Land more interviews with our FREE tools. Click To Get Your Free Resume Score
  • Home
  • Blog
  • How To Write A Character Reference Letter For Someone
25 Jul 2023 Lauren Wache

How To Write A Character Reference Letter For Someone

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!

LEAVE A REPLY

YOU’VE SEEN AUSTIN IN

Fast Company Logo
Business Insider Logo
Inc. Logo
The Muse logo
Cultivated Culture
SIGN UP
LOG IN
Cultivated Culture ResyBullet ResyBuild Mailscoop HeadlineAnalyzer.io

Welcome Back To Cultivated Culture!

Log into your Cultivated Culture account using one of the options below:

Sign in with LinkedIn
Sign in with Email
LOG IN

Forgot your password? Click here to reset.

Need a free acount? Click Here To Sign Up

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and agree to receive email updates.

One Free Account, Four Job-Winning Tools

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account and get access to all of our job search tools:

Your Bullet Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your bullet along with suggestions for improving it:

Sign Up To Save & Export Your Resume

Sign up to create, save, and export your resume and get access to our suite of job search tools!

Sign Up To Get More Free Email Searches

Create a free account to unlock more email searches and get access to all four of our job-winning tools:

Your Headline Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your headline along with suggestions for improving it:

Sign up with LinkedIn
Sign up with Email
Sign Up

Already have an acount? Click Here To Log In

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and agree to receive email updates.

SIGN UP
LOG IN
Cultivated Culture

We Just Need You To Verify Your Email.

We just emailed you a 6-digit code. Please check your email and enter it below.

Note: Your progress will not be saved until your email is verified. Closing this pop up or window might cause you to lose your progress.

Invalid Code

Verify

Choose one of the options below to get the verification code we sent you!

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free scans.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free templates, saves, and exports.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free email searches.

We sent a verification code to your email, all you have to do is paste that code here and submit to get full access!

Resend Verification Email
Verify Your Account Now

Need a free acount? Click Here To Sign Up

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and agree to receive email updates.

Cultivated Culture

Looks Like You Still Need To Verify Your Email Address!

Whoops! Looks like you still haven't verified your email address. We'll need you to do that before granting free, unlimited access to our tools.

If you can't find the original verification email, click the link below and we'll send a new one:

Sent! Please check your email.

Resend Verification Email

Need a free acount? Click Here To Sign Up

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and agree to receive email updates.

Cultivated Culture

Oops! You've Hit Your Credit Limit.

Looks like you've used all 10 of your free credits for the month. Your credit limit will refresh in days. You can learn more about your credit limit here.

Want to stop worrying about credits?

Sign up for our Unlimited plan to get instance unlimited access to all of our jon search tools for one low price. Click below to learn more:

LEARN ABOUT UNLIMITED
Cultivated Culture

Go Unlimited!

Upgrade your plan to get unlimited access to all 5 of our offer-winning job search tools and 200 email searches / week:

Go Unlimited
(& Save 10%)!

Upgrade to get unlimited access to our resume tools, 200 email searches / week, and 10% off our regular pricing thanks to your friend :

$3.97 $3.97 $3.57 billed weekly

Weekly

Monthly

(Save 45%)

Quarterly

(Save 57%)

Your Unlimited plan comes with...

Unlimited access to all 5 of our resume tools

200 Mailscoop searches per week

No obligations - cancel any time

UPGRADE MY PLAN

By clicking "Upgrade My Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cultivated Culture

Unlimited Plan Upgrade

Change Payment Method

APPLY

Promo code has been applied to your purchase!

Note: This is a monthly subscription, your card will be automatically charged every month until you cancel your plan.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

(C) 2022 Cultivated Culture

Note: You will not be charged for updating your credit card using this form. After your new card is added, you will be billed on the date of your next billing cycle.

Cultivated Culture

Upgrade Complete!

You are officially a

Unlimited Member

Invoice Details

Invoice:

Paid Today:

Plan:

Start Date:

Subscription:

Next Bill Date (Est.):

Note: This receipt and future invoices will be available in the Billing Tab of your Account Dashboard.

VIEW RECEIPT
RETURN TO TOOLS

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

(C) 2022 Cultivated Culture

Cultivated Culture
Share via
Job Toolkit
Coaching Call
Resume Course
Ahh So Close!
Job Toolkit
Coaching Call
Resume Course
Ahh So Close!
Want A GUARANTEED WAY TO WIN MORE JOB OFFERS?
I'm giving away some of my premium content for FREE. This is stuff you won't find anywhere on the site. Stuff that's helped people just like you land jobs at places like Google with no "traditional" experience and without applying online. If you're tired of job searching and want to land a job you love, spin for a chance to win strategies most people pay for: