10 Best Templates for Writing a Character Reference Letter in 2021

Are you struggling to write a character reference letter for someone you know? Perhaps you’ve been asked by a friend or a colleague to vouch for their character in a personal or professional setting. Writing a character reference letter can be a challenging task, but there is a template available to guide you through the process.

With this template, you can easily craft a compelling character reference letter for your friend or colleague, which showcases their strengths and abilities in the best possible light. The template provides a structure that you can follow, making it easier for you to communicate your thoughts in a clear and concise manner.

But where can you find this template? Luckily, there are many resources available online that offer free templates for writing a character reference letter. With a simple web search, you can easily find these templates and even edit them as needed to fit your specific situation and intended audience.

So, if you find yourself in need of a template for writing a character reference letter, look no further. With the right template in hand, you’ll be able to compose a powerful letter that accurately reflects the character and abilities of the person in question.

The Best Structure for Writing a Character Reference Letter

When it comes to writing a character reference letter, the structure of the letter is just as important as the content. A well-structured letter can help make a strong case for the person you are recommending, while a poorly-structured letter can be confusing and ineffective.

Here is a template for a well-structured character reference letter that you can use as a guide:

1. Introduction: Begin the letter with a brief introduction of yourself and your relationship to the person you are recommending. This will give the reader some context and help establish your credibility.

2. Opening Paragraph: In the opening paragraph, briefly describe the person you are recommending, including their name, occupation or role, and any other relevant details. This will help set the tone for the rest of the letter and give the reader a clear idea of who you are endorsing.

3. Second Paragraph: In this paragraph, provide specific examples of the person’s character, skills, and accomplishments. Use anecdotes and stories to give the reader a more detailed picture of the person’s strengths and positive qualities. Be sure to highlight any unique or exceptional qualities that make the person stand out.

4. Third Paragraph: In this section, address any potential concerns or weaknesses that the reader may have about the person you are recommending. Offer a balanced perspective on the person’s strengths and weaknesses, and show how any weaknesses are outweighed by their strengths. This will help address any potential objections and make your recommendation more persuasive.

5. Closing Paragraph: In the closing paragraph, summarize your recommendation and offer a final endorsement of the person. This is your opportunity to make a strong case for why the person deserves the position or opportunity they are seeking. Be sure to include your contact information and offer to answer any further questions the reader may have.

Using this template can help you structure your character reference letter in a clear and effective way. By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling and persuasive letter that highlights the strengths and positive qualities of the person you are recommending.

Template for a Character Reference Letter for a Job Applicant

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years and have had the opportunity to work with them as their [Position]. I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the position of [Position].

[Applicant’s name] is a highly dedicated and skilled professional. They are a quick learner and have excellent problem-solving skills. They are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the job is done well and on time.

[Applicant’s name] has always been a team player. They have excellent communication skills and can work well with people from diverse backgrounds. They are highly organized and are excellent at multitasking. They are also a quick thinker and have excellent decision-making skills.

Overall, I believe that [Applicant’s Name] will make an excellent addition to your team. They are highly motivated and have a strong work ethic. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Template for a Character Reference Letter for College Admissions

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [College/University Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years and have had the opportunity to work with them as their [Position] at [Organization Name].

[Student’s name] is an outstanding student who consistently performs at a high level. They have excellent critical-thinking skills and are highly motivated. They have a passion for learning and have consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance throughout their academic career.

[Student’s name] is also an excellent leader. They have held leadership positions in various clubs and organizations and have shown great potential in terms of their leadership skills. They are a team player and are always willing to help their peers.

[Student’s name] has excellent communication skills and is highly professional in their interactions with others. They have a positive attitude and are always willing to take on new challenges. I believe that [Student’s Name] would be an excellent addition to your student body and will make a significant contribution to your institution.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template for a Character Reference Letter for Child Custody Case

Dear Honorable Judge,

I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for [Parent’s Name]. I have known [Parent’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their strong character and parenting abilities.

[Parent’s name] is a highly dedicated and responsible parent. They have always put their children’s needs first and have demonstrated excellent parenting skills. [Parent’s name] is a patient and loving parent who fosters a warm and supportive environment for their children.

[Parent’s name] understands the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and cooperation with their co-parent. They are always willing to work towards a resolution that is in the best interests of their children. [Parent’s name] has always been highly respectful and professional in their interactions with others, including their co-parent.

I strongly believe that [Parent’s Name] is an excellent parent who has the best interests of their children at heart. I am confident that they would continue to provide a loving and supportive environment for their children if granted custody.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]

Template for a Character Reference Letter for Immigration

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for immigration purposes. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their strong character and work ethic.

[Applicant’s name] is a highly responsible and trustworthy individual. They are hardworking and diligent in all of their endeavors. They possess excellent communication skills and are highly professional in their interactions with others.

[Applicant’s name] has always been a law-abiding citizen who respects the rule of law. They have a strong commitment to their community and have volunteered their time and resources to various organizations.

I strongly believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent addition to any community and would make a significant contribution to society. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Template for a Character Reference Letter for Rental Application

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a rental application. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years and have had the opportunity to get to know them on a personal and professional level.

