How to Write or Ask for a Character Reference Letter (With Examples) (2024)

Job candidates, students, and even apartment hunters may need to supply a character reference letter to their would-be employer, program, or landlord.

Do you need to write a character reference or ask someone to write one for you? If it’s something you haven’t done before, getting some pointers and looking at sample letters may help.

Review samplereferencelettersandtips for writing and requesting character references.

What Is a Character Reference?

Acharacter reference(also known as apersonal reference) is a letter written by someone who knows the candidate and can speak to their character and abilities. Unlike withprofessional references, the person writing the reference is generally not an employer.

What to Include in a Character Reference Letter

When asked to write a character reference, only agree if you can speak positively about the candidate's personality and work ethic.

Onceyou'veagreed,besureto include a few key elements in your letter:

• First, state your relationship with the personrequestingtheletter and mentionhow long you have known them.
• The body of your letter should focus on one or two of the candidate’s strongest qualities or skills that you think will make them stand out in the job search or other application process.
• Try to support each claim you make about the person with a specific example.
• At the end of the letter, provide any contact information that you feel comfortable sharing with the recipient.

Lastly, be sure to meticulously edit your letter before sending it.

Character Reference Letter Example

This is a character reference letter sample.Download the letter template(compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

More Reference Letter Examples

Review morereference letter samplesfor a variety of circ*mstancesto get started on your own letter.

Tips for Writing a Personal Reference Letter

Think before saying yes.Before agreeing to write a character reference letter, be sure you can write onethatis positive and honest. If you cannot, it is better to say no; this will give the person a chance to ask someone who can write a stronger letter.

If you do not want to explain your reason for saying no in detail, you can simply say, “I don’t feel I am qualified to write a letter on your behalf.” Here'show to decline a request for a reference.

Should you choose to write the letter, you should:

• Request information:If you decide to write the letter, make sure you have all the information you need. In particular, make sure you know what the letter is for (whether it is for a particular job, a college application, etc.), how to submit it, and when it is due. You might also ask the person if theyhave a resume, CV, or other document listing their skills and experiences that you can use to help write the letter.
• Be specific:In your letter, focus on two or three specific qualities or abilities the person has that make them a good fit for the job or school.
• Researchtheposition:Look at the job listing or the school website for a sense of the qualities the employer or schoolmight be looking for. Provide an example of a time the person demonstrated each of these qualities.
• Provide contact information:Provide some form of contact information so the employer ororganizationcan reach you with further questions.
• Use business letter format:If you are sending the letter by mail, usebusiness letter formatwhen writing your letter. Include the contact information of the employer at the top, the date, and your contact information. Conclude with a handwritten signature and your typed signature underneath. If you send anemail reference letter, you do not have to use this format.
• Proofread and edit:Be sure to thoroughly edit your letter so it is polished and professional. Ask a friend or family member to read over the letter before you send it.

What to Do When You Need References

There are a number of situations in which you may need to ask someone to write a character reference for you. Perhaps you don't have anyprofessional referencesyou can use because you're looking for your first job or have been out of the workforce for a while.

Or maybe you're concerned your current employer won't give you a positive reference. Evenifyouhavegoodprofessionalreferences,some employers request character references in addition tolettersofrecommendationbecausetheywanttogeta sense of a potential employee's personality.

You may also need a character reference when you'reapplying for a loan from the bank, renting an apartment,orapplyingtoschools. A reference gives the employer, school, landlord, or bank a vote of confidence in the candidate.

If you're the one who needs a character reference, below is some helpful information about whom you should ask for help and how to go about doing it.

Whom to Ask for a Character Reference

Whomshould youask to provide a personal referencefor you? Ask someone you know personally who can speak to your character and abilities.

Neighbors and acquaintances may be willing to write a reference for you. Business acquaintances, professorsandacademic advisors, customers, and vendors can also make good references. You may even be able touse a friend as a referencefor employment.

If you belongtoorvolunteerforanyorganizations, consider using leaders or other members of the group as personal references. Have you participated in the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, ora similar organization? Did youplay school sports? Do you belong to a church group? Ask your group leader or coach to write a personal letter of reference for you. If you've babysat, dog-sat, or shoveled snow, ask the people you worked for if they will write a reference letter for you.

Tips for Requesting a Character Reference

Select Someone Who Knows You Well

Think carefully aboutwhom you want toaskto write a reference for you. Make sure you pick someone who knows you well enough to offer insight into your personality. Pick someone you think will speak positively about you or someone you know has positive anecdotes to share about you. You can ask a family member,friend, or neighbor. You can also ask a teacher, advisor, volunteer leader, coach, pastor, or business acquaintance.

When to Ask

Be sure to ask your references as early as possible so they have time to write the letter. Offer to send them your resume or to update them on your life if they would like some more information, and make sure they know the deadline by which their reference needs to be received.

Provide the Details

It’s also a good idea to provide them with informationabout the job postings orprogramsyou are applying for so they candiscuss how your character and personality willmake you a good candidate for these positions.

Say Thank You

Afterward,send them athank-you noteto show your appreciation.