Character Reference Letter for a Friend: Samples & Tips

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] for [purpose of reference, if known]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [number] years as [relationship to friend, e.g., a close friend, a colleague, a neighbor].

Throughout our acquaintance, I have been consistently impressed by [Friend’s Name]’s [positive qualities, e.g., integrity, work ethic, kindness, dedication]. For example, [Provide a specific example that illustrates the quality]. [Friend’s Name] is also [other positive qualities, e.g., reliable, responsible, compassionate, resourceful].

I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would be a valuable asset to [organization or situation]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Friend’s Name] for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [number] years as a [relationship to friend, e.g., close friend and former classmate].

[Friend’s Name] possesses a strong [skill 1, e.g., problem-solving ability] and [skill 2, e.g., communication skills]. During our time [together/working on projects], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [accomplishment related to the skills]. For instance, [he/she/they] [specific example of accomplishment]. Furthermore, [Friend’s Name] is [positive trait, e.g., highly motivated and a team player].

I am certain that [Friend’s Name]’s skills and experience would make [him/her/them] a valuable addition to your team. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and believe [he/she/they] will excel in this role. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.

[Date]

[Landlord/Property Manager Name]
[Property Name]
[Property Address]

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager Name],

I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] as a responsible and respectful tenant. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [number] years as [relationship to friend, e.g., a neighbor and close friend].

Throughout our time knowing each other, [Friend’s Name] has consistently demonstrated [his/her/their] [positive qualities relevant to tenancy, e.g., reliability, cleanliness, respect for property]. [He/She/They] is a [adjective describing friend, e.g., quiet and considerate] individual. [Provide a specific example, e.g., They always maintain their yard meticulously and are respectful of noise levels].

I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would be an excellent tenant. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without any hesitation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Friend’s Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as my [Relationship – e.g., close friend, colleague].

Throughout our acquaintance, [Friend’s Name] has consistently demonstrated unwavering honesty and integrity. I recall an instance where [Specific example illustrating honesty – e.g., they returned a wallet they found even though no one was watching]. This act, among many others, showcases [his/her/their] strong moral compass.

I am absolutely confident that [Friend’s Name] possesses the highest ethical standards. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] and believe [he/she/they] will be a valuable asset. Please contact me if you require further clarification.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

I am writing to strongly recommend [Friend’s Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as my [Relationship – e.g., neighbor, teammate].

One of [Friend’s Name]’s most commendable qualities is [his/her/their] unwavering reliability. [He/She/They] is someone you can always count on. For example, [Specific example illustrating reliability – e.g., they consistently volunteered to drive our team to away games, ensuring everyone had a ride]. This dedication highlights [his/her/their] commitment and dependability.

I am certain that [Friend’s Name]’s reliability will be a valuable asset in any endeavor [he/she/they] undertakes. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

It’s a pleasure to recommend [Friend’s Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as my [Relationship – e.g., study partner, volunteer colleague].

What strikes me most about [Friend’s Name] is [his/her/their] consistently positive attitude. Even in challenging situations, [he/she/they] maintains a cheerful and optimistic outlook. [Specific example illustrating positive attitude – e.g., During a particularly stressful project, they were the one who kept the team motivated and focused]. This positivity is truly contagious.

I believe [Friend’s Name]’s positive attitude would be a significant asset in any environment. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them]. Please feel free to reach out if you require further information.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Name] with great enthusiasm. I have had the privilege of knowing [him/her/them] for [Number] years as my [Relationship – e.g., fellow volunteer, church member].

[Friend’s Name] possesses a truly remarkable level of compassion. [He/She/They] genuinely cares about others and consistently goes out of [his/her/their] way to help those in need. [Specific example illustrating compassion – e.g., I witnessed them volunteering at a soup kitchen every week, providing comfort and support to those experiencing homelessness]. This selfless dedication is truly inspiring.

I am confident that [Friend’s Name]’s compassionate nature will make [him/her/them] a valuable asset to any community or organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without any reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

I enthusiastically recommend [Friend’s Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years in my capacity as [Relationship – e.g., project partner, art class peer].

[Friend’s Name] is a truly creative individual. [He/She/They] possesses a unique ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. [Specific example illustrating creativity – e.g., During our project, they came up with a completely novel approach that ultimately saved us a significant amount of time and resources]. This creative thinking is a significant strength.

I am certain that [Friend’s Name]’s creativity will be a valuable asset in any role. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for [mention specific opportunity, if known]. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further details.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

I am delighted to recommend [Friend’s Name]. I’ve known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as my [Relationship – e.g., coworker, study group member].

[Friend’s Name] possesses an exceptionally strong work ethic. [He/She/They] consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that tasks are completed to the highest standard. [Specific example illustrating work ethic – e.g., They were always the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring all deadlines were met and all tasks were completed efficiently]. This dedication is truly remarkable.

