A character reference letter is a powerful tool when applying for jobs, scholarships, apartments, or even court appearances. It offers a personal testament to your qualities, work ethic, and overall suitability for a given opportunity. These letters, often written by colleagues, mentors, friends, or community leaders, provide valuable insights beyond a resume or application form.
Crafting a compelling character reference letter requires careful consideration. The most effective letters are specific, providing concrete examples to support their claims. Avoid generic praise and instead focus on instances where the applicant demonstrated key qualities like reliability, integrity, and competence. Remember to tailor the letter to the specific purpose it serves, highlighting the attributes most relevant to the application.
19 Sample Character Reference Letters
Sample Letter 1: From a Former Employer
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I had the pleasure of working with [him/her/them] at [Company Name] for [Number] years as [Your Title]. During that time, I was consistently impressed by [Applicant Name]’s dedication and work ethic.
[He/She/They] is a highly motivated and reliable individual. For example, I recall when [Applicant Name] [Specific example of positive quality]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [Skills demonstrated]. I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 2: From a Colleague
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have worked alongside [Applicant Name] at [Company Name] for the past [Number] years as [Your Title].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional colleague. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1] and [Positive Quality 2]. I specifically remember when [Applicant Name] [Specific Example]. This shows [his/her/their] strong [Skill demonstrated].
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] and believe [he/she/they] would be a valuable addition to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 3: From a Professor
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity – e.g., admission to your program]. I had [Applicant Name] in my [Course Name] class at [University Name] during the [Semester/Year] semester.
[Applicant Name] was an outstanding student. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of the course material and a willingness to engage in thoughtful discussion. For example, [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., wrote an insightful paper on X, contributed meaningfully to group projects, asked excellent questions]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, communication skills].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be successful in [his/her/their] future endeavors. I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 4: From a Friend
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity – e.g., tenancy in your apartment building]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as a close friend.
Throughout our friendship, [Applicant Name] has consistently proven to be a [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., responsible] and [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., trustworthy] individual. For instance, [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., always pays bills on time, is a reliable housemate, is respectful of others]. This shows [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., financial responsibility, consideration for others, integrity].
I believe [Applicant Name] would be an excellent candidate for [Position/Opportunity]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 5: From a Volunteer Coordinator
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I served as [Applicant Name]’s volunteer coordinator at [Organization Name] for [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] was a dedicated and valuable volunteer. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., compassion], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., reliability], and a strong commitment to our mission. Specifically, [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., volunteered extra hours during a crisis, consistently arrived on time and prepared, took initiative to help others]. This illustrates [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., dedication, empathy, proactive nature].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 6: For Scholarship Application
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee Name]
[Scholarship Organization Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their teacher, their mentor] at [Institution/Organization].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional individual who consistently demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., academic excellence], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., leadership skills], and a strong commitment to [Area of Interest/Study]. For example, [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., achieved top marks in their class, led the debate team to victory, volunteered extensively in their chosen field]. This showcases [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication to learning, ability to inspire others].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will make significant contributions to society in the future. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this prestigious scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 7: For Apartment Rental
[Date]
[Landlord/Property Manager Name]
[Property Address]
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] as a prospective tenant for your property. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their neighbor, their friend].
[Applicant Name] is a responsible and respectful individual. They are [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., quiet], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., considerate], and always maintain a clean and tidy living space. I have personally witnessed [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., taking care of their yard, being respectful of shared spaces, being a responsible pet owner]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., responsibility, respect for property, good neighbor qualities].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an excellent tenant. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 8: For a Personal Loan
[Date]
[Lender Name]
[Lender Institution]
[Lender Address]
Dear [Lender Name],
I am writing to support [Applicant Name]’s application for a personal loan. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their colleague, their family friend].
[Applicant Name] is a financially responsible and trustworthy individual. [He/She/They] has consistently demonstrated [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., responsible budgeting] and [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., careful financial planning]. I know that [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., has always paid their bills on time, has a history of saving money, has a clear plan for repaying the loan]. This shows [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., financial responsibility, commitment to repayment, sound financial judgment].
