Have you been asked to write a character reference letter for someone you know who is currently seeking employment?

If you have, then you may be wondering exactly what goes into such a letter and what importance it plays in the job candidate's interview process.

A character reference letter is a document that is written by someone who knows the job candidate well and can attest to their character. This type of letter is usually written by a friend, family member, or someone else who is close to the job candidate.

The character reference letter is important because it gives the employer an idea of what kind of person the job candidate is, outside of their professional qualifications.

An employer may request a character reference letter to get a better sense of who the job candidate is as a person. This type of letter can be very helpful in the decision-making process, as it can provide insight into the job candidate's character that may not be apparent from their resume or professional qualifications alone.

What To Include In The Character Reference Letter

When writing a character reference letter, it is important to focus on the positive qualities of the person you are writing about. Try to provide specific examples of times when you have seen these positive qualities in action.

It is also important to keep the letter concise and to the point. The character reference letter is not the place to go into detail about the person's entire life story.

Here are some things you may want to include in a character reference letter:

• How long you have known the person
• In what capacity you have known them
• What positive qualities you have observed in them
• Specific examples of times when you have seen these qualities in action
• Why you believe they would be a good fit for the job they are applying for
• Your contact information in case the employer has any further questions

If you have been asked to write a character reference letter, it is a good idea to ask the person you are writing it for if there is anything specific they would like you to include. This will help ensure that your letter hits all the key points that the employer is looking for.

When Should A Character Reference Letter Be Submitted?

The completed letter should be submitted along with the job candidate's other application materials. Usually, the letter will be sent directly to the employer by the person who is writing it.

If you have been asked to write a character reference letter but are not sure how to go about it, the following examples will help you get started.

Examples Of A Character Reference Letter

Below are two examples of outlines you can use for inspiration. Remember to include your contact information in the header of the letter so that the employer can easily get in touch with you if they have any further questions.

Character Reference Example #1:

[Date]

[Your Name]

[Your Company] | [Email Address] | [Phone Number]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to strongly endorse Hirra Shah for the Financial Analyst position she is keenly pursuing. Over the past 5 years, my association with Hirra, both professionally and personally, has allowed me to witness her unwavering dedication, integrity, and astute analytical skills.

In her role as a Financial Analyst with our firm, Hirra has consistently exhibited a commendable work ethic, complemented by her keen attention to financial intricacies. She played a pivotal role in identifying and rectifying cost inefficiencies, resulting in an annual savings of 15% for our department. Furthermore, her in-depth analysis and forecasting techniques led to a 20% increase in ROI for our key investment projects in the past year.

Beyond her technical prowess, what distinguishes Hirra is her genuine commitment to team collaboration and her ability to explain complex financial concepts in a comprehensible manner. This blend of analytical acumen and interpersonal skills makes her a standout financial professional. I am genuinely confident that Hirra Shah will be a significant asset to your team, driving both efficiency and innovation.

Should you wish to further discuss or gain insights into Hirra's competencies and achievements, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected].

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Character Reference Example #2:

[Date]

[Your Name]

[Your Company] | [Email Address] | [Phone Number]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to strongly recommend Keisha Jones for the Human Resources position she is pursuing. I have had the privilege of working alongside Keisha for the past 5 years. Throughout this period, Keisha has consistently embodied the principles of professionalism, empathy, and dedication.

In her previous HR role, Keisha was instrumental in revamping our recruitment process, resulting in a 40% decrease in time-to-hire and a 20% increase in new hire retention during her first year. Her meticulous attention to detail combined with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics ensures that every team member feels acknowledged and empowered.

Keisha's true strength lies in her ability to mediate and manage interpersonal relationships within the workplace. With a knack for problem-solving, she reduced internal conflicts by 60% through the initiation of team-building activities and open-dialogue sessions. Her genuine compassion, paired with her sharp acumen for strategic planning, makes her an invaluable asset in any HR setting.

I wholeheartedly believe that Keisha Jones would be an outstanding addition to your HR team, bringing with her the expertise and soft skills essential for the role. If you need further details or wish to discuss Keisha's achievements and abilities, please don't hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected].

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Character Reference Example #3:

[Date]

[Your Name]

[Your Company] | [Email Address] | [Phone Number]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Mark Thompson for the Account Manager position at your esteemed organization. Over the past 5 years, I have worked closely with Mark in both professional and personal environments, and I have been consistently impressed with his proficiency, dedication, and aptitude in managing accounts.

