If you've never written a character reference letter, you may find it difficult. While writing character reference letters is a huge responsibility, it's nothing to worry about. Character reference letters are actually easy to make, whether for work, academic programs, or court purposes, as long as the information is readily available and uses polite language. Write a positive reference, and the friend or individual who asked you to write it will be grateful.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Writing Letters
Step 1. Write down your background and your relationship with the person described in the reference
Introduce the initial information up front. Who are you and what is your relationship with the person concerned? How long have you known him? How much time do you spend with him in one organization or activity? Where did you meet him? Readers of character reference letters want to know exactly what the author's relationship with the person referred to in his letter is like.
Think about the nature of your relationship with the person concerned. State in detail. Instead of simply writing, “I have known Doni for three years,” it is better to say that, “I have had the pleasure of working with Doni for the last three years at Kedai Kebun Kita, Yogyakarta.”
Step 2. Use the right format
Character references must follow a three-part three-paragraph format. The first paragraph is an introduction, which explains who you are and your relationship with the referred individual. The second paragraph to outline your analysis of the individual's character. The third paragraph is a closing to ask the reader to view the individual concerned positively.
- End the reference letter by persuading the reader to be positive on the subject of the letter. Close with “Sincerely, [your name]”.
- Write a short letter. Readers don't need many pages just to find out information about someone's character. They need the basics. Keep this in mind when you draft.
Step 3. Write down the positive charge
A character reference letter is not a place to compare a person's personal strengths and weaknesses, background, or lifestyle. This letter should provide an honest, but positive, assessment of the accomplishments, goals, and personality of the referenced individual. A good character reference letter will create a positive impression about the individual concerned.
- Use positive adjectives to emphasize that the person in question is a good person.
- Include a short list of the accomplishments of the referenced person. For example, if he is donating time or money to a humanitarian cause, state it in the letter. If he has a military background and has served his country, write down his courage to minimize legal sanctions. Also mention the contribution concerned to the church or other religious organizations.
- If you are unsure what achievements to include, answer the following question, “Is this relevant or does it indicate a positive attribute?”
Step 4. Make the final edit
Before submitting, reread your letter to check for misspellings, punctuation, or grammar. The latest word processing technology has greatly facilitated this task for the layman. Check for words marked with red curly lines, if not names, they may be misspelled. In addition to spelling and grammar, make sure the facts you present are correct. Submit the draft to the person you refer to make sure all information is correct.
Part 2 of 2: Planning a Character Reference Letter
Step 1. Use the right language
Character references should be polite and formal. You have to be honest, but don't underestimate the reader's ability to judge effectively. The reader of your letter may be a judge, a professor, or some other respectable person.
Use the designations “Your Honor” for judges, “Doctor”, “Professor”, or “Mr” for lecturers, and rank for military officers (for example, “General” or “Sergeant”)
Step 2. Find out why the person in question needs a letter of reference
Letters of reference are usually required to apply for jobs and in court cases to state that an individual's illegal acts are not normal. Other requirements that require character references are to rent a residence, apply for college, and immigrants apply for citizenship.
- If you're writing to court, make sure you know the exact details of the crime the individual referred to, and discuss how he feels about the case. Show that you understand the gravity of the case, and if he seems genuinely sorry, emphasize his regret in the letter.
- Don't write character references for people you don't know well, or for people who are hesitant to provide the necessary background details about why they need them.
Step 3. Know who will be reading it
Find out the name and position of the reader. For example, if you are writing a letter of reference for a friend who is applying for a position in an academic field, make sure you know the college he or she is going to, what the position is, and who will be reading the letter. This way, you can create a personalized letter and show that you, as well as the friend, put some serious energy into it.
