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.
Example #1:
Date
Your Name
Your Company
Your Contact InfoHi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for John Smith. I have known John for 10 years, in both a professional and personal capacity.
In all the time I have known John, I've always been impressed by his character. He is an honest and trustworthy person who always goes out of his way to help others succeed. He works in our tech department and I've seen him help members on our team solve complex IT issues. I have seen him work tirelessly on company projects and his work has resulted in countless improvements to our products. He always puts 110% into everything he does and it shows.
I believe that John would be an excellent fit for the job he is applying for. His character and work ethic are second to none and I am confident that he would excel in this role.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example #2:
Date
Your Name
Your Company
Your Contact InfoHi [Hiring Manager's Name],
Here's my character reference for Jane Smith. I've known Jane for 5 years in both a professional and personal capacity. I would describe Jane as a kind person and a fair supervisor. I think Jane would make a great fit for the leadership position she is seeking as her motivation and work ethic are both excellent.
Jane is a hardworking and diligent manager who pays attention to detail and listens to her employees. She always puts her heart into everything she does, and her efforts deliver amazing results. We doubled our annual sales for the last two years in a row because of the changes she implemented in our company.
Jane is a thoughtful and smart leader with a heart of gold. I'm confident she'd do well at your company.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-5555 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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
- 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!
