A character reference letter, also known as a personal reference letter, provides insight into an individual’s personality, qualities, and integrity. These letters are crucial for job applications, apartment rentals, court cases, and various other situations where a trusted endorsement is required. A strong letter can significantly impact the recipient’s decision.
Crafting an effective character reference letter requires careful consideration. Focus on specific examples that showcase the individual’s positive attributes. Highlight instances where they demonstrated responsibility, empathy, or problem-solving skills. Avoid generic statements and instead provide concrete evidence to support your claims.
Below, you’ll find 21 sample character reference letters, each tailored to different scenarios. These templates offer a starting point for writing your own personalized and impactful reference. Remember to adapt the language and content to accurately reflect your knowledge of the individual and the context of the request. Consider the tone required and match it appropriately.
Remember that a genuine and heartfelt letter is always more persuasive. Be honest and forthright in your assessment. If you cannot provide a positive recommendation, it is better to politely decline the request. Your integrity and the applicant’s reputation are at stake.
21 Character Reference Letter Samples
Sample Letter 1
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. [He/She/They] is/are a highly [Positive Adjective] individual with a strong work ethic.
During [Specific Instance], [Applicant Name] demonstrated [Positive Quality] by [Action]. This highlights [His/Her/Their] ability to [Skill].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your [Organization/Team]. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[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 had the privilege of knowing [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Adjective] character.
Specifically, I recall when [Specific Instance]. [He/She/They] handled the situation with [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality].
[Applicant Name]’s [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to provide a character reference for [Applicant Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. During this time, [He/She/They] has/have consistently impressed me with [His/Her/Their] [Positive Adjective] nature.
[Applicant Name] possesses excellent [Skill] and [Skill]. For example, [Specific Instance]. This demonstrates [His/Her/Their] commitment to [Value].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will excel in [Position/Opportunity]. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. [He/She/They] is/are truly a [Positive Adjective] individual.
One instance that stands out is when [Specific Instance]. [He/She/They] responded with [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality], ultimately achieving [Positive Outcome].
I believe [Applicant Name]’s [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] make [him/her/them] a strong candidate for [Position/Opportunity]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to provide a character reference for [Applicant Name]. My acquaintance with [Applicant Name] spans [Number] years, during which I have served as [Relationship]. [He/She/They] has consistently showcased [Positive Adjective] traits.
A specific instance comes to mind where [Specific Instance]. [He/She/They] displayed [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality].
[Applicant Name]’s exceptional [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] render [him/her/them] an ideal fit for [Position/Opportunity]. My recommendation comes without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It gives me immense pleasure to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. I’ve found [him/her/them] to be [Positive Adjective] and reliable.
One time, [Specific Instance] which demonstrated [his/her/their] capacity for [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality].
Therefore, I have no doubts in suggesting [Applicant Name] for this. Feel free to contact me for any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to write this recommendation for [Applicant Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] for [Number] years in the capacity of [Relationship]. I can confidently vouch for [his/her/their] character.
During [Specific Instance], [Applicant Name] demonstrated [Positive Quality]. [He/She/They] is always very [Positive Quality] and responsible.
I am certain that [Applicant Name] will be a great addition to the team. I’m happy to provide more information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] based on my knowledge of [him/her/them] for [Number] years, as [Relationship]. I have always been impressed with [his/her/their] [Positive Adjective] attitude.
In [Specific Instance], [Applicant Name] went above and beyond, showing a great capacity for [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality].
I recommend [Applicant Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything else.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am happy to offer my recommendation for [Applicant Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years, working together as [Relationship]. I have always found [him/her/them] to be very [Positive Adjective].
[Specific Instance] demonstrates [Applicant Name]’s [Positive Quality]. [He/She/They] is very efficient and skilled.
I believe [Applicant Name] will excel in this role. Please contact me for more details if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[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 known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship], and I have always been impressed by [his/her/their] [Positive Adjective] nature.
[Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] in various situations. For instance, [Specific Instance].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without any hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. [He/She/They] is/are a highly [Positive Adjective] person.
During our time together, [Applicant Name] has consistently shown [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality]. One particular instance that stands out is [Specific Instance].
I am confident that [Applicant Name]’s skills and qualities make [him/her/them] an excellent fit for your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with genuine enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. [He/She/They] consistently displays [Positive Adjective] character.
[Applicant Name]’s [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] have always impressed me. I specifically recall [Specific Instance].
I have no reservations in recommending [Applicant Name] for this role. [He/She/They] is/are a truly exceptional individual.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have been acquainted with [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship]. I have consistently found [him/her/them] to be [Positive Adjective].
During our time together, [Applicant Name] has proven to be a reliable and dedicated individual. For example, during [Specific Instance].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will thrive in your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to give my strongest possible recommendation for [Applicant Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship], and I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] character and skills.
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and [Positive Adjective] individual. I remember [Specific Instance].
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for this opportunity. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am pleased to offer my enthusiastic recommendation for [Applicant Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship], and during that time, I have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] [Positive Adjective] nature.
[Applicant Name] consistently displays [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality]. A specific example is [Specific Instance].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable asset to your team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without any reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 16
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship], and I’ve always been impressed by [his/her/their] [Positive Adjective] attitude and work ethic.
One particular situation where [Applicant Name] stood out was [Specific Instance]. This clearly demonstrates [his/her/their] [Positive Quality].
I believe [Applicant Name] would be a great fit for your organization and highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 17
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am happy to provide a character reference for [Applicant Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years in the capacity of [Relationship]. I can confidently speak to [his/her/their] good character.
[Applicant Name] is a [Positive Adjective] and [Positive Adjective] individual. I recall a time when [Specific Instance].
I believe [Applicant Name] would be an asset to any team. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 18
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[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 known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship].
[Applicant Name] is a truly [Positive Adjective] and [Positive Adjective] person. For example, [Specific Instance].
I highly recommend [Applicant Name]. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 19
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] whom I’ve known for [Number] years as [Relationship]. I have always admired [his/her/their] [Positive Adjective] personality.
One particular event which underscores this point is when [Specific Instance]. [He/She/They] handled it with poise and [Positive Quality].
I’m confident that [Applicant Name] will succeed. Please contact me with further inquiries.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 20
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
I am thrilled to provide a recommendation for [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. Over the [Number] years I have known [him/her/them] as [Relationship], [he/she/they] has consistently demonstrated [Positive Adjective] attributes.
[Applicant Name]’s commitment to [Value] is truly remarkable. I witnessed this firsthand when [Specific Instance].
I wholeheartedly endorse [Applicant Name] and am confident [he/she/they] will be a valuable addition.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 21
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]
Dear [Recipient Name],
It is with much enthusiasm that I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position/Opportunity]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship] and can attest to [his/her/their] impeccable character.
[Applicant Name] is not only [Positive Adjective] but also highly [Positive Adjective]. I recall a time when [Specific Instance].
I firmly believe that [Applicant Name] will exceed your expectations. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Writing a strong character reference letter is a significant responsibility. By using these samples as inspiration and focusing on concrete examples, you can create a compelling recommendation that truly highlights the individual’s positive qualities and increases their chances of success. Remember to personalize each letter to ensure it accurately reflects your relationship and observations.
