Sometimes finding a new role really is a question of character…
When you’re applying for a job, employers want to know more than just your work experience – they want to get a sense of who you are as a person. That’s where a character reference comes in. It helps an employer see if you’re a good fit for their team by shedding light on your personality and ethics.
But if you’ve been asked to write one, you might be wondering where to start. We’ve already covered how to get a reference, but this guide will tell you everything you need to know about writing a character reference for someone – plus provide you with a free character reference template to help you get started.
What is a character reference?
A character reference, also known as a personal reference or a character referral letter, is a brief assessment of a person written by someone who knows them in a personal capacity, not a professional one.
Instead of focusing on job-specific skills like a typical employer reference would, a letter of character recommendation uses real-life examples to vouch for a person’s personality, work ethic, and general conduct.
It offers a personal perspective that can be very valuable to a potential employer.
Who can write a character reference?
A character referral letter should be written by someone who knows the person well and can speak positively and honestly about them.
Good examples of people to ask include:
- A teacher, lecturer, or tutor
- A leader of a club or organisation (like a sports coach)
- A mentor
- A long-standing neighbour
- A family friend
Ideally, the person writing the reference has up-to-date knowledge of the candidate’s character and abilities.
Can a family member or friend write a character reference?
It’s best to avoid asking an immediate family member (like a parent or sibling) or a very close friend to write a character reference – because their opinion could be seen as biased. The most effective references come from people who can provide a more objective viewpoint.
When might a character reference be needed?
While they’re common in job applications, character references can be required in a few different situations.
These include:
- Job applications: Especially for roles that require a high level of trustworthiness or for candidates with limited work experience (e.g. for a school leaver or graduate).
- Academic applications: When applying for a place at a school, college, or university.
- Volunteer positions: To confirm a person’s suitability for working with certain groups or in a community role.
- Landlord applications: To show you’d be a reliable and trustworthy tenant.
- Professional memberships: As part of an application for a professional body or to gain a specific certificate.
If you’re asked to write a reference for someone in any of these situations, your input will help the organisation decide if that person is a good fit.
How to write a personal statement for university
How to write a character reference
So, you’ve agreed to write a character reference for a friend or acquaintance. First things first, make sure you can speak positively about them. If you can’t, it’s better to politely decline.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to word a character reference:
1. Start with the basics
Begin the letter with your name, address, and the date. If you know who you’re writing to, address them by name (e.g., ‘Dear Mr Smith,). If not, a simple ‘To whom it may concern,’ is perfectly fine.
2. State your relationship
In the first paragraph, explain who you are and how you know the person you’re recommending. Be sure to mention how long you’ve known them. This context helps the reader understand the basis of your recommendation.
3. Highlight key qualities with examples
This is the most important part of the letter. Talk about the person’s personal qualities and provide specific examples to back them up. Think about what makes them a great candidate. Are they reliable, hardworking, creative, or a great team player?
For example, instead of just saying ‘Sarah is very responsible’, you could say ‘Sarah has been my neighbour for five years, and during that time she has organised our annual community fundraiser, managing the budget and coordinating volunteers with great success’.
4. Keep it positive and professional
Your tone should be positive and enthusiastic, but always professional. Avoid overly casual language and stick to the facts. The goal is to present a credible and sincere recommendation.
5. Provide your contact details
At the end of the letter, include your contact details (phone number and email address) and state that you’re happy to provide more information if needed. This shows you stand by your recommendation.
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Character reference template
Stuck on what to write? Our character reference template is here to help you structure your letter and ensure you include all the necessary information.
Simply copy and paste the text below- then amend according to your situation.
Character reference example for a friend
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name/To whom it may concern,]
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Candidate’s Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Candidate’s Name] for [Number] years as a [Your relationship to them, e.g., friend, neighbour, team captain].
During the time I have known them, [Candidate’s Name] has consistently shown themselves to be a [Positive quality, e.g., responsible, honest, hardworking] individual. For example, [Provide a specific example that demonstrates this quality]. I have always been impressed by their [Another positive quality, e.g., dedication, positive attitude, problem-solving skills].
