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Character Reference Letter Example

(print Reference Letter on company letterhead or standard paper)

October 26, 2002

To whom it may concern:

RE: Character Reference – Jeremy Swanson

The purpose of this is to provide a character reference for Mr. Jeremy Swanson whom I have known as a classmate, roommate, and friend for a period of five years.

I first met Jeremy in our freshman year at Adirondack College. We were both studying a general arts program there and became acquainted through a number of common classes that we shared. By second year, we had become friends and decided to take an off-campus apartment together. We shared that living arrangement until we both graduated last year.

Accordingly, having gotten to know Jeremy so well over the past few years, I believe puts me in a position to provide you with a pretty accurate assessment of his character.

As a student, Jeremy was a hard-working and highly committed to his education. I believe that his excellent transcripts will attest to that fact. In addition, he was quite involved in a number of extra-curricular activities including the track and field team and the school newspaper. In fact, in his last two years he was Assistant Editor of the “Campus Inquirer.” Outgoing, and always willing to help someone out, Jeremy was very popular with his fellow students.

As a roommate, Jeremy was a great choice. He was very neat and tidy at all times and he liked things in the apartment to be kept orderly. He made a point of cleaning his own room and the common living areas on a regular basis. He socialized occasionally at home but was always respectful of my needs, and he and his guests kept the noise down and ended their activities at a reasonable hour.

As a friend, Jeremy Swanson is a standout. He is a loyal, honest, considerate, and supportive individual who has the ability to see and understand things from another person’s perspective. He is a great direct communicator and knows how to raise and discuss common living issues and problems in a non-threatening manner. He is hyper-sensitive and is always tuned into how another person might “feel” in a given situation. He likes to have fun too. During our years at school we maintained an ongoing friendly rivalry on the squash courts.

To tell the truth, I really can’t think of anything of consequence on the negative side of the personality ledger when it comes to Jeremy. All in all, I would have to say that Jeremy Swanson is a fine, well-balanced person with an abundance of positive qualities.

Sincerely,

Charles Farmington

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Requesting References

Requesting References
If you’re interviewing for a new job, expect to have your references checked prior to getting an offer. Having good references can be the clincher to getting that new job. Plan ahead and compile a list of references and some letters of recommendations now, so you’re prepared when a prospective employer requests them.
Whom to ask for references ~
Who should you ask to provide references? On the average, employers check three references for each candidate, so have at least that many ready to vouch for you. It’s important to know your references, to select the right people, and to get their permission to use them. You need responsive people that can confirm that you worked there, your title, your reason for leaving and other details. It’s also very important to have a good idea idea of what they are going to say about your background and your performance. It’s perfectly acceptable to use references other than your employer. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisors, customers, and vendors can all make good references. If you volunteer consider using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references.
When leaving a position you should ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager. As time passes and people move on, it’s easy to lose track of previous employers, so with letters in hand, in advance, you’ll have written documentation of your credentials to give to prospective employers. If you haven’t done so already, it’s never to late to go back and ask for letters from previous employers to include in your personal files.
How to ask for a letter of recommendation ~
Don’t ask “Could you write a letter of reference for me?” Just about anyone can write a letter. The problem can be what they are going to write about. Rather, ask “Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a good recommendation letter?” or “Do you feel you could give me a good reference?” That way, your reference writer has an easy out if they are not comfortable writing a letter and you can be assured that those who say “yes” will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter. Offer to provide an updated copy of your resume and information on your skills and experiences so the reference writer has current information to work with.
In addition to references, you may be asked for contact information concerning your supervisor. However, prospective employers should get your permission before contacting your current supervisor to avoid jeopardizing your current position.

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Writing Reference Letters

Letters of Recommendation

Writing Reference Letters
Almost everyone is asked to write a reference letter at some time during their career. Whether it’s for an employee, a friend, or someone you’ve worked with, it is important to be prepared to write an effective letter of recommendation. It’s equally important to be ready to say “no” if you’re not comfortable recommending someone for employment.
It’s actually in the person’s best interest for you to politely decline writing a reference letter if you can’t provide more than a wishy-washy endorsement. A less than positive reference can cause as much harm as a negative reference. Employers are usually good at reading between the lines and will pick up on what you’re not saying. If you decline, the person can move on to another reference who may be able to provide a glowing recommendation. A simple way out is to say that you are not familiar enough with their work or background to provide a reference. That way you can minimize any potential hurt feelings.
If you’re thrilled to be asked, but, not sure what to say, ask the person for a copy of their resume and a list of accomplishments. This will give you guidelines to use when composing a letter. Start by describing how long you’ve known the person and in what capacity. Include dates of employment and details on how you’ve worked with (or known) the person.
Continue by describing the person’s skills and performance and what makes them an ideal candidate for a potential new employer. Also include two or three outstanding attributes. End by summarizing why you are recommending this person for employment. You may also want to provide a phone number or email address so employers can follow up if they have questions or want more information.