I am completely confident that [Friend’s Name]’s strong work ethic will be a tremendous asset. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without hesitation. Please contact me if you require any further information.

[Date]

[Recipient Name (if known), or “To Whom It May Concern”]
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Organization]
[Recipient Address]

Dear [Recipient Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],

I am pleased to recommend [Friend’s Name]. I’ve had the opportunity to observe [him/her/them] closely for [Number] years as [Relationship – e.g., team captain, club president].

[Friend’s Name] possesses exceptional leadership skills. [He/She/They] has a natural ability to motivate and inspire others, fostering a collaborative and productive environment. [Specific example illustrating leadership – e.g., As team captain, they led our team to victory by fostering a sense of camaraderie and encouraging each player to reach their full potential]. This leadership ability is truly noteworthy.

I am certain that [Friend’s Name]’s leadership skills will be invaluable in any leadership role. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them]. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

[Date]

Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[University Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Friend’s Name] for admission to [University Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [relationship to friend, e.g., their teacher/mentor].

[Friend’s Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student. [He/She/They] possesses a strong intellectual curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. [Specific example showcasing academic abilities – e.g., In my class, they consistently asked thoughtful questions and demonstrated a deep understanding of the material]. Furthermore, [Friend’s Name] is [positive academic trait, e.g., highly organized and dedicated to their studies].

I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your university community. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.

[Date]

Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Providing Scholarship]
[Address of Organization]

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to strongly recommend [Friend’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [relationship to friend, e.g., their volunteer supervisor, a family friend].

[Friend’s Name] is an incredibly deserving candidate. [He/She/They] demonstrates [key qualities aligned with scholarship criteria, e.g., a commitment to community service, a passion for academic excellence]. [Specific example illustrating qualities – e.g., They have volunteered countless hours at the local animal shelter, demonstrating their compassion and dedication to animal welfare]. [Friend’s Name] is also [other positive trait, e.g., a highly motivated and determined individual] with a clear vision for their future.

Awarding [Friend’s Name] this scholarship would significantly contribute to [his/her/their] ability to pursue [his/her/their] academic goals. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them]. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

[Date]

Grant Committee
[Granting Organization]
[Address of Organization]

Dear Grant Committee,

I am writing to support the grant application of [Friend’s Name] for [briefly state the purpose of the grant]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [relationship to friend, e.g., a collaborator on a project, a colleague in the field].

[Friend’s Name] possesses the skills and dedication necessary to successfully complete this project. [He/She/They] has a proven track record of [mention relevant accomplishments – e.g., successfully managing similar projects, demonstrating expertise in the relevant field]. [Specific example showcasing abilities – e.g., In the past, they led a similar initiative that resulted in significant positive impact within the community]. Furthermore, [Friend’s Name] is [positive trait, e.g., highly organized and resourceful].

I am confident that [Friend’s Name]’s project will make a significant contribution to [field of study or area of impact]. I strongly endorse [his/her/their] application and believe [he/she/they] is a highly deserving candidate. Please contact me if you require additional information.

[Date]

To the Honorable Judge [Judge’s Last Name],
[Court Name]
[Court Address]

Dear Judge [Judge’s Last Name],

I am writing to provide this character reference for [Friend’s Name] in regards to the child custody case concerning [Child’s Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [number] years as [relationship to friend, e.g., a neighbor, a close family friend].

Throughout our acquaintance, I have observed [Friend’s Name] to be a loving, responsible, and nurturing parent. [He/She/They] consistently prioritizes the well-being of [Child’s Name] and provides a stable and supportive environment. [Specific example illustrating positive parenting – e.g., I have witnessed them actively participating in [Child’s Name]’s school activities and consistently providing them with emotional support]. [Friend’s Name] is also [positive parental trait, e.g., patient, understanding, and dedicated to [Child’s Name]’s growth and development].

I believe that it is in the best interest of [Child’s Name] to have [Friend’s Name] play a significant role in [his/her/their] life. I highly recommend [Friend’s Name] as a capable and loving parent. Please note: This letter carries significant legal weight and should only be written if you have direct knowledge of the parent-child relationship. Consult with legal counsel before submitting this letter.

[Date]

[Hiring Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Name],

I am writing to strongly recommend [Friend’s Name] for the volunteer position at [Organization Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [relationship to friend, e.g., a neighbor and fellow community member].

[Friend’s Name] is a dedicated and compassionate individual who is passionate about giving back to the community. [He/She/They] possesses a strong work ethic and is always willing to go the extra mile to help others. [Specific example illustrating qualities – e.g., They consistently organize neighborhood clean-up events and actively participate in local food drives]. [Friend’s Name] is also [other positive trait, e.g., reliable, responsible, and a team player].

I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your organization. I highly recommend [him/her/them] and believe [he/she/they] will make a positive contribution. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.