What is a Character Reference?
A character reference is a document or testimonial that provides information about a person’s character, work ethic, and overall suitability for a particular role. It’s often used in job applications, educational pursuits, or other situations where someone needs to vouch for another person’s qualities.
When Do You Need a Character Reference?
Job Applications: To bolster your candidacy and provide additional insights into your personality and skills.
How to Write a Character Reference
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1. Gather Information: Get in touch with the person who has agreed to write a reference for you. Ask them for specific examples of your character traits and accomplishments.
2. Choose the Right Format: You can write a character reference as a formal letter, an email, or even a document created in a word processor.
3. Start with a Salutation: Address the recipient of the reference by their name and title.
4. Introduce Yourself: Briefly state your relationship to the person you’re recommending.
5. Provide Specific Examples: Use concrete examples to illustrate the person’s positive qualities. For instance, instead of saying “John is a hard worker,” you could say, “John consistently exceeded sales targets by 20% in his previous role.”
6. Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize the skills and abilities that are most relevant to the situation.
7. End with a Recommendation: Clearly state your recommendation and express your confidence in the person’s abilities.
8. Close Politely: Conclude with a polite closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
Example Character Reference
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Person’s Name] for the [Position] position at [Company]. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years, and I have been consistently impressed by their [Positive quality 1], [Positive quality 2], and [Positive quality 3].
[Provide specific examples of the person’s qualities and accomplishments.]
I have no doubt that [Person’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. They are a dedicated, hardworking individual with a strong work ethic. I wholeheartedly recommend them for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Conclusion
A well-written character reference can significantly enhance your chances of success in various endeavors. By providing specific examples and highlighting relevant skills, you can effectively showcase the positive qualities of the person you’re recommending. Remember to tailor your reference to the specific situation and audience to maximize its impact.
FAQs
1. Who should write a character reference? Ideally, a character reference should be written by someone who knows you well and can provide firsthand insights into your character and abilities. This could be a former employer, teacher, mentor, or friend.
2. How long should a character reference be? A typical character reference is around 200-300 words long. However, you can adjust the length based on the specific requirements of the situation.
3. What should I include in a character reference? A character reference should include specific examples of the person’s positive qualities, relevant skills, and accomplishments. It should also express your confidence in the person’s ability to succeed in the desired role.
4. Can I write my own character reference? While it’s generally not recommended to write your own character reference, you can provide potential references with information about your experiences and accomplishments to help them write a more effective letter.
5. How can I find someone to write a character reference for me? Reach out to people who know you well and have a positive impression of you. Consider asking former employers, teachers, mentors, or friends who can vouch for your character and abilities.
Character Reference Example