A letter of good character, also known as a character reference, is a document that vouches for someone’s moral qualities and integrity. It’s often requested for job applications, court proceedings, immigration matters, or membership in organizations. Writing a compelling character reference requires more than just stating the person is “good.” It involves providing specific examples and demonstrating how you know them and why you believe in their positive attributes.
This article provides 10 sample letters of good character suitable for various situations. Each sample includes key elements and tailored content to make your reference as effective as possible. Remember to personalize each letter to reflect your unique relationship with the individual you are supporting.
10 Sample Letters of Good Character
Sample 1: General Employment Reference
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a position at your company. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a colleague, a neighbor, a supervisor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their [positive quality 1, e.g., work ethic] and [positive quality 2, e.g., dedication].
Specifically, [Applicant’s Name] demonstrated [positive quality 3, e.g., leadership] when [Give a specific example, e.g., they led the team to complete the project ahead of schedule]. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 2: Academic Recommendation
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Department]
[University/Institution Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Admissions Committee/Recipient Name]
[Department/Institution Name]
[Address]
Dear [Admissions Committee/Recipient Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to your [Program Name/Department]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Student’s Name] as their [Your Relationship – e.g., professor, advisor] in [Course Name/Project Name].
[Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated [positive quality 1, e.g., intellectual curiosity], [positive quality 2, e.g., a strong work ethic], and [positive quality 3, e.g., collaborative spirit]. In particular, I was impressed by [Give a specific example of their academic achievement, e.g., their insightful analysis in their research paper]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the necessary skills and dedication to succeed in your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: Character Reference for Court (General)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
The Honorable Judge [Judge’s Last Name]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
Dear Judge [Judge’s Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name]. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a friend, a neighbor, a family member]. During this time, I have come to know [him/her/them] as a [positive quality 1, e.g., responsible] and [positive quality 2, e.g., compassionate] individual.
While I understand the seriousness of the situation, I believe that [Defendant’s Name]’s actions are not indicative of [his/her/their] true character. [Give a specific example of their positive behavior or character, e.g., They have always been a supportive friend and have consistently demonstrated a commitment to helping others in need.] I respectfully request that you consider [Defendant’s Name]’s character and the positive contributions [he/she/they] has made to the community when making your decision.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 4: Immigration Reference
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address – if known, otherwise leave blank]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to support the application of [Applicant’s Name] for [Type of Application, e.g., permanent residency, citizenship]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a friend, a neighbor, a colleague]. During this time, I have come to know [him/her/them] as a [positive quality 1, e.g., hard-working] and [positive quality 2, e.g., community-minded] individual.
[Applicant’s Name] has made a significant contribution to [Mention specific community or activity, e.g., our neighborhood, the local church] by [Give a specific example of their positive contribution, e.g., volunteering at the local food bank, organizing community events]. [He/She/They] is a valuable member of our community and I believe that [his/her/their] presence enriches our lives. I fully support [Applicant’s Name]’s application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 5: Landlord Reference for Tenant
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[New Landlord Name/Apartment Complex Name]
[New Landlord Address]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at my property located at [Address of Property] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During [his/her/their] tenancy, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and respectful tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] consistently paid rent on time and maintained the property in excellent condition. [He/She/They] was also a considerate neighbor and abided by all the rules and regulations of the lease agreement. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe [he/she/they] would be a valuable addition to your community.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 6: Scholarship Application
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Department]
[School/Organization Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee Name]
[Scholarship Organization Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear [Scholarship Committee Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., teacher, mentor, advisor] at [School/Organization Name].
[Student’s Name] is an exceptional individual with a strong commitment to [Mention area of interest/study, e.g., academic excellence, community service]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrates [positive quality 1, e.g., a strong work ethic], [positive quality 2, e.g., intellectual curiosity], and [positive quality 3, e.g., leadership skills]. For example, [Give specific example relating to scholarship criteria e.g., led the school debate team to victory at the state championships, volunteered over 200 hours at the local hospital]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] will make a significant contribution to [Mention field of study or future goals related to scholarship, e.g., the field of medicine, the advancement of environmental science].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 7: Volunteer Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position]
[Organization Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a volunteer position with your organization. I have worked with [Applicant’s Name] as [Your Relationship – e.g., Volunteer Coordinator, Supervisor, Team Lead] at [Previous Organization Name] for [Number] years.
[Applicant’s Name] is a reliable and dedicated individual with a passion for [Cause related to the volunteer position]. During their time volunteering with us, [Applicant’s Name] consistently demonstrated [Positive Quality 1 e.g. strong work ethic], [Positive Quality 2 e.g. excellent communication skills] and a commitment to helping others. For example, [Specific example of their positive contribution, e.g., they helped raise over $1000 for the organization through a fundraising event]. I am confident they would be a valuable asset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 8: Membership in an Organization
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Position – if applicable]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Membership Committee Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Membership Committee Name],
I am writing to strongly endorse the application of [Applicant’s Name] for membership in [Organization Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., colleague, friend, community member] and have been consistently impressed by their dedication to [Values of the organization or field, e.g., professional development, community service, environmental conservation].
[Applicant’s Name] has a proven track record of [Positive achievements relevant to the organization, e.g., leading successful projects, volunteering in the community, mentoring young professionals]. [Give a specific example that highlights their suitability, e.g., Their dedication to sustainable practices aligns perfectly with our organization’s environmental initiatives.] I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will be a valuable and contributing member of your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 9: Child Custody Case
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
The Honorable Judge [Judge’s Last Name]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
Dear Judge [Judge’s Last Name],
I am writing to provide my perspective regarding [Parent’s Name], in relation to the child custody case of [Child’s Name]. I have known [Parent’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., a friend, a family member, a neighbor]. I have observed [him/her/them] as a parent during this time.
I have consistently seen [Parent’s Name] be a [Positive Quality 1 e.g., loving], [Positive Quality 2 e.g., supportive] and [Positive Quality 3 e.g., responsible] parent to [Child’s Name]. [Give a specific example of their positive parenting behavior, e.g., They consistently prioritize [Child’s Name]’s well-being and actively participate in their school activities and extracurriculars.] It is my belief that granting [Parent’s Name] significant custody or visitation rights is in the best interest of [Child’s Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 10: Recommendation for a Friend
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Recipient Name – if applicable, otherwise use To Whom It May Concern]
[Recipient Address – if applicable]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend my friend, [Friend’s Name]. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [Number] years, and during that time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] character and integrity.
[Friend’s Name] is a [positive quality 1, e.g., reliable], [positive quality 2, e.g., kind], and [positive quality 3, e.g., hard-working] individual. [Give a specific example illustrating their positive qualities, e.g., They are always willing to help others in need, and they consistently demonstrate a strong moral compass.] I am confident that [Friend’s Name] would be a valuable asset in any endeavor [he/she/they] pursues.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
These sample letters provide a starting point for writing your own impactful character references. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific situation and to provide concrete examples that illustrate the individual’s positive qualities. A well-written character reference can significantly benefit the person you are recommending.