Writing a character reference letter for a friend can feel daunting. You want to accurately portray their positive qualities and suitability for the opportunity they’re pursuing, whether it’s a job, housing application, or something else. A well-written letter highlights their strengths and provides concrete examples of their character. These templates provide a starting point and help you tailor your recommendation to the specific situation, ensuring your friend receives a strong and supportive letter.
The key to a strong character reference letter lies in its authenticity and specificity. Don’t just list qualities; provide anecdotes and situations where your friend demonstrated those traits. Think about their work ethic, integrity, empathy, and reliability. Remember to keep the letter concise and focused, highlighting the qualities that are most relevant to the opportunity. Below are sixteen sample templates to help you craft the perfect letter.
16 Sample Character Reference Letter Templates
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Template 1: General Character Reference
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Full Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as [How you know them – e.g., a neighbor, colleague, friend]. [He/She/They] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., reliable, hardworking, honest] individual with a strong [Positive Trait – e.g., work ethic, sense of humor, commitment]. [Provide a specific example illustrating this trait]. I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would be a valuable asset. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 2: Focused on Responsibility
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Friend’s Full Name]. I’ve known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as a close friend. One of the things that impresses me most about [him/her/them] is [his/her/their] unwavering sense of responsibility. For instance, [Specific example showcasing responsibility]. I highly recommend them. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 3: Highlighting Integrity
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am pleased to provide a character reference for [Friend’s Full Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as a [Relationship – e.g., volunteer colleague, teammate]. [He/She/They] possess a strong moral compass and consistently demonstrate integrity in all aspects of [his/her/their] life. [Provide a specific example]. I have no hesitation in recommending [him/her/them]. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 4: Emphasizing Hard Work
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Friend’s Full Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a dedication to achieving [his/her/their] goals. [Specific example showcasing hard work and dedication]. [He/She/They] are a valuable addition to any team or organization. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 5: Focus on Community Involvement
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Full Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as a [Relationship – e.g., neighbor, fellow volunteer]. [He/She/They] is a dedicated and engaged member of our community. [Specific example of community involvement and impact]. I believe [he/she/they] would be a great fit. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 6: Letter for Housing Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (Landlord or Property Manager)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Full Name] as a prospective tenant. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as a friend and neighbor. [He/She/They] are a responsible and respectful individual. [Specific example demonstrating responsibility and consideration – e.g., keeps property tidy, is quiet and respectful of neighbors]. I highly recommend [him/her/them]. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 7: Letter Focused on Reliability
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
It is a pleasure to recommend [Friend’s Full Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years and have always found [him/her/them] to be incredibly reliable. [Specific example of their reliability – e.g., always follows through on commitments, is punctual, can be counted on in a crisis]. I confidently recommend [him/her/them]. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 8: Letter Focusing on Interpersonal Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Full Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as a [Relationship – e.g., friend, colleague, classmate]. [He/She/They] possess excellent interpersonal skills and a natural ability to connect with others. [Specific example demonstrating their interpersonal skills – e.g., effectively resolves conflicts, builds rapport with others, is a good listener]. I highly recommend [him/her/them]. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 9: Letter for Scholarship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Scholarship Committee Name]
[Scholarship Committee Address]Dear [Scholarship Committee],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Friend’s Full Name] for your scholarship program. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship – e.g., their tutor, a mentor, family friend]. [He/She/They] is a dedicated student with a strong commitment to [His/Her/Their] education and personal growth. [Specific example of academic achievements, dedication, or overcoming challenges]. I am confident [Friend’s Name] will be successful. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 10: Character Reference for a Nanny Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (Parent’s Name)
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Friend’s Full Name] as a nanny. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years. I have seen [him/her/them] interact with children on many occasions and I am always impressed by [his/her/their] patience, kindness, and ability to engage them in fun and educational activities. [Specific example, perhaps about a time they were exceptionally caring or resourceful]. [He/She/They] are a responsible and trustworthy individual and I have no doubt that [he/she/they] would be an excellent caregiver for your child. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 11: For a Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (Volunteer Coordinator)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Friend’s Full Name] for the volunteer position at your organization. Having known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years, I am consistently impressed by [his/her/their] genuine desire to help others and [his/her/their] unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. [Specific example of their volunteer work or helpful nature]. I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would be a dedicated and valuable asset to your team. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 12: Focusing on Problem-Solving Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am pleased to write a letter of recommendation for [Friend’s Full Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years and have always been impressed by [his/her/their] exceptional problem-solving abilities. [Specific example of a time they successfully solved a problem]. [He/She/They] is a valuable asset. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 13: Highlighting Adaptability
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend’s Full Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years and have witnessed [his/her/their] remarkable adaptability in various situations. [Specific example of a time they demonstrated adaptability]. [He/She/They] is resourceful and quick to learn new skills. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 14: Focus on Creativity and Innovation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Recipient Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Recipient Title]
[Recipient Address]Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Recipient Last Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Friend’s Full Name], who I have known for [Number] years. [Friend’s Name] possesses a remarkable creative spirit and a knack for innovative thinking. [Specific example showcasing their creativity or innovation]. [He/She/They]‘s creative skills are an asset. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 15: Character Reference for a Professional License Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[Licensing Board Name]
[Licensing Board Address]Dear [Licensing Board],
I am writing to strongly recommend [Friend’s Full Name] for [Name of License]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years. I have witnessed first-hand [his/her/their] dedication, professionalism, and ethical conduct in [his/her/their] field. [Specific example demonstrating these qualities]. [He/She/They] will serve. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name] -
Template 16: Character Reference for Immigration Purposes
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address][Date]
[USCIS]
[Address]Dear [USCIS Officer],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Friend’s Full Name], whom I have known for [Number] years as a [Relationship – e.g., friend, neighbor, colleague]. Throughout the time I have known [him/her/them], [he/she/they] has consistently demonstrated strong moral character, honesty, and a deep commitment to [his/her/their] community. [Provide a specific example demonstrating these qualities and integration into the community]. I believe [Friend’s Name] to be a person of good moral character. Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
These templates offer a solid foundation, but remember to personalize each letter to reflect your unique relationship with your friend and the specific requirements of the request. The most effective character reference letters are sincere, specific, and highlight the qualities most relevant to the situation. By tailoring the templates with your own anecdotes and observations, you can create a powerful and impactful recommendation that supports your friend’s goals.