Requesting a Character Reference Letter

A character letter is a type of reference letter that specifically speaks on behalf of your character traits and abilities. It’s a chance for employers to learn more about your personality and values. Likewise, it’s an opportunity for one of your trusted contacts to describe the reasons why you would be a good fit for the role you’re applying to. Unlike a traditional reference letter, you typically don’t ask a previous employer to write it. Instead, you would pick someone within your personal network to write it.

Learn more: 5 Qualities & Characteristics Recruiters Look for in Interview Answers

Companies that value the character of their employees may request a character reference letter. Volunteer organizations may ask for a letter to make sure you would be a trustworthy volunteer. You may even need to provide one when applying to a program. Institutions can use your letter to learn more about who you are. Businesses may ask for a character reference letter for the following reasons:

• To learn if you have strong values, morals, and a sense of integrity.
• To see if you can establish meaningful connections with others.
• To learn more about your working style and if you have the ability to collaborate with others.
• To validate your previous experiences. They may want to confirm that you are being truthful about the experience you have included in your resume or cover letter.

Learn more: How to Use an Online Personality Test to Advance Your Career

When picking someone to write you a reference letter, you want to choose someone you have a good relationship with. Pick someone who has gotten to know you well and would have various experiences with you to write about. Likewise, if you know someone is a particularly talented writer, they may be a good choice for this favor. You could ask the following people to write you a character letter:

• Colleague or coworker
• Co-volunteer or volunteer supervisor
• Professor, academic advisor, or teaching assistant
• Organization leader
• Customer or client
• Mentor
• Student from your program
• Close friend or neighbor
• Family friend
• Coach
• Clergy member

Learn more: How to Get a Mentor

When someone writes you a character reference letter, make sure they include the following components:

• Details about your relationship: Your reference should start the letter off by explaining who they are and how they know you. They should also mention how long they have known you.
• Your best qualities: Your reference should mention a handful of qualities that make you the right fit for the opportunity. They should explain how such attributes would add value to the company.
• Specific examples that showcase your good character: They should share a few examples of times they noticed you exhibiting your best qualities. For instance, they could discuss a project you worked on together or a time that you helped them out.
• Their recommendation: Toward the end of the letter, they should include a statement of recommendation. For instance, they could say, ‘For the reasons above, I can confidently say [Your Name] is the perfect fit for this role.’
• Your reference’s contact information: An employer may want to directly contact your reference if they have any follow-up questions. Have them include their email address and phone number.

A character reference letter should speak kindly of a candidate. Follow these tips when someone asks you to be their reference:

• Be specific. Make sure the employer has a solid understanding of your relationship with the candidate. Include how you first met, how your relationship has evolved, and how many years you’ve known them.
• Be concise. Keep your letter to under a page long. Only include details that are relevant to the position.
• Be positive. This letter should help employers feel confident about their hiring decision. Show that if they choose this candidate, it will be a good decision.
• Don’t include private information. Only discuss the applicant’s personal struggles if they explicitly ask you to do so. Consider what is appropriate to share with a potential employer.

If your reference needs inspiration for your letter, share this character reference letter sample with them:

Dear Mr. Green,

I have had the pleasure of knowing Cassidy Heckle for the past five years now. We met back in 2015 when Cassidy began volunteering at the food pantry. We worked closely together to help customers navigate the pantry and keep the shelves stocked.

Over these years, Cassidy and I have grown quite close. It was easy for me since she is such a kind, compassionate, and hardworking person. In fact, for the past four years, Cassidy has dedicated her Thanksgivings to running the Thanksgiving Dinner at the pantry. She is truly selfless and always thinking of others.

Cassidy would make an excellent Volunteer Coordinator. She has put in her time as a volunteer, which makes her more understanding of their schedules and needs. I am more than happy to give my recommendation, as I am confident Cassidy was meant for such a role.

If you have any additional questions about Cassidy’s qualifications or would like to hear more about her experience at the food pantry, please reach out to me directly.

Best,

Anita Diaz

555-789-2525

a.diaz@email.com