A character reference letter, also known as a personal reference, is a testament to an individual’s positive qualities and character traits. It provides valuable insight into their personality, integrity, and work ethic. These letters are often requested for job applications, housing applications, university admissions, and even legal proceedings. Providing a strong character reference can significantly enhance someone’s chances of success.
Writing an effective character reference requires careful consideration and thoughtful presentation. It’s important to highlight specific examples that demonstrate the individual’s strengths. Focus on qualities such as honesty, reliability, empathy, and leadership, tailoring the letter to the specific context. Remember to maintain a professional tone and proofread meticulously for any errors.
Below, you’ll find 19 sample character reference letters covering various situations. Each example offers a unique perspective and can serve as a template or inspiration for crafting your own compelling letter. Adapt these samples to accurately reflect your personal experience and relationship with the individual you are recommending. Be genuine and sincere in your endorsement.
19 Sample Character Reference Letters
Sample 1: For a Job Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship]. [He/She/They] is/are a highly motivated and reliable individual.
[Applicant Name]’s [Specific Skill/Quality] is particularly impressive. For example, [Specific Anecdote]. I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 2: For University Admission
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[University Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student Name] for admission to [University Name]. I have known [Student Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their teacher, mentor]. [He/She/They] is/are an exceptional student with a genuine passion for learning.
[Student Name] consistently demonstrates [Specific Quality – e.g., intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic]. [He/She/They] possesses the critical thinking skills and dedication necessary to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. [Example demonstrating quality].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: For Apartment Rental
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord/Property Manager Name]
[Property Name]
[Property Address]
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] as a tenant for your property. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a friend, neighbor]. I can vouch for their responsibility and respectfulness.
[Applicant Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., quiet, considerate, clean] individual. They are always [Positive Action – e.g., prompt with payments, respectful of neighbors, mindful of property upkeep]. I believe they would be an excellent tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 4: For Scholarship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Student Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship, e.g., their advisor, a volunteer coordinator]. [He/She/They] is/are a dedicated and talented individual with significant potential.
[Student Name] consistently demonstrates [Key Quality – e.g., leadership skills, academic excellence, a commitment to community service]. [He/She/They] is a highly deserving candidate who I am confident will make a significant contribution in the future. [Specific example showing demonstrated key quality].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 5: For a Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Organization Name]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for a volunteer position with your organization. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., fellow volunteer, supervisor]. [He/She/They] is/are a reliable and compassionate individual with a strong desire to help others.
[Applicant Name] has shown dedication and enthusiasm in every task [he/she/they] has undertaken. They are [Positive Trait – e.g., proactive, helpful, a great team player] and always willing to go the extra mile. [Specific example demonstrating positive trait].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 6: For Custody/Legal Proceedings
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient – e.g., Judge’s Name, Attorney’s Name]
[Court Name/Law Firm Name]
[Address]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Person’s Name] concerning [briefly state the purpose, e.g., custody of [child’s name]]. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship].
I have always known [Person’s Name] to be [Positive Qualities – e.g., a loving, caring, and responsible parent/individual]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [Positive Actions – e.g., puts the child’s needs first, is actively involved in their life, provides a stable and supportive environment]. [Specific example].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 7: General Character Reference
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to offer this character reference for [Person’s Name]. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship].
Throughout our acquaintance, I have found [Person’s Name] to be [Positive Qualities – e.g., honest, reliable, compassionate, hardworking]. [He/She/They] is a person of integrity and someone I trust implicitly. [Specific example].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 8: Emphasis on Leadership
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Person’s Name], especially highlighting [his/her/their] exceptional leadership skills. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., team leader, project partner].
[Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates the ability to inspire and motivate others. During [Specific Situation], [he/she/they] effectively [Leadership Actions – e.g., guided the team to success, resolved conflicts, delegated tasks efficiently]. [Specific example demonstrating leadership]. [His/Her/Their] leadership qualities make [him/her/them] a valuable asset.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 9: Emphasis on Teamwork
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to recommend [Person’s Name], particularly highlighting [his/her/their] exceptional teamwork abilities. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., teammate, project partner].
[Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others. During [Specific Situation], [he/she/they] [Teamwork Actions – e.g., actively listened to others’ ideas, offered constructive feedback, contributed positively to the team’s goals]. [Specific example demonstrating teamwork]. [His/Her/Their] collaborative spirit makes [him/her/them] a valuable asset.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 10: Emphasis on Work Ethic
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Person’s Name], with a particular focus on [his/her/their] outstanding work ethic. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., colleague, supervisor].
[Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to [his/her/their] work and always goes the extra mile to achieve results. [He/She/They] are [Positive Adjectives – e.g., reliable, dedicated, persistent] and consistently exceed expectations. [Specific example demonstrating strong work ethic]. [His/Her/Their] dedication is truly commendable.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 11: For a Mentorship Program
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Mentorship Program Committee
[Program Name]
[Program Address]
Dear Mentorship Program Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Mentee Name] for your mentorship program. I have known [Mentee Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., teacher, coach, advisor]. [He/She/They] possess the qualities and potential to greatly benefit from this opportunity.
