How to write a character reference letter.

Received a request to provide a character reference letter for someone you know? Some employers may ask for a character reference from a friend, colleague or acquaintance as part of the job application process – to help them gain a better understanding of their potential new employee.

This type of reference letter is a written personal endorsement of someone’s qualities, character and abilities. It highlights their best attributes, such as integrity, reliability, and interpersonal skills. It’s different to a professional reference, which focuses on work performance and experience.

If you’ve been asked to write a character reference letter for a friend, then this is your chance to help them land the job. In this guide, we’ll share some tips and examples to help you do just that.

Key takeaways.

• Find out what a character reference letter is and when you might write one.

• Discover the difference between a character reference letter and a professional reference letter.

• Learn how to write a good character reference letter with tips and templates from Adobe Express.

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 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. Each letter depends on the relationship you have with the person. We’ve included a sample template for a character reference for a friend to follow as inspiration:

[Your name]
[Your address]
[City, county, postcode]
[Email address]
[Phone number]
[Date]

[Recipient’s name]
[Company/organisation name]
[Address]
[City, county, postcode]

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]

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a character reference letter.

If you’ve not written a character reference letter before, it can be helpful to make sure you know exactly what you can and can’t say.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Remain professional. Avoid giving your personal opinions, unless you have solid evidence to support them. Remember, a character reference should be fair and provide an accurate portrayal of an individual.

• Use the right tone. If you’re writing a character reference for a court case, it should be addressed correctly. The tone should be honest and formal.

• Don’t vouch for the defendant. If you’re asked to provide a character reference for a court proceeding, don’t argue against the charges or suggest the defendant is not guilty. Character references are only presented to court after a conviction or guilty plea.

• Don’t include false information. It’s important not to exaggerate or include false information in a character reference. The credibility of a character reference relies on honesty.

Legal applications of character reference letters.

Character reference letters are also used in court proceedings and other legal contexts. People who know someone involved in a criminal court proceeding may be asked to write a character reference about them.

A good character reference provides valuable insights into the defendant’s values and general conduct. This helps judges understand the defendant on a deeper level and assess whether their behaviour was out of character. The letter can be written by a range of people who know the defendant well, such as employers, friends or family members.

A character reference for a criminal court proceeding typically follows an honest and formal format. It starts by introducing the person giving the reference and their relationship with the defendant, before detailing some of the defendant’s good qualities. It may also include details about any necessary steps the defendant is taking towards improvement.

Tools and apps that can assist in creating character reference letters.

There are lots of tools and apps that can assist in creating a character reference letter. Some common tools and apps include:

Adobe Express.

Adobe Express has a range of character reference letter template ideas to help kickstart your character reference letter. Simply choose a template you like, then edit and personalise to make the letter your own.

Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant.

You could also combine Adobe Express with the Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant to help formalise your letter into a PDF format. Chat to the AI tool to help turn your thoughts into clear and credible writing, or ask it to suggest improvements. This can help you craft a clear and authentic character reference letter.

More character reference letter template ideas.