Character Reference Letters

When you write a character reference letter you must know that you’re doing a work of great responsibility because reference letters are written to show your approval for someone’s character and credibility.

A reference letter is a proof that you know the person directly and you consider him/her a good soul. This is why while writing a character reference letter you have to be completely honest.

Character reference letters are written for different purposes. For example; a character reference letter can be written for a student to get him admission to a college, for someone’s job, as a legal document, for scholarship purposes, etc.

These letters help the readers know about the character and general behavior of the person to whom they’re employing or giving admission. In the case of legal hearings, these letters are used to vow in favor of a criminal to protect him. In courts, character reference letters prove that the person who has committed the crime is not a habitual criminal but otherwise a good person.

In order to write a character reference letter, keep these guidelines;

  • Use a business letter format for writing a character reference letter
  • Character reference letters consist of three paragraphs. Make the first paragraph of the letter introductory, telling about yourself so that the reader may know you.
  • In the second paragraph, tell your expected reader about the person you are writing the letter. Keep the letter positive, precise, and concise.
  • In the last paragraph, conclude your letter by requesting the reader to consider your letter.

It is important to note that you should only write a character reference letter for those who you personally know because writing letters for people you don’t know is unethical as well as a dishonest act. So, don’t write such kind of lame reference letters, but when you actually write a genuine letter, make sure it is written in the best way.

Here on our website, you can find example templates of character reference letters. It will help you understand the formatting and styling of the letters.

Character reference letter

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Character reference letter for court

To whom it may concern,

I am [Name of the writer], and I work at [Name of Company] as a [Job Title]. I have known [Name of Person who has requested the letter], for about [Number] of years. We know each other as we are/have [Relationship with Referred Person].

I understand very well that [Name of Referred Person] has been involved in a matter of transgression. Therefore, they are now required to appear in court due to which [Name of Referred Person] feels guilty and upset. I truly believe they have recognized their actions and accept them as misdemeanors.

Due to an incident [Details of said of the incident for example death of a close relative], [Name of Referred Person] has been feeling sorrowful. This situation has played a big part in their recent unlawful actions.

However, I am aware of the kind of character and personality [Name of Referred Person] possess. They are one of the most trustworthy and hardworking people I have ever met. Hence, I sincerely believe that [Name of Referred Person] will never again be involved in any kind of unlawful act.

Yours Faithfully,

Character reference letter for a friend

To whom it may concern,

I have been friends with [Name of Friend] for over [Number] of years and have come to learn of the fine qualities possessed by them. We first met as [Relationship]. In the years we have known each other, [Name of Friend] has displayed, time and time again, their trustworthy and sensible personality.

They are hardworking in whatever task they are assigned and are very good when it comes to communication skills. Their bright personality and good manners have helped them develop healthy relationships in whichever environment they have stayed in.

In conclusion, I highly recommend [Name of Friend] for any endeavor they decide to pursue. If you have any questions, you can contact me.

Sincerely,

Character reference letter for a mother

To whom it may concern,

I am [Name of Referrer], and I have had a friend of [Name of Mother] for the past [number] of years.

During the time I have known [Name of Mother], she has played her role as a single mother very well. Working and raising children at the same time can be a stressful situation, however, [Name of Mother] has been able to do so successfully. In many ways, she has accomplished playing both the roles of a mother and a father.

She has always made sure to teach her children appropriate manners and provide for them in a way that they never feel insecure. In addition, she has been present for every little event her children have been a part of to show her support. Her gentle personality and loving nature have allowed her to maintain a healthy relationship with her children.

I sincerely hope you will consider [Name of Mother] and her children’s relationship and act leniently in the decision-making for the children’s custody. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Yours Faithfully,

Character reference letter for a father

To whom it may concern,

My name is [Name of Referrer] and I work as an [Job Title] at [Name of Company]. I am the elder brother of [Name of Father].

As an older brother, I have watched [Name of Father] grow up into a very responsible and kind-natured person. He has always shown a positive attitude towards child care and on many occasions has taken care of my children as well.

I believe that [Name of Father] and his children will be a great family unit. Ever since his first child, [Name of Father] has always proven to be able to provide well in terms of both finances and support for his family. Due to the nature of his wife’s job, [Name of Father] has had to take care of his children on his own and he has successfully done so.

He has always been present as a supporting figure for his children, due to which he has been able to maintain a good relationship with his children.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend you consider [Name of Father] for the custody of his [number] of children as that would be the best for him and his children. For any questions, you can contact me at my provided contact details.

Sincerely,

Character reference letter for husband

To whom it may concern,

I, [Name of Referrer], have been married to [Name of Husband], for [Number] of years. I have come to know him as a loving and caring man, who works hard to provide a comfortable life for his family.

We have [number] of children and to raise them, both of us have been working very hard. Due to our current living conditions, [Slight details of current conditions] [Name of Husband] has been feeling stressed. I strongly believe he decided to act as he did so to provide his family with a better life and had no ill intentions.

I hope you will be understanding of our situation and will show my husband some leniency when it comes to the husband’s sentencing.

Sincerely,

Character reference letter for student

To whom it may concern,

My name is [Name of referrer], and I am a professor/teacher at [Name of Institute]. [Name of Student] has proven themselves as one of my most hardworking and capable students. Their particularity and drive to learn have been a great advantage for them, with which they have excelled in any projects and tasks assigned to them.

[Name of Student] has also been an active participant in extracurricular activities, while maintaining good grades. This shows that they are great at dealing with multiple tasks at the same time. Their good-natured and easy-to-get-along personality has always had them surrounded by their peers.

In summary, I sincerely recommend [Name of Student] for the [Reason for Character Reference Letter]. They will be a great asset in any organization they are accepted in. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely.