Letter of Character Reference

A letter of character reference is a letter that’s purpose is to provide a potential employer or anyone in a similar situation a testimonial as to the subject’s character. By writing a letter of character reference, the writer is stating their relationship with the subject and vouching for their positive qualities as a person.

Steps

Starting to Write

1

Be honest, the recipient is not looking for the perfect human, just somebody reliable for employment or other purposes. They’ll know if you’re overdoing it and this may be detrimental.

2

In certain scenarios there may be specific information required. For example if you’re providing a reference in a child custody case, parenting skills should be mentioned.

3

Note how long you have known the person and in what capacity.

4

Mention the positive qualities of the person, but also any related examples of these in action.

Sample Letters

Letter of Character Reference for Employment Sample


Jane R. Adams

3217 Penn Street
New Haven, MO 63066

 

Dear Jane,

I have had a professional relationship with Joey Barman for the past 3 years. We have worked in many capacities together, including, but not limited to: shop forman, scheduling manager and chief supervisor.

For the whole time that Joey and I have worked together, he has demonstrated incredible leadership quality, always showed respect for his employees, was never late for work, or presented a bad attitude.

 

I think that Joey would be an excellent candidate for whatever job you have in mind.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 564-342-3422.

 

Sincerely,

Johnny Clayman

Letter of Character Reference for Child Custody Sample


I am happy to provide the court a character reference for Mr. Alec Lintwhite and his custody battle for Preston Lintwhite. I’ve known Alec for over 20 years. We first met in high school as we were in many of the same classes, and since graduation we have both lived and worked together for a period of time. I therefore feel I am in a good position to provide an accurate assessment.

 

In school Alec was known for his hard work and dedication to both education and sports. He took wrestling which humbled him greatly and helped keep his ego in check, something many young men fail to do. His patient and selfless attitude with Preston and everyone he meets, certainly grew out of this early experience. I have never seen anybody avoid and diffuse confrontation like my friend.

 

As a housemate after high school Alec was disciplined, tidy and took on many of the responsibilities I myself ignored, such as cleaning, shopping, dealing with the landlord etc. As you are aware he currently maintains his own home and having visited many times I am confident that it is more than acceptable for a young child to be raised in.

 

As you’re also aware Alec is currently the manager of Tanglewood Theatre, a place where we both worked as popcorn sellers and other basic jobs following school. I have since moved on, but he had the loyalty and dedication to slowly work his way to the top. I have never known him to have any kind of disciplinary action throughout his entire employment and his position today is a testament to his character.

 

I have two young children myself who are often around Alec and they always have a fun time with him. He has looked after them when me and my wife have gone out for dinner and such, and I have no qualms about calling on him should they ever need extended care.

 

He absolutely adores his son Preston, who has always been happy and well adjusted in Alec’s home and I have never been aware of any issues in regard to his parenting. When I sometimes drop by on Saturday mornings on the way to the gym you can almost always guarantee they’ll be spending quality time together in the garden or watching cartoons huddled on the sofa.

 

In closing I feel Preston has a safe and loving future in Alec’s custody, so I hope this reference is of value to the court.

 

Thank You,

Mr. Clint Nevins

Letter of Character Reference for Immigration Sample


To Whom it May Concern,

I have known Mr. Szporluk for several years and herby share this character reference.

 

Mr. Szporluk has been friends with my son since early childhood and he has spent many an evening under my roof. He has also been a business partner to one of my close friends, and has managed the accounts for my barbering business for free as a gesture of goodwill.

 

Mr. Szporluk is a polite and respectful young man with a stellar reputation locally, and I can always count on him to give me a helping hand with whatever I need. He has been a good friend to my son and helped him make good choices in life. He discussed with me his plans to immigrate to the United States and I am positive he will abide by your laws and will not breach his visa conditions.

 

I am pleased that he has been offered several job opportunities, as I have seen him work hard in school and through University. He will be a great asset to the United States.

 

If you have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Sincerely,

Mr. Henck

Local Business Owner, Warsaw Poland.

Letter of Character Reference for Landlord Sample


To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to recommend Mr. Smith Stanhope as a potential tenant for your flat. I have known Smith for around 5 years, as we are both employed by the same office.

 

During our time working together I have never known him to be accused of any wrongful act, and he has been successfully living in rental property with no problems since we’ve met. Having visited his previous flat many times, I can vouch for the fact that he is tidy and responsible.

 

I personally know that he earns more than enough to cover rent and I’ve never heard of him missing payments on his previous property, which was simply being reclaimed to put on the market, as you may be aware.

 

To close out I feel Mr. Shalhope would be a reliable and stress free tenant and I cam confident in this assessment.

 

Don’t hesitate to give me a call if you require any more information to aid your decision.

 

Signed

Mr. Passmore

Phone: 605-555-0115