Mark possesses a rare blend of technical skills, interpersonal acumen, and client-centric dedication. In his role as an Account Manager with our company, he has seamlessly balanced client needs with organizational goals, consistently exceeding both client and company expectations. His proactive approach led to a 30% increase in client retention and a 25% growth in upsell opportunities during his tenure.

Furthermore, Mark's natural ability to establish trust and build lasting relationships positions him as a standout in the realm of account management. He possesses the intrinsic ability to understand client needs, foresee challenges, and proactively offer solutions, ensuring the client's trust is never compromised.

I am confident that Mark Thompson will be an invaluable asset to your team and bring tangible results in the Account Manager role. If you wish to discuss further or require additional insights into Mark's competencies, please do not hesitate to connect with me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected].

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Character Reference Example #4:

[Date]

[Your Name]

[Your Company] | [Email Address] | [Phone Number]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to ardently recommend Tessa Stafford for the teaching position she is pursuing at your esteemed institution. Having known Tessa for the past 5 years, I've observed her in various capacities, both in professional educational settings and outside of them. Tessa consistently radiates attributes of patience, innovation, and an unwavering passion for education.

In her teaching role at our school, Tessa not only showcased an excellent command over her subject matter but also demonstrated an innate ability to understand and cater to the unique needs of each student. Under her guidance, her class witnessed a remarkable 25% improvement in standardized test scores, and she successfully bridged learning gaps for underperforming students, leading to an 80% pass rate improvement for that specific group within a year.

What truly distinguishes Tessa is her holistic approach to teaching. Beyond just academics, she instills in her students critical life values, resilience, and curiosity. Her innovative teaching methods, combined with her genuine care for students' well-being, position her as an educator par excellence. I am confident that with Tessa Stafford joining your team, your institution will not only achieve academic excellence but also nurture well-rounded individuals.

For further discussion or additional information regarding Tessa's abilities and achievements, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected].

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Character Reference Example #5: 

[Date]

[Your Name] [Your Medical Institution/Company] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Leroy Lucero for the nursing position he is earnestly seeking. Over the past 5 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Leroy and observing his dedication, compassion, and outstanding clinical abilities.

In his nursing role at our facility, Leroy has consistently demonstrated exemplary patient care, often going above and beyond his duties. His diligence and thorough approach have directly contributed to a 20% reduction in patient recovery times within his care ward. Furthermore, under his leadership, patient satisfaction scores in his department increased by 15%, showcasing his commitment to ensuring patients feel cared for and heard.

Beyond his technical proficiency, what truly distinguishes Leroy is his deep empathy and ability to connect with patients of all backgrounds. He has this innate talent of blending analytical thinking with a heartfelt commitment to his patients' well-being. Such qualities not only make him an exceptional nurse but also an essential team member in any medical setting. I am confident that with Leroy Lucero as part of your team, your facility will witness enhanced patient care and a strengthened nursing department.

For additional insights or to discuss Leroy's achievements and skills further, please don't hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected].

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Notice how all of these examples share a few common traits.

First, they speak to the person's abilities as a professional (using measurable outcomes when possible). This allows the hiring manager to see the specific value they bring to the table as an employee.

Second, they speak to the person's character and values. This allows the hiring team to gauge the cultural fit for this person so they can feel confident they'd not only blend in, but actively add to the company's culture.

And third, they use specific examples to define each. They don't just say something like, “Leroy offers exemplary patient care.” They go beyond that to provide examples of how that exemplary care translates in the workplace (“His diligence and thorough approach have directly contributed to a 20% reduction in patient recovery times within his care ward.”).

Pro Tip: Want to level up your character letters without spending a bunch of extra time? Leverage AI! Tools like Hubspot's Paragraph Writer help remove the burden of starting with a blank page. Use them to take care of 80% of the baseline content so you can bring 100% of your energy to personalize your reference letter and add your magic touch!

Final Thoughts

A character reference letter can significantly increase a job candidate's chances of getting hired. By taking the time to write a thoughtful and well-written letter, you can help your friend or colleague get the job they're applying for.

Keep the following tips in mind when writing a character reference letter:

• Be sure to include how long you have known the person
• Mention what capacity you have known them in
• Include an example of their positive character traits
• Explain why you believe they would be a good fit for the job (include measurable metrics and outcomes if you can!)
• Provide your contact information in case the employer has any questions
• Submit the letter along with the job candidate's other application materials

When in doubt, the letter you write should be positive and always truthful. With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way to writing a great character reference letter in no time!