[Applicant’s name] is highly responsible and trustworthy. They are respectful of others and take great care in maintaining their living space. They have a strong work ethic and are highly professional in their interactions with others.

[Applicant’s name] has always paid their bills on time and has a strong credit history. They have never been involved in any legal issues and are in good standing with their current landlord.

I strongly believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant and will take great care of the property. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template for a Character Reference Letter for Volunteer Program

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for your volunteer program. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years and have had the opportunity to work with them on various volunteer projects.

[Applicant’s name] is highly dedicated to giving back to the community. They are passionate about volunteering and have consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to their volunteer projects.

[Applicant’s name] has excellent communication skills and is highly professional in their interactions with others. They are respectful of others and are able to work well with people from diverse backgrounds. They possess excellent leadership skills and have held leadership positions in various volunteer organizations.

I strongly believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent addition to your volunteer program and will make a significant contribution to your organization. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Template for a Character Reference Letter for Court Appearance

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for [Defendant’s Name]. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their strong character.

[Defendant’s name] is a highly responsible and trustworthy individual. They are respectful of others and have always shown a strong commitment to their community. They have never been involved in any legal issues prior to this incident.

[Defendant’s name] has acknowledged their mistake and is taking full responsibility for their actions. They have expressed remorse for their actions and are committed to making amends.

I strongly believe that [Defendant’s Name] is an individual with integrity and the capacity for positive change. I urge the court to consider the whole person and take into account [Defendant’s Name]’s strong character in making their decision.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter

Writing a character reference letter can be a daunting task, especially when you want to present the person being referenced in the best light possible. Here are some tips to help you write a character reference letter that is both professional and effective:

  • Introduce yourself and your relationship with the person being referenced. This could include how long you have known the person or in what capacity you have worked together. Providing context will give credibility to your testimony and improve the chances of it being taken seriously.

  • Include specific examples of the person’s character and behavior. It is important to be honest and authentic when describing the person’s traits, skills, and accomplishments. Use examples to illustrate how the person’s actions have impacted their life or the lives of others.

  • Avoid vague generalities or exaggerations. Make sure your statements are accurate, truthful, and can be substantiated. Overstating achievements or embellishing achievements could harm rather than help the person’s case.

  • Be concise and to the point. A character reference letter should not be too long. It is better to focus on a few key points that showcase the person’s positive qualities, rather than offering a laundry list of achievements or accomplishments. Stick to the essentials, avoiding irrelevant details.

  • Provide your contact information, so the recipient can follow-up if necessary. It is important that the recipient of the letter knows how to reach you if they need to follow up with additional questions or concerns. Including your contact information is essential for ensuring that the letter is taken seriously and that you are available for follow-up.

  • Use language that is appropriate and professional. Your tone should be respectful and courteous throughout the letter. Ensure that you approach the task in a professional and straightforward manner, avoiding overly emotional language or inappropriate humor.

  • Proofread your letter carefully and thoroughly. Finally, before sending your letter, make sure you have proofread it carefully for any errors and typos. Avoid appearing careless or sloppy, as this could reduce your credibility and diminish the impact of your letter.

These tips should help you write a character reference letter that is effective and meets the needs of the person being referenced. Remember to be honest, provide specific examples, and keep your language professional and appropriate. If you follow these guidelines, you can write a letter that will help the person being referenced receive the support they deserve.

FAQs about Writing a Character Reference Letter Template


What is a character reference letter?

A character reference letter is a formal document that describes the personal qualities and attributes of an individual in a positive light.

What should be included in a character reference letter?

A character reference letter should discuss the person’s traits, skills, and work ethic, as well as any accomplishments or achievements they have attained. It should also include information about the author’s relationship with the individual and how they came to know them.

What is the structure of a character reference letter?

A typical character reference letter template will include an introduction describing how the author knows the individual, a few paragraphs discussing their attributes and skills, and a conclusion that summarizes the individual’s potential for success.

What tone should be used in a character reference letter?

A character reference letter should be written in a positive and professional tone. Avoid using overly casual language or slang, and stick to formal vocabulary and grammar rules.

What are some tips for writing an effective character reference letter?

Some tips for writing an effective character reference letter include being specific about the individuals’ qualities, providing examples of their skills and accomplishments, and avoiding negative comments. It is also important to proofread the letter carefully before submitting it.

When is a character reference letter needed?

A character reference letter may be required in a variety of situations, such as applying for a job, seeking admission to a school, or in a legal proceeding. It is important to know the specific purpose for the letter before writing it.

How can I customize my character reference letter?

You can customize your character reference letter by using specific examples and anecdotes that highlight the individual’s strengths and attributes. It is also important to address the specific requirements of the situation in which the letter is being used.

Sincerely, Your Friendly Guide to Writing a Character Reference Letter

Well, that’s it folks – you now have your very own character reference letter template. Remember, when writing a reference letter, honesty is key. Don’t be afraid to paint an accurate portrait of the person you are referencing – both their strengths and areas where they may need improvement. Thanks for reading and I hope this guide has been helpful. Check back later for more writing tips and tricks!