Character reference
You are vouching for someone: a tenancy, a job, a court.
A character reference is your account of someone you know well, for a landlord, an employer or a court. It carries weight because it is specific and because you put your name to it.
Say how you know them and for how long, then give concrete examples rather than adjectives. "Reliable" is worth less than an instance of them being reliable.
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I am writing in support of , for. I have known.
I recommend without reservation, and am happy to be contacted if it would help.
Still to fill in: your full name, who you are vouching for, what it is for, how you know them, and how long.
A finished example
The same template with every field filled in. The names and details are invented.
I am writing in support of Daniel Osei, for a tenancy application. I have known Daniel Osei as a colleague at Oakwood School for six years.
In that time I have found Daniel Osei to be punctual and dependable, never once late with anything entrusted to him, calm and considerate with parents and staff alike and careful with money, having run the school trip budget without a shortfall.
I recommend Daniel Osei without reservation, and am happy to be contacted if it would help.
Character reference for Daniel Osei Dear The Letting Manager, I am writing in support of Daniel Osei, for a tenancy application. I have known Daniel Osei as a colleague at Oakwood School for six years. In that time I have found Daniel Osei to be punctual and dependable, never once late with anything entrusted to him, calm and considerate with parents and staff alike and careful with money, having run the school trip budget without a shortfall. I recommend Daniel Osei without reservation, and am happy to be contacted if it would help. Yours sincerely, Margaret Bello Head Teacher, Oakwood School
Questions
- What makes a character reference convincing?
- Detail and honesty. Say how you know the person and for how long, then give examples rather than a list of adjectives. A specific instance of them being trustworthy is worth more than the word.
- Should I give my contact details?
- Yes. A reference the reader can verify carries more weight, so the letter offers a way to be contacted and your standing where it is relevant.
- Can I write one for a court?
- You can, and they are often asked for. Be truthful, do not argue the case itself, and say plainly how you know the person and what you have seen of their character. If in doubt, follow any guidance the court gave.
- What should I not do?
- Do not exaggerate or vouch for things you have not seen; a reference that overreaches is quick to discount. Stick to what you know first-hand.