[Mentee Name] consistently demonstrates [Positive Attributes – e.g., a willingness to learn, an open mind, a proactive approach to self-improvement]. [He/She/They] is/are eager to grow and develop [his/her/their] skills, and I believe this mentorship program will provide the guidance and support [he/she/they] needs. [Specific example showcasing positive attributes and potential].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 12: For a Friend in Need
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient – e.g., Judge, Case Worker, etc.]
[Address]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to offer my support and character reference for [Friend’s Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a close friend, a neighbor]. I want to share my perspective on [his/her/their] character during a difficult time.
[Friend’s Name] has always been a [Positive Adjectives – e.g., kind, generous, supportive] person. Despite recent challenges, [he/she/they] continues to demonstrate [Positive Actions – e.g., resilience, determination to improve, a commitment to family]. [Specific Example]. I believe [Friend’s Name] is capable of [Positive Outcome – e.g., overcoming these challenges, returning to a stable life, providing a loving home].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 13: Focus on Communication Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Person’s Name], specifically highlighting [his/her/their] excellent communication skills. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., classmate, colleague, project partner].
[Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. [He/She/They] is/are a skilled [Communication Abilities – e.g., presenter, negotiator, listener] and can convey complex information clearly and concisely. [Specific example demonstrating communication skills]. [His/Her/Their] ability to communicate effectively makes [him/her/them] a valuable asset.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 14: For a Teaching Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for the teaching position at [School Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a colleague teacher, their mentor teacher, a parent of their student]. [He/She/They] is/are a passionate and dedicated educator.
[Applicant Name] possesses a strong understanding of pedagogy and creates engaging and effective learning experiences for students. [He/She/They] is skilled at [Teaching Abilities – e.g., differentiating instruction, managing classroom behavior, fostering a positive learning environment]. [Specific example demonstrating teaching abilities]. I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable addition to your faculty.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 15: For a Scholarship (Focus on Perseverance)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Student Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their teacher, their academic advisor]. I am particularly impressed by [his/her/their] perseverance in the face of challenges.
[Student Name] has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles and pursue [his/her/their] goals with unwavering determination. For instance, [Specific Example – overcoming academic hardship, balancing work and school, etc.]. [His/Her/Their] resilience and dedication make [him/her/them] a highly deserving candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 16: For a Nursing Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hospital/Clinic Name]
[Hospital/Clinic Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the nursing position at [Hospital/Clinic Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a supervising nurse, a fellow nurse, a patient’s family member]. [He/She/They] is/are a compassionate and highly skilled nurse.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates excellent clinical skills and a genuine concern for patient well-being. [He/She/They] is skilled at [Nursing Skills – e.g., administering medication, monitoring vital signs, providing emotional support]. [Specific example demonstrating nursing skills and compassion]. I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your nursing team.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 17: Focus on Problem-Solving Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Person’s Name], with specific emphasis on [his/her/their] excellent problem-solving abilities. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., colleague, project partner, supervisor].
[Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates a strong analytical mind and the ability to identify and resolve complex problems effectively. [He/She/They] approaches challenges with [Problem Solving Actions – e.g., a logical approach, creativity, resourcefulness] and consistently finds innovative solutions. [Specific example demonstrating problem-solving skills]. [His/Her/Their] problem-solving abilities make [him/her/them] a valuable asset.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 18: For an Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for an internship position at [Company Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., professor, academic advisor, supervisor on a volunteer project]. [He/She/They] is/are a motivated and eager learner.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates a strong interest in [Industry/Field] and a willingness to contribute to your organization. [He/She/They] possesses [Relevant Skills – e.g., strong research skills, excellent communication skills, proficiency in relevant software]. [Specific example demonstrating skills and enthusiasm]. I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable addition to your internship program and would benefit greatly from the experience.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 19: For a Position Requiring High Ethical Standards
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Person’s Name], and I want to specifically emphasize [his/her/their] unwavering commitment to ethical standards and integrity. I have known [Person’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., colleague, supervisor, friend].
Throughout our relationship, I have consistently observed [Person’s Name] acting with the highest level of integrity and ethical conduct. [He/She/They] always demonstrates [Ethical Actions – e.g., honesty, fairness, respect for others] even in challenging situations. [Specific example demonstrating ethical behavior]. [His/Her/Their] strong ethical compass makes [him/her/them] an exemplary individual.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Crafting a powerful character reference letter requires tailoring each recommendation to the specific situation and highlighting relevant qualities with concrete examples. These 19 samples offer a diverse range of templates to guide you. Remember to personalize each letter with genuine sincerity and specific anecdotes to showcase the individual’s strengths and character. By providing a thoughtful and compelling endorsement, you can significantly impact their chances of success.
