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What Is a Character Reference?

8 Dec 2021

Asking to write a character reference letter is considered to be an honor by many people as not everyone is asked to do it. However, those who may be asked to write one may be having trouble since they do not know how to go about doing it. Aside from that, writing one is a big responsibility so knowing how to do it properly is very important. Those who wish to learn how to make one can do it with the right resources.

People use character reference letters for different things. They can be used for job applications, academic programs, or court-related issues. Those who would be writing one should know that before starting, they have all of the pertinent information that they would need to complete the letter. This should include a person’s background information which is basically what the letter would be all about. The tone to be used should also show respect and positivity.

Who are the people who can write character references?

A person may need a character reference letter for whatever purpose. They can always find a person who can write this important document for them. They have a variety of choices which can include:

  • Their colleague
  • A person that they do volunteer work with
  • A customer
  • A vendor
  • Their professor
  • Their personal mentor
  • Their mentor in their profession
  • A person that they graduated with from the same program
  • One of their neighbors
  • Their friend
  • A student that they went to school with
  • Their academic advisor
  • Their business acquittance
  • Their client
  • Their coach
  • A leader in volunteer work that they have worked with

There may be a variety of people who can write a character reference letter but a person must understand that there are also some people who they may want to avoid asking to write this document for them. These are people who they are directly related to and that can include parents, siblings, in-laws, spouses, and such. Character reference letters should be written by people who are not going to be subjective about the person that it is about. A letter written by someone not related to the person would create a better impact.

In that letter, a reference can talk about the person’s attributes which would be a big help with any applications for jobs, academic programs, promotions, or other purposes.

What tips can be used to write a character reference?

It is really not difficult to write a character reference. These are some tips that one can use:

  • A person writing the character reference should mention their own background. They should also mention their relationship with the person that the reference is about. It can include details on how long they have known each other, time spent together, and where or how they met. Details are necessary.
  • A good template helps. One can find a template here.
  • To close the letter, use a call-to-action which would urge the person reading the letter to lean towards a favorable response.
  • It should not be too long. In fact, it must be short, easy to read, and positive. It should also include basic and important information.
  • A brief description of the person’s accomplishments is important especially if connected to the purpose that the letter is for.
  • The person writing the letter should include their contact information so the person reading the letter can easily contact them in case there are things that need clarification.
  • Use a business letter’s format.
  • Proofread the letter and make edits if needed.

Knowing how to write a character reference letter is easy. Get proper help, the right information, and a good template as guide. Business owners would find these tips to be very helpful, just like how helpful Company Address is when it comes to assisting with virtual office addresses.

published under Management