I believe that [Applicant Name] will use the loan responsibly and repay it according to the agreed-upon terms. I am happy to recommend [him/her/them] for this loan.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 9: For a Leadership Position
[Date]
[Hiring Manager/Committee Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager/Committee Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Leadership Position Name] position at your organization. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their supervisor, their mentor] at [Previous Organization/Project].
[Applicant Name] possesses exceptional leadership qualities, including [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., strategic thinking], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., effective communication], and the ability to [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., motivate a team]. For instance, during [Project/Situation], [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., developed a successful strategy, clearly communicated the vision to the team, motivated the team to achieve their goals]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., strategic planning, communication skills, motivational abilities].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will excel in this leadership role and make significant contributions to your organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization/Project]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 10: For Childcare/Nanny Position
[Date]
[Hiring Family Name]
[Address]
Dear [Hiring Family Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the childcare/nanny position in your family. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their neighbor, a friend of the family].
[Applicant Name] is a kind, responsible, and trustworthy individual. [He/She/They] demonstrates [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., patience], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., creativity], and a genuine love for children. I have often seen [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., playing with the children in the neighborhood, helping with younger siblings, volunteering at the local daycare]. This shows [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., patience, ability to engage with children, responsibility].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would provide excellent care for your children. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 11: For University Admission (More Detailed)
[Date]
[Admissions Committee Name]
[University Name]
[Admissions Office Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with considerable pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [University Name], specifically within the [Program/Department] program. I have had the opportunity to observe [Applicant Name]’s intellectual capabilities and personal qualities over the past [Number] years as [Your Title/Role – e.g., their high school teacher, their debate coach] at [School/Organization Name].
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for [Subject/Area of Study]. In my [Course Name] class, for instance, [he/she/they] not only mastered the core concepts but also consistently sought out opportunities to delve deeper into the subject matter. I recall a particular instance when [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., independently researched and presented a complex topic, developed an innovative solution to a problem posed in class, demonstrated exceptional critical thinking skills during a debate]. This initiative showcases not only [his/her/their] intellectual curiosity but also [his/her/their] exceptional [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., research skills, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, presentation skills].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is an active and engaged member of our school community. [He/She/They] consistently displays [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., leadership skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., teamwork abilities], and a strong commitment to [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., ethical behavior]. As the [Applicant Name]’s Role in Extracurricular – e.g., captain of the debate team, president of the student council], [he/she/they] has demonstrated the ability to [Specific Example of Leadership/Teamwork – e.g., effectively manage a team, resolve conflicts constructively, inspire others to achieve a common goal]. This further solidifies my belief in [Applicant Name]’s potential to contribute meaningfully to the [University Name] community.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the intellectual capacity, personal qualities, and drive to succeed at [University Name]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for admission without any reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[School/Organization Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 12: For a Promotion within a Company
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the position of [New Position Title] within our company. I have worked closely with [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years as [Your Title], and have consistently been impressed by [his/her/their] dedication, skills, and performance.
During their time as [Applicant’s Current Position], [Applicant Name] has consistently exceeded expectations. [He/She/They] possesses a strong understanding of [Relevant Industry/Company Knowledge] and has consistently demonstrated [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., problem-solving skills], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., communication skills], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., leadership potential]. For example, when faced with [Specific Challenge/Project], [Applicant Name] [Specific Example of Success – e.g., successfully resolved a complex issue, led a team to achieve a major goal, implemented a new process that improved efficiency]. This clearly demonstrates [his/her/their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., ability to handle pressure, leadership capabilities, innovative thinking].
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and collaborative team member. [He/She/They] is always willing to go the extra mile and is respected by colleagues at all levels. I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the skills, experience, and leadership qualities necessary to excel in the role of [New Position Title] and make significant contributions to our company’s continued success.
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for this promotion.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 13: For Volunteer Work in a Specific Field
[Date]
[Volunteer Coordinator Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Volunteer Coordinator Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for volunteer work at [Organization Name], specifically within the [Specific Field/Department – e.g., environmental conservation, community outreach] program. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their teacher, their mentor, a family friend] and have witnessed [his/her/their] passion for [Field Related to Volunteer Work] firsthand.
