At one point in your life, you have probably been asked to write a character reference letter. Or you may have had to ask a friend or former colleague to write one for you. And if you haven’t by now, you probably will have to do one of the two, if not both. This is especially true if you are entering the job market.
One of the first things you need to do when looking for a job is to search the phrase job agency near me. A reputable temp agency will help you write a character letter as well as update your resume and more.
In this blog, we will advise you on both how to ask for a reference letter as well as how to write one. It is always a good idea to use a sample character reference letter template to get started.
What is a Character Reference Letter?
Otherwise, known as a personal reference letter, a character reference is different from a reference letter or letter of employment. A character reference letter is written by someone other than a past or current employer who personally knows the candidate and can personally speak to their personality and capabilities. Those persons should be someone who can match your work ethic as well as your personality.
When is a Character Reference Letter Required?
While most employers ask for letters of recommendation from former employers, not all ask for character references. Some of these employers may ask for these letters in addition to professional reference letters. These particular employees may be seeking some insight into your personality and how you relate to others to determine how you will fit in with the company.
Who should I ask for a character reference?
In some cases, you might wish to include a personal reference letter if you are concerned that your former or current employer will not give you a good reference. A character reference letter can do a lot to help make up for a poor letter of recommendation. As well, it can be beneficial for those who are not able to obtain a letter from an employer.
Following is a list of people that you can ask for a character reference:
- Coach
- Mentor
- Family member
- Teacher/Professor
- Friends
- Advisor
- Co-worker
- Supervisor/Manager
- Pastor/Religious leader
- Volunteer coordinator
- Neighbour
What information should be included in the character reference?
Following is the pertinent information that should be included in a personal reference letter:
- Full name of the person writing the letter.
- Their contact information
- The date the letter is being written
- Full name, title, and address of the person for whom the letter is being written
- Formal Salutation
- How does the person writing the letter knows the person whom the letter is about
- A few of their character traits/ skills and how they relate to the job in question
- Summary and contact info of the person writing the letter
- Professional closing
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter
- Use proper business letter format
- Stick to relevant information only
- Maintain a professional tone
- Keep it short.
- Include the job candidate’s contact information as well as your own
- Proofread and edit before sending
- Provide a copy for the person requesting the letter
The person requesting the character reference should provide the person writing the letter with the necessary information. This can include their contact information, a description of the job, the company details, and if possible a physical copy of the job description.
When you are ready to start your job search, give us a call at Team Global/ MSM. We are here for you every step of the way!