Best Character Letter of Reference Template: Tips and Examples

In today’s highly competitive job market, having a character letter of reference template handy can make all the difference. Whether you’re a job seeker looking to stand out from the crowd or an employer searching for the perfect candidate, having an effective character letter can be the key to success. Luckily, you don’t have to start from scratch. With so many examples available online, you can easily find a template that fits your needs and customize it as needed. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a character letter of reference template and provide some useful tips for editing it to make it your own. So, if you’re ready to take your job search to the next level or improve your candidate vetting process, keep reading!

The Best Structure for a Character Letter of Reference Template

When writing a character letter of reference, it is important to have a clear structure in order to effectively communicate the individual’s positive qualities and attributes. Below is a template for the best structure for a character letter of reference.

The first paragraph should start with an introduction of who the writer is and their relationship to the individual. This paragraph should also include a brief statement about the individual being referenced. For example, “I am writing this letter as a reference for John Smith, a former colleague and friend.” The writer should also mention the purpose of the letter, such as in support of a job application or for admission to a school.

The second paragraph should focus on the individual’s strengths and positive characteristics. This paragraph should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the individual’s qualities and how they have positively impacted others. For example, “John’s work ethic and attention to detail were unmatched, as evidenced by his successful completion of a complicated project ahead of schedule and under budget.” This paragraph should be written in a clear and concise manner, avoiding overly general or vague language that fails to convey the individual’s unique qualities.

The third paragraph can focus on any additional attributes or accomplishments of the individual that may be relevant to the situation. For example, if the letter is in support of a job application, this paragraph can detail the individual’s experience and qualifications for the job. If the letter is for admission to a school, this paragraph can highlight the individual’s academic achievements or extracurricular activities. This paragraph should be tailored to the specific situation and should not simply repeat information provided in the previous paragraph.

The final paragraph should conclude the letter by restating the writer’s endorsement of the individual and providing contact information for the writer. This paragraph can also express gratitude for the opportunity to provide a reference, and can reiterate the writer’s confidence in the individual’s abilities and character. For example, “I highly recommend John for the position he is applying for and am confident that he will be an asset to your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.”

In conclusion, using this structure for a character letter of reference template can ensure that the writer effectively communicates the individual’s positive qualities and attributes while tailoring the letter to the specific situation. By following this template, the writer can provide a strong endorsement of the individual and increase their chances of success.

Character Letter of Reference Templates

Character Reference for College Application

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to highly recommend [Name] for admission to your esteemed institution. I have known [Name] for [number] years and during this time, I have witnessed their exceptional academic prowess, determination, and passion. [He/She] has always been a model student, consistently earning top grades and actively participating in class discussions and extracurricular activities. [He/She] is also a thoughtful and compassionate individual who always strives to support others.

I am confident that [Name] will excel in whatever field [he/she] chooses to pursue, and I urge you to consider [him/her] strongly for admission to your institution. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Character Reference for Job Application

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. [Name] is an exceptional candidate who possesses all the qualities needed for success in this role. [He/She] is a hardworking, reliable, and driven individual who consistently goes above and beyond to exceed expectations. [He/She] is also a great team player who collaborates effectively with others to achieve common goals.

I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [number] years and have seen firsthand [his/her] ability to lead projects, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results. [He/She] is passionate about [Industry/Field] and has a deep understanding of [Key Skills/Requirements]. I am confident that [Name] would make a valuable addition to your team.

Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Character Reference for Volunteer Work

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Name] for volunteer work at [Organization Name]. [Name] is a highly motivated individual who is passionate about giving back to the community. [He/She] is always eager to help others and has an infectious positive attitude that inspires those around [him/her].

During [his/her] time volunteering with [Organization Name], [Name] has consistently demonstrated [Key Qualities, such as reliability, compassion, teamwork, etc.]. [He/She] has taken on various roles, from organizing events to mentoring young people, and has always executed [his/her] duties with the utmost professionalism and dedication. [He/She] is also highly respected by [Co-Volunteers/Staff Members] and has become a valuable member of our community.

I strongly believe that [Name] would be an asset to your organization and would excel in any volunteer role [he/she] takes on. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Character Reference for Immigration Purposes

Dear Immigration Officer,

I am writing this letter to strongly endorse [Name] for [Immigration Purpose, such as Permanent Residency or Citizenship]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Name] for [number] years and can attest to [his/her] impeccable character, hard work, and contributions to the community. [He/She] is a responsible, reliable, and trustworthy individual who always puts [his/her] best foot forward.

During [his/her] time in this country, [Name] has consistently followed the laws and regulations, paid [his/her] taxes, and pursued [his/her] goals with dedication and perseverance. [He/She] has also been an active member of the community, participating in [Volunteer Work/Community Events/Charity Work] and giving back in every possible way. [Name] has [Strong Connections/Intends to Invest] in this country and has demonstrated a deep commitment to building a better future for [himself/herself] and the community as a whole.

I wholeheartedly endorse [Name] for [Immigration Purpose] and believe that [he/she] would make a great member of this country. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Character Reference for Child Custody

Dear Judge [Name],

I am writing this letter in support of [Name] in [Child Custody Case]. I have known [Name] for [number] years and can attest to [his/her] unwavering dedication and love for [Child’s Name]. [He/She] has always put [Child’s Name] first and has provided [him/her] with a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

I have seen firsthand [Name’s] parenting skills, which are exemplary. [He/She] is patient, empathetic, and compassionate, and always takes the time to listen to [Child’s Name] and support [him/her] through life’s challenges. [Name] has also been actively involved in [Child’s Name’s] education, extracurricular activities, and social life, and has fostered a close and loving relationship with [him/her].