[Applicant Name] possesses a strong interest in and understanding of [Specific Knowledge/Skills Related to the Field]. [He/She/They] is also [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., dedicated], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., compassionate], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., reliable]. I recall when [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., organized a community cleanup event, volunteered at a local animal shelter, participated in an environmental awareness campaign]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] commitment to [Cause Related to Volunteer Work] and [his/her/their] ability to [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., organize events, work effectively with others, take initiative].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your volunteer team. [He/She/They] is eager to learn, willing to work hard, and passionate about making a difference. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 14: For Membership in an Organization
[Date]
[Membership Committee Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Membership Committee Name],
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] for membership in [Organization Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a fellow member, a colleague, a friend] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] commitment to [Values/Mission of the Organization].
[Applicant Name] possesses the qualities and values that are essential for membership in [Organization Name]. [He/She/They] is [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., passionate] about [Area of Interest/Focus of the Organization], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., dedicated] to [Cause Related to the Organization], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., committed] to [Ethical Standards/Principles of the Organization]. For instance, [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., has actively participated in related events, has volunteered their time to support the cause, has demonstrated a strong understanding of the organization’s mission]. This demonstrates [his/her/their] genuine interest in and dedication to the goals of [Organization Name].
I believe that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to our organization. [He/She/They] is eager to contribute their skills and knowledge, and [he/she/they] is a strong advocate for the values that we uphold. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for membership.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position within the Organization – if applicable]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 15: For a Foster Parent Application
[Date]
[Caseworker Name/Agency Name]
[Foster Care Agency Address]
Dear [Caseworker Name/Agency Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name(s)] as potential foster parents. I have known [Applicant Name(s)] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their neighbor, a friend of the family, their colleague].
[Applicant Name(s)] are compassionate, patient, and nurturing individuals with a strong desire to provide a safe and loving home for children in need. They possess [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., a stable and supportive relationship], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., a comfortable and child-friendly home environment], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by children in foster care]. I have observed [Applicant Name(s)] [Specific Example – e.g., interacting with children in a positive and encouraging manner, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in their home, demonstrating empathy and understanding towards others]. This demonstrates [their] [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., ability to connect with children, capacity for providing a nurturing environment, understanding and patience].
I am confident that [Applicant Name(s)] would provide a stable and loving home for a child in need. They are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where a child can thrive. I highly recommend [them] for this important role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 16: For Security Clearance
[Date]
[Security Clearance Review Board/Investigator Name]
[Agency/Department Name]
[Address]
Dear [Security Clearance Review Board/Investigator Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant Name] in support of [his/her/their] application for a security clearance. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their supervisor, a colleague, a friend].
Throughout my acquaintance with [Applicant Name], [he/she/they] has consistently demonstrated integrity, trustworthiness, and loyalty. [He/She/They] is [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., responsible], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., discreet], and [Positive Quality 3 – e.g., adheres to ethical standards]. I have never observed any behavior that would cause me to question [his/her/their] reliability or commitment to upholding security protocols. In fact, [Applicant Name] [Specific Example – e.g., always handles sensitive information with care, consistently follows procedures, reports any potential security concerns]. This shows [his/her/their] dedication to [Skills Demonstrated – e.g., security consciousness, responsible handling of information, commitment to ethical conduct].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] is a person of high moral character and sound judgment. I believe [he/she/they] would be a valuable asset to any organization requiring a security clearance. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for this clearance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 17: For a Court Appearance (Landlord Tenant Dispute)
[Date]
[Judge’s Name/Court Clerk]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
Dear [Judge’s Name/Court Clerk],
I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for [Tenant’s Name] in relation to the landlord-tenant dispute currently before the court. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their neighbor, a fellow tenant in the building, a friend].
During my time knowing [Tenant’s Name], [he/she/they] has consistently been a responsible and respectful tenant. [He/She/They] is [Positive Quality 1 – e.g., quiet and considerate], [Positive Quality 2 – e.g., pays rent on time] (to the best of my knowledge),
