Character Reference For [Name] – Casual

Introduction

A character reference is a letter written by someone who knows you well, vouching for your personality, integrity, and suitability for a particular role or situation. These letters are often requested for job applications, university admissions, or even rental applications.

While formal character references are common, a casual approach can be more effective in certain situations, particularly when the target audience is more informal, such as a small business or a volunteer organization. This guide provides a character reference example written in casual English, along with tips on how to adapt it for your own needs.

Understanding the Purpose

Before drafting your character reference, it’s crucial to understand its purpose.

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Highlight Positive Traits: Focus on the individual’s positive qualities that are relevant to the situation. For example, if they’re applying for a teaching position, emphasize their patience, communication skills, and ability to connect with children.

Provide Specific Examples: Avoid vague statements. Instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate the individual’s character and abilities. For example, instead of saying “John is a hard worker,” you could say “John consistently went above and beyond in his previous role, often volunteering to stay late to assist colleagues.”

Build Trust: Your letter should build trust in the individual’s character and reliability. You’re essentially endorsing them to the recipient, so your credibility is important.

Character Reference Example (Casual English)

Subject: Character Reference for [Applicant Name]

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for [Position or Opportunity]. I have known [him/her/them] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a friend, a colleague, a neighbor].

During this time, I have consistently been impressed by [his/her/them]’s [Positive Trait 1]. For example, [Specific Example 1].

[Applicant Name] also possesses excellent [Positive Trait 2]. I remember one instance where [Specific Example 2].

Beyond [his/her/them]’s professional skills, [Applicant Name] is a genuinely [Positive Personality Trait – e.g., kind, helpful, and considerate] person. [He/She/They] always has a positive attitude and is a pleasure to work with.

I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be a valuable asset to your team/organization. [He/She/They] has the skills, dedication, and personality to excel in this role.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Adapting the Example

This is just a template. You should tailor it to the specific individual and situation.

Replace the bracketed information with details relevant to the applicant and the opportunity.

Add or remove sections as needed to address the specific requirements of the reference.

Adjust the tone and formality to match the recipient and the overall context.

Tips for Writing a Strong Character Reference

Be specific and concise: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.

Focus on relevant skills and experiences: Highlight the qualities that are most important for the position or opportunity.

Be honest and sincere: Your letter should reflect your genuine opinion of the individual.

Proofread carefully: Ensure your letter is free of any grammatical or spelling errors.

Conclusion

A well-written character reference can significantly increase an individual’s chances of success in their endeavors. By following the guidelines and adapting the provided example, you can effectively support someone you know and help them achieve their goals.

FAQs

Who should I ask to write a character reference?

Choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your character and abilities. This could include:

Teachers or professors

Previous employers or supervisors

Coaches or mentors

Volunteer supervisors

Close friends or family members

How long should a character reference be?

Character references typically range from one to two pages in length.

Can I use the same character reference for multiple applications?

It’s generally best to tailor each character reference to the specific application. However, you can use a similar template and adapt it as needed.

What if I don’t know the applicant very well?

If you don’t know the applicant well enough to write a meaningful character reference, it’s best to decline the request.

How can I make my character reference stand out?

To make your character reference stand out, focus on providing specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the applicant’s positive qualities. You can also use strong adjectives and active verbs to create a more impactful letter.

I hope this guide helps you write effective character references!

Character Reference Example