Looking for a character reference letter template that will help you describe someone’s positive attributes? The following article cover some useful letters that you can use to draft your letter for character reference.
A character reference letter is a very important piece of paper, that will help build or mar a person’s image. A character reference letter is required for a several reasons, that help show the person has a good character, sane mind and confirm his/her positive personal attributes. One may need such a letter in case of a criminal charges filed against them, to secure a job, to get a place or house on rent and even recommend a friend or student pursuing further studies, scholarships or memberships.
Letter for Character Reference
When talking about a person’s character, the best thing to do is give examples. These examples should highlight the good character the person exhibits. Speak about the individuals sense of right from wrong. The letter should include the person’s good morals and integrity. If possible mention an ethical dilemma faced by the person and how he/she managed to overcome in an appropriate manner. Give examples that show the person is trustworthy, follows rules and has left a positive impression on all those with whom he/she has come in contact.
For Court Appearance
It is one of the very important pieces of evidence submitted in the court of law in case of criminal charges filed against an individual. It can be written by anyone – wife/husband of the person charged, friends, children, neighbors, etc.
| Date Your Name Salutation: To the Sentencing Judge 1st Paragraph: Here you need to state how and since when you know this person. 2nd Paragraph: This paragraph is used to showcase the individual is aware from what is right from wrong. You should describe the individual’s good morals, integrity, or other positive traits. You can use an example from past that shows how he/she dealt with an ethical dilemma and solved it in the right way. Discuss how he/she demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness. You can even show more examples where the person displayed a virtuous attitude or disposition in everyday life. You should write about what a law-abiding citizen you found the person to be. Basically, this paragraph should be able to cover up all the fine qualities in the person’s character. 3rd Paragraph: You need to summarize your feelings about the person. In such a case, you need to explain, that how you thoroughly believe the person to be incapable of doing the act for which he/she is charged. Closing Statement: “Yours sincerely”, followed by your handwritten signature and your name and your title, if any, that may help give extra credibility to the letter. |
For a Friend
It is required in case of recommending someone you know for a club membership, library membership or even a job. It uses the same basic structure as mentioned in the above character reference letter for court.
| Date Your Name Salutation: To Whom It May Concern 1st Paragraph: I have known name of your friend since number of months/years. He/she is my spouse’s partner in a small family business; he/she is responsible for maintaining accounts as well procuring materials. He/she has also tutored my son with his guitar lessons for the past several years. Name of your friend is an organized, efficient, and extremely competent person. He/she has excellent personal relations with people of all ages and walks of life. He/she also has very good communication skills, both written and verbal, that help him/her create good rapport with people. I highly recommend name of your friend for any position or endeavor that he/she may pursue. He/she will surely prove to be a valuable asset to any organization or company. If you have any questions regarding name of your friend, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Your signature |
For Landlord
It is used to recommend a tenant. The letter should be impressive enough to impress a landlord and take in the person you recommend as a tenant.
| Date
Your Name Salutation: To Whom it May Concern This is to inform you the applicant, name of tenant, has been a tenant of name of building. During that time he/she has been a good tenant. He/she has always kept his/her apartment neat and clean and always was considerate of his/her neighbors. He/she has always paid his/her rent on time. In many ways name of tenant proved to be an ideal tenant and if you give him/her an opportunity and rent to him/her, you too will agree with me. In the end, please feel free to call me at phone number, if you’d like additional information regarding his/her capability as a tenant. Sincerely, You signature |
Keep in mind, never to blow anything out of proportion and be honest with your character reference letters. The onus of responsibility lies on you, when you vouch for someone’s character.
