaders or other members of the group as personal references if you volunteer.

When should you seek a character reference?

Employers, institutions, volunteer opportunities, and professional groups may require character reference letters. If an employer does not seek a character reference when you apply for a job, you have the option of providing one. If you’re entering the job market for the first time and don’t have any professional references to provide, or if you’ve been out of the labor for a few years, additional information can help.