How To Write a Character Reference

It might sound like a challenge if you've never written a character reference letter before.There is no need to worry about writing a character reference letter.Whether it's for a job, an academic program, or even a court-related issue, writing a character reference letter is easy if you have some background information in hand.You will get the gratitude of the friend or individual who requested you to write the letter if you keep writing positive.

Step 1: Tell the person you are writing for about yourself and your relationship.

Basic information should be introduced up front.What is your relationship to the person you are writing for?How long have you known this person?How much time do you spend together?Where did you meet?Readers of a character reference letter want to know what kind of relationship the writer has with the person they are vouching for.Think about the nature of your relationship with the individual.Be specific.Instead of saying, "I've known Tom for three years", I have had the pleasure of working alongside him for the past 3 years at a restaurant in Ohio.

Step 2: When writing a character reference, use an appropriate format.

The format for character references should consist of an opening paragraph in which you describe who you are and your relationship to the person on whose behalf you're writing, a second paragraph, and a final paragraph.The reader should look favorably upon the subject of the letter.Keep the character reference letter short.Readers don't need a lot of information on a character reference.The basics are what they need.When writing a rough draft for your character reference, keep this in mind.

Step 3: The character reference letter should be positive.

A character reference letter is not a place to compare the good and bad parts of a person's personality, background or lifestyle.It should be aimed at providing an honest assessment of the individual's accomplishments, goals, and personality.A good character reference will leave the reader with a positive impression of the individual in question.Positive adjectives are used to stress a good person.The person about whom the reference is being written has accomplishments.If the individual has donated time or money, mention it in your letter.In order to minimize a harsh legal penalty, cite their acts of bravery or courage if they have a military background.List any contributions the individual makes to their church or organization.If you find yourself wondering whether or not to put a certain accomplishment in, ask yourself, "Is this relevant or does it show good qualities?"

Step 4: It's time to do a final edit.

Before you submit your letter, make sure to give it a once-over to catch any mistakes.It is easier for those who are not great writers to do this task.If the words are spelled with a red line, they are likely to be mispronounce.Make sure your facts are correct.To make sure everything is correct, submit a draft copy to the person on whose behalf you are writing.

Step 5: An appropriate tone is adopted.

Character references should always be respectful and formal.Speak honestly, but don't diminish the reader's ability to render an effective verdict.A judge, professor, or other person of esteem is what your reader will be.The judges, professors, and commanding officers of the military should be referred to as "Your Honor," "Doctor," or "Professor."

Step 6: The person you are writing for needs the letter.

In order to establish that an individual's illegal behavior is outside the norm for them, reference letters are often needed.Potential landlords, students applying to college, and immigrants applying for citizenship are some of the cases in which a character reference might be called for.If you are writing for a court case, make sure you know the details of the crime the person is committing, and talk to them about their feelings about the case.If the accused seems to genuinely regret what they did, stress in your letter that you understand the gravity of the case.Do not write a letter for someone you don't know well, or someone who hesitates to give you all the background information you need for a character reference.

Step 7: Who will read the letter?

You should know the name and position of the person you are writing to.If you are writing a character reference on behalf of a friend applying to an academic posting, make sure you know what school they've applied to, what the position is, and who is going to read the letter.You can personalize it and show your friend that you put a lot of effort into the character reference.If you are writing to a group of people like an academic review board or an anonymous board of immigration and naturalization officials, you should address the letter with "Dear Sir or Madam."