How to Write a Character Reference Letter.

Why is a character reference letter important?

Character reference letters are a powerful way to support someone’s academic, job or other application. They’re a complement to the other things needed, such as a CV, cover letter or personal statement. And writing a good one could help them land their dream role.

Benefits of a character reference letter also include:

• Highlighting personal traits – Emphasises the positive parts of their personality that may not be evident in professional references, for instance a positive outlook, supportive friend, someone that’s easy to get along with.
• Offering unique insights – Provides a different angle on the applicant’s skills and strengths, especially from non-professional settings such as volunteering.
• Reinforcing claims – Offers evidence to back up statements made in a CV, cover letter, or interview, adding credibility.
• Showing adaptability – Illustrates how the applicant performs in diverse environments, including personal contexts.
• Building trust – A sincere character endorsement can create a favourable impression and instil confidence in the applicant’s suitability.
• Showcasing specific scenarios – Highlights how the applicant’s actions or decisions positively impacted others in real life.

How to write a good character reference – step by step.

Now you know why you’ve been asked to provide a character reference letter, it’s time to actually write it. Don’t worry if you’ve never written one before, we’re going to delve into a general structure you can follow:

Sample character reference letter for a friend.

Each character reference letter will be different as each one depends on the relationship you have with the person. But we’ve included a sample template for a friend’s character reference to follow as inspiration:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, County, Post Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Recipient's Name]
[Company/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, County, Post Code]

Subject: Character Reference for [Individual's Name]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to provide a character reference for [Individual’s Name], who I have been close friends with for [duration]. During this time, I have come to know them as a [key trait] individual with [positive attributes, e.g., integrity, strong work ethic, empathy].

One example of [Name]’s character that stands out occurred when [specific instance or story showcasing a positive quality]. This demonstrated their ability to [relevant skill/quality].

[Name] has consistently shown [additional qualities, e.g., reliability, problem-solving skills, or teamwork] that make them an excellent fit for [specific role or opportunity]. I have no doubt that they will bring dedication and positivity to their role at your organisation.

If you require further information or wish to discuss [Individual’s Name] in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email/phone number].

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

More character reference letter template ideas.