I strongly believe that [Child’s Name] would be best served by remaining in [Name’s] custody, as [he/she] provides the love, support, and stability that [he/she] needs at this critical time. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Character Reference for Court Appearance

Dear Judge [Name],

I am writing this letter in support of [Name] in [Court Case]. I have known [Name] for [number] years and can attest to [his/her] exceptional character, work ethic, and contributions to the community. [He/She] is a responsible, reliable, and trustworthy individual who always puts [his/her] best foot forward.

During [his/her] time in the community, [Name] has demonstrated unwavering integrity and respect for the law. [He/She] has been an active member of the community, participating in [Volunteer Work/Community Events/Charity Work] and giving back in every possible way. [Name] has also been a positive influence on those around [him/her], inspiring others to be their best selves.

I strongly urge you to consider [Name’s] impressive character and contributions when ruling in [his/her] court case. [He/She] has made mistakes, but [he/she] is truly remorseful and committed to making things right. [Name] has the potential to continue making a positive impact on society and I believe that [he/she] deserves a chance to do so. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Character Reference for Personal Loan

Dear Loan Officer,

I am writing this letter to endorse [Name] for a personal loan. I have known [Name] for [number] years and can attest to [his/her] impeccable character, work ethic, and financial responsibility. [He/She] is a responsible, reliable, and trustworthy individual who always pays [his/her] bills on time and manages [his/her] finances prudently.

[Name’s] financial need is temporary and arose due to [Reason, such as medical emergency or unexpected expense]. [He/She] has a solid plan for repayment, which [he/she] has shared with me, and is committed to honoring [his/her] obligations. [He/She] has also explored other avenues for obtaining funding but has not been successful due to [Reason, such as credit history or lack of collateral].

I highly recommend [Name] for a personal loan and am confident that [he/she] will be able to repay it in a timely and responsible manner. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Character Letter of Reference Template

A character letter of reference template is one of the most important documents that one may have to write in their lifetime. This type of letter plays a significant role in one’s professional life and especially when it comes to job applications. While it may seem like an easy task to write such a letter, there are key tips that can make the difference between a mediocre and an exceptional letter. Here are some in-depth tips on writing a character letter of reference template:

  • Begin with a formal salutation:

    Just like any other correspondence, start your character letter of reference template with a formal salutation. Address the recipient with their full name and their title (if applicable). For example, “Dear Mr. John Smith.”

  • Introduce yourself briefly:

    Provide a brief introduction of yourself and your relationship with the person you are recommending. State how long you have known the person and in what capacity. For instance, “I have known Jane Doe for the past ten years, and we have worked closely together at the XYZ corporation.”

  • Highlight the person’s qualifications:

    The main reason for writing a character letter of reference is to vouch for the person’s qualifications. Therefore, it’s essential to highlight their strengths and professional qualities that make them stand out. For example, “Jane is an exceptional team player, and her leadership skills have been a great asset to our department.”

  • Give specific examples:

    While it’s good to highlight the person’s strengths, it’s also important to support your claims with specific examples and instances. Provide concrete evidence of how the person has demonstrated their strengths and how they have made a positive impact in their workplace. For instance, “Jane was instrumental in spearheading the implementation of a new software system that has streamlined our operations and greatly improved efficiency.”

  • Provide a closing statement:

    End your letter with a closing statement that summarizes your recommendation and reiterates your confidence in the person’s abilities. For example, “In conclusion, I highly recommend Jane for any role she may apply for. Her dedication, work ethics, and professionalism make her an exceptional candidate.”

  • Offer your contact information:

    Provide your contact information in case the recipient wishes to reach out for further clarification. This includes your name, email address, and phone number. For example, “Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. You may reach me at [phone number] or [email address].”

Writing a character letter of reference can be a daunting task. However, with these tips, you can create a document that stands out and convinces potential employers of the person’s qualifications. Remember to be honest, specific, and emphasize the person’s strengths and their ability to make a positive impact. By doing so, you will help the recipient make an informed decision about the person’s suitability for the job.

Character Letter of Reference Template FAQs


What is a character letter of reference template?

A character letter of reference template is a pre-designed document that serves as a guide to help individuals write a letter of reference for another person. It includes sections and prompts to help make the process easier.

What should be included in a character letter of reference?

A character letter of reference should include the writer’s relationship to the person they are writing about, specific examples of the person’s character, skills or achievements, and a statement on why the person is suitable for the job or opportunity.

Who should write a character letter of reference?

A character letter of reference can be written by anyone who has a personal or professional relationship with the person they are referring. However, it is typically more effective if the writer has worked with or known the person for a considerable amount of time.

How do I use a character letter of reference template?

Using a character letter of reference template is simple. Start by downloading a template online, filling in the necessary details, and customizing it according to the needs of the individual who the letter is for.

What tone should a character letter of reference have?

A character letter of reference should have a positive and professional tone. However, it should also be honest and straightforward to give an accurate portrayal of the person being referred to.

Are character letters of reference necessary?

Character letters of reference are not always necessary, but they can be an essential tool in the hiring or acceptance process. They can provide a greater sense of the person’s character, experience, and overall suitability for the job or opportunity.

How long should a character letter of reference be?

A character reference letter should be no longer than one page. It should be concise, to the point, and include only relevant information that highlights the person’s character, skills, achievements, and suitability for the job or opportunity.

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope this character letter of reference template has been helpful for you. Remember, crafting a strong letter of reference can be a powerful way to help your friend or colleague land their dream job or earn that well-deserved promotion. If you ever need any more writing tips or help with your next letter, feel free to visit us again. Thanks for reading and good luck with all your future writing endeavors!