[Optional: Add another paragraph with more examples of their skills or qualities relevant to the role/application].
I have no doubt that [Candidate’s Name] possesses the character and skills to be a great asset to your team. Their [Mention a key strength] makes them a strong candidate for this opportunity.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Character reference examples for specific scenarios
Below are snippets (not full letters) of character references tailored for different situations.
If you’re looking to write your own, feel free to adapt these and expand as needed for a complete reference.
Character reference for a job example:
Focus on reliability, teamwork, and initiative. For example:
‘Alex consistently tackled new challenges at our community centre with a positive attitude and always followed through on commitments. When we faced staff shortages, Alex volunteered for extra shifts, quickly picking up new tasks and supporting other team members. Their willingness to adapt and take ownership of projects made a genuine difference to our team dynamic.’
Character reference for an academic application example:
Highlight academic curiosity, motivation, or integrity. For example:
‘During the two years I taught Maya, she impressed me with her eagerness to learn and willingness to support classmates. Her strong work ethic was evident in her thoughtful questions and engagement with class discussions. Maya also mentored younger students during study sessions, showing both leadership and a strong sense of responsibility.’
Character reference for a volunteer role example:
Showcase compassion, dedication, or community spirit. For example:
‘Jake’s commitment to our animal shelter, rain or shine, shows his genuine care for others. He often went out of his way to comfort nervous animals and train new volunteers, helping everyone feel welcome. Whether organizing food drives or managing tricky situations, Jake always approached challenges with patience and enthusiasm.’
Character reference for a tenant example:
Trustworthiness and responsibility are key. For example:
‘Emma has always paid her rent on time and kept her flat in excellent condition—she’s what every landlord hopes for. She was considerate towards neighbours, reported maintenance issues promptly, and took initiative in keeping communal areas tidy. Having Emma as a tenant made managing the property a breeze.’
When in doubt, pick the qualities that matter most for the scenario, and back them up with real-life examples.
How to request a character reference
Let’s face it – you might feel weird asking someone to say nice things about you, but requesting a character reference doesn’t have to be awkward. Here are a few tips:
- Choose wisely: Ask someone who genuinely knows you and can provide specific, positive insights.
- Give them context: Let them know what it’s for (job, uni, rental, etc.) and what qualities you’d love them to mention.
- Make it easy: Offer to send a template or jot down your achievements to jog their memory.
- Ask early: Give them enough time to write something thoughtful – not a last-minute scramble.
Example request for a character reference:
‘Hi [Referee’s Name], I’m currently applying for [opportunity], and a character reference from you would really help. If you’re comfortable, I’d be happy to provide background info or a sample letter!’
How long should a character reference be?
A good character reference is usually about one page (roughly 2-3 paragraphs).
This is just enough space to introduce who you are, share a few relevant qualities/examples, and finish with a positive closing statement.
Aim for clear, concise, and just detailed enough to do your candidate justice.
Can I use the same character reference for multiple applications?
In short, it depends:
- If the reference is general: Yes, it’s fine to use the same reference letter for similar opportunities, especially if it’s addressed ‘To whom it may concern.’
- If it’s tailored: Customised letters that mention the company, role, or specific requirements work best when unique to each opportunity.
Pro tip: Even for general letters, it’s smart to check if there’s a way to personalise for each application.
Tailoring your CV: What you need to know
How to get a professional reference
Need something a little more official than a character reference? That’s where a professional reference comes in.
These are written by previous bosses, colleagues, or even mentors who’ve seen your skills in action at work. The key is to ask someone who actually remembers you, and can speak honestly about your strengths.
When reaching out, be polite and clear about what you need. A quick email or LinkedIn message will usually suffice.
Looking for more detailed advice, including sample requests? Check out this guide on how to get a reference.
Final thoughts
A well-written character reference does more than tick a box – it gives a real impression of who someone is outside of a CV or application.
Whether you’re writing one or asking for one, focus on honest examples and keep things clear and relevant to the situation.
Use the steps and snippets in this guide to take the guesswork out of the process, and remember: a strong character reference is all about showing you (or someone else) in the best, most genuine light.
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