Character Reference Letter Examples & Template for Jobs

What is a character reference letter?

A character reference letter is an endorsement of your character and personal integrity. It’s usually written by a mentor, coach, or friend rather than a supervisor. A character letter should offer insight into your personality, values, and soft skills, rather than focusing solely on professional performance. 

A character reference letter can make a real difference to a job application. This guide shows how to start, what to include, and how long it should be. I’ll help you every step of writing a character reference letter!

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What to include in a character reference letter?

To write a good character letter, you must provide enough information without making it seem overly enthusiastic. Include the following elements for good balance:

Type of relationship and its duration

Describe the relationship briefly, focusing on how long you’ve known each other and in what way. For example, explain that you taught the person you’re writing about at university or coached their sports team.

Personality traits

Focus on qualities and skills that match their needs. For example, if your character reference letter will support their scholarship application, state that they’re hard-working and dedicated. If the character reference letter supports a rental agreement, state that your friend is responsible and gets along well with everyone.

Specific examples

Words go far, but evidence goes even further. Describe a situation in which your friend or colleague demonstrated the qualities you’ve mentioned. E.g., a character reference letter for a college application can recall original research that your mentee or friend has undertaken to broaden their knowledge.

Your contact information

At the end of the character letter, provide your contact details: your name, phone number, and email address, in case the recipient needs to contact and confirm your statements.

Character reference example

Below is a strong example of a character reference tailored to a job application in the UK:

This character reference letter sample works well because it:

• Clearly explains the relationship
• Provides specific examples
• Links personal qualities to the job
• Keeps a professional tone

Character reference letter template

If you’re unsure how to structure your letter, use this character reference letter template as a starting point:

This sample character reference letter can be adapted for most situations.

How to write a good character reference letter

A character reference letter that strengthens someone’s job application must be thoughtful and relevant. 

Here’s how and what to write in a character reference letter:

1. Understand the role first

Before drafting a character reference letter, take time to understand exactly what your acquaintaince is applying for. A generic letter can weaken an otherwise strong endorsement rather than show effort and insight.

Start by reviewing the role description carefully. Pay close attention to:

• Key soft skills and competencies required (e.g. teamwork, communication, leadership, time management)
• Organisational values and culture (e.g. innovation, integrity)
• Core responsibilities

Once you understand the application, align your comments with those requirements. For example, if in a character reference letter for a job dealing with customers, highlight the candidate’s communication skills and professionalism. 

2. Provide specific examples

Good character reference examples show evidence, not just positive adjectives. While it may be tempting to describe someone as “hardworking” or “responsible,” those words alone don’t carry much weight without context and are a staple of bad CVs recruiters hate.

 ❌ Instead of writing:

✔ Write something more detailed, such as:

Specific examples help the reader visualise the applicant in action. Even one or two short anecdotes can transform an average example character reference into a compelling endorsement. The goal is to show, not just tell.

3. Focus on relevant traits

A well-written character reference letter does not attempt to list every positive quality a person has. Instead, it highlights a small number of relevant strengths.

Common qualities to include in character reference examples for jobs and other applications are:

• Integrity – honesty, ethical behaviour, trustworthiness
• Reliability – punctuality, consistency, accountability
• Communication skills – clarity, empathy, professionalism
• Leadership abilities – initiative, decision-making skills, motivating others
• Teamwork skills – cooperation, collaboration, respect for others
• Initiative – proactive behaviour, willingness to go beyond expectations
• Adaptability – flexibility in new or challenging situations
• Problem-solving abilities – logical thinking and practical solutions
  

Choose 2–4 most relevant traits. Then briefly explain how you’ve seen those qualities demonstrated.

4. Keep the character letter concise

While detail is important, clarity and brevity matter just as much. Character reference letter samples are typically:

• Around 300–500 words
• Structured into 3–5 clear paragraphs
• Professional and easy to scan

A concise letter is far more effective than a lengthy one filled with repetition. Aim to:

• Open with your relationship to the candidate
• Highlight two or three key strengths with examples
• Close with a confident recommendation

5. Maintain a professional tone

Even if you are writing a personal character reference for someone you know well, professionalism is essential. Remember that this letter may become part of a formal recruitment process.

A good character reference should:

• Be formally addressed (e.g. Dear Hiring Manager)
• Use polite, professional language
• Avoid humour, slang, or overly casual expressions
• Remain balanced and honest

Avoid exaggeration or unrealistic claims. Overstating someone’s abilities can damage both your credibility and theirs. A measured, sincere endorsement carries far more weight than dramatic praise.

Tips for specific character reference letters

Different situations call for slightly different emphasis. I’ve prepared expanded outlines to help you adapt your character reference sample to the candidate’s background.

Character reference for a graduate

When writing an example of a character reference for a recent graduate, the focus is usually on potential rather than extensive professional experience.

Emphasise:

• Work ethic – punctuality, commitment to studies, meeting deadlines
• Academic dedication – participation in projects, research, or extracurricular activities
• Initiative – volunteering, internships, leadership roles at university
• Willingness to learn – openness to feedback and personal development

Employers hiring graduates often value attitude and growth potential. Demonstrating maturity, responsibility, and enthusiasm can significantly strengthen the reference.

Employee character reference letter (colleague)

An employee character reference letter written by a colleague should focus on workplace behaviour and interpersonal skills, rather than formal performance metrics.

Highlight:

• Collaboration – ability to work effectively within a team
• Professional attitude – punctuality, accountability, respectful communication
• Reliability – meeting deadlines and supporting colleagues
• Communication skills – clarity in meetings, written communication, handling clients

Including an example of a successful project you worked on together can make the reference more credible and grounded.

Personal character reference for career change

When someone is changing industries, a personal character reference can be particularly valuable. In this case, focus on transferable, employability skills rather than technical skills.

Emphasise:

• Transferable skills – leadership, organisational skills, communication
• Commitment – dedication to learning new skills or qualifications
• Adaptability – ability to thrive in new environments
• Integrity – professionalism and trustworthiness
  

Showing how the candidate has successfully handled change in the past reassures employers that they can adapt to a new role.

These examples of character references demonstrate that the structure remains similar, but the emphasis shifts based on the applicant’s situation.

Looking for tips on writing other types of business letters? I’ve got you covered:

• Acceptance Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Apology Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Appeal Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Appointment Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Leave Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Recommendation Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Resignation Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Retirement Letter Example & Writing Tips
• Termination Letter Example & Writing Tips

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Thank you for taking the time to read my guide on how to write a character reference letter. Explore our blog for practical guidance to help you succeed at every stage of your career journey.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• World Economic Forum (2025), Future of Jobs Report 2025
• Meriac, J. P., (2023) Work ethic and grit: Explaining responses to dissatisfaction at work, Personality and Individual Differences, vol. 203