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Character Reference Letter Examples and Writing Tips

What Is a Character Reference?

What to include in a character reference letter, character reference letter example, more reference letter examples, tips for writing a personal reference letter, what to do when you need references, whom to ask for a character reference, tips for requesting a character reference.

Theresa Chiechi / The Balance

Job candidates, students, and even apartment hunters may need to supply a character reference letter to their would-be employer, program, or landlord.

Do you need to write a character reference or ask someone to write one for you? If it’s something you haven’t done before, getting some pointers and looking at sample letters may help.

Review sample reference letters and tips for writing and requesting character references.

A  character reference  (also known as a  personal reference ) is a letter written by someone who knows the candidate and can speak to their character and abilities. Unlike with  professional references , the person writing the reference is generally not an employer.

When asked to write a character reference, only agree if you can speak positively about the candidate's personality and work ethic.

Once you've agreed, be sure to include a few key elements in your letter:

• First, state your relationship with the person requesting the letter and mention how long you have known them.
• The body of your letter should focus on one or two of the candidate’s strongest qualities or skills that you think will make them stand out in the job search or other application process. 
• Try to support each claim you make about the person with a specific example.
• At the end of the letter, provide any contact information that you feel comfortable sharing with the recipient.

Lastly, be sure to meticulously edit your letter before sending it.

This is a character reference letter sample.  Download the letter template  (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

Character Reference Letter Example (Text Version)

John Smith 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555 555-5555 jsmith@email.com

June 17, 2023

Jane Kiel Director, Human Resources Anytown Riding Institute 123 Business Road Anytown, CA 54321

Dear Ms. Kiel,

I have known Jane Doe in a variety of capacities for many years. She has been my daughter's riding instructor for the past several years. In addition, she is my partner in a small business where she is responsible for writing and editing articles and website content.

Jane is efficient, detail-oriented, and extremely competent. She often successfully finishes a task well before the deadline. She is very organized and never misses a deadline or forgets an assignment.

Jane also has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. She has taught riding to both young children and the elderly—and to every age in between. Her excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) allow her to connect with all kinds of people and inspire them to put forth their best effort.

In summary, I highly recommend Jane for any position or endeavor that she may seek to pursue. She will be a valuable asset to any organization.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Review more  reference letter samples  for a variety of circumstances to get started on your own letter.

Think before saying yes. Before agreeing to write a character reference letter, be sure you can write one that is positive and honest. If you cannot, it is better to say no; this will give the person a chance to ask someone who can write a stronger letter.

If you do not want to explain your reason for saying no in detail, you can simply say, “I don’t feel I am qualified to write a letter on your behalf.” Here's  how to decline a request for a reference .

Should you choose to write the letter, you should:

• Request information:  If you decide to write the letter, make sure you have all the information you need. In particular, make sure you know what the letter is for (whether it is for a particular job, a college application, etc.), how to submit it, and when it is due. You might also ask the person if they have a resume, CV, or other document listing their skills and experiences that you can use to help write the letter.
• Be specific:  In your letter, focus on two or three specific qualities or abilities the person has that make them a good fit for the job or school.
• Research the position:  Look at the job listing or the school website for a sense of the qualities the employer or school might be looking for. Provide an example of a time the person demonstrated each of these qualities.
• Provide contact information:  Provide some form of contact information so the employer or organization can reach you with further questions.
• Use business letter format:  If you are sending the letter by mail, use  business letter format  when writing your letter. Include the contact information of the employer at the top, the date, and your contact information. Conclude with a handwritten signature and your typed signature underneath. If you send an email reference letter, you do not have to use this format.
• Proofread and edit:  Be sure to thoroughly edit your letter so it is polished and professional. Ask a friend or family member to read over the letter before you send it.

Make sure your letter is thorough, but not too long. Three to five paragraphs is enough, and the letter certainly should not be longer than one page. 

There are a number of situations in which you may need to ask someone to write a character reference for you. Perhaps you don't have any  professional references  you can use because you're looking for your first job or have been out of the workforce for a while.

Or maybe you're concerned your current employer won't give you a positive reference. Even if you have good professional references, some employers request character references in addition to  letters of recommendation  because they want to get a sense of a potential employee's personality. 

You may also need a character reference when you're applying for a loan from the bank, renting an apartment, or applying to schools. A reference gives the employer, school, landlord, or bank a vote of confidence in the candidate.

If you're the one who needs a character reference, below is some helpful information about whom you should ask for help and how to go about doing it.

Whom should you  ask to provide a personal reference  for you? Ask someone you know personally who can speak to your character and abilities.

Neighbors and acquaintances may be willing to write a reference for you. Business acquaintances, professors and academic advisors, customers, and vendors can also make good references. You may even be able to  use a friend as a reference  for employment.

If you belong to or volunteer for any organizations, consider using leaders or other members of the group as personal references. Have you participated in the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, or a similar organization? Did you play school sports? Do you belong to a church group? Ask your group leader or coach to write a personal letter of reference for you. If you've babysat, dog-sat, or shoveled snow, ask the people you worked for if they will write a reference letter for you.

Whomever you ask, be sure to send the writer a  thank you note  afterward. Be sure to emphasize how much you appreciate their taking the time to write you a reference.

Select Someone Who Knows You Well

Think carefully about whom you want to  ask to write a reference for you . Make sure you pick someone who knows you well enough to offer insight into your personality. Pick someone you think will speak positively about you or someone you know has positive anecdotes to share about you. You can ask a family member, friend, or neighbor. You can also ask a teacher, advisor, volunteer leader, coach, pastor, or business acquaintance.

When to Ask

Be sure to ask your references as early as possible so they have time to write the letter. Offer to send them your resume or to update them on your life if they would like some more information, and make sure they know the deadline by which their reference needs to be received.

Provide the Details

It’s also a good idea to provide them with information about the job postings or programs you are applying for so they can discuss how your character and personality will make you a good candidate for these positions.

Say Thank You

Afterward, send them a  thank-you note  to show your appreciation.

Key Takeaways

• A character reference is a letter written by someone who knows the candidate and can speak to their abilities.
• Ask someone who can speak to your character to provide a reference for you.
• Request your reference as early as possible so the person has plenty of lead time to write the letter.
• Send a thank-you note to show your appreciation for the recommendation.

CareerOneStop. " References ."

How to Ask for a Character Reference

Quick Navigation: 

What is a character reference?

Who to ask for a character reference, how to ask for a character reference.

Many job applications require a list of character references, also known as personal references. You should always ask the people you want to list as a reference so they will be prepared to give you an excellent character reference via telephone, email or letter. In this article, you’ll learn what a character reference is, who to ask to be your reference and how to ask for a character reference.  

A character reference is a person who can confirm your skills and personality to help a company get a better idea of your personality before they decide to hire you. You may need to provide a list of character references before an interview, on your employment application or after an interview.  A personal reference would not discuss your job performance, but they may discuss your: 

• General attitude
• Dependability
• Trustworthiness

Unlike a professional reference, a character reference should be someone who knows you outside of work. You should choose someone who knows you well. However, it may be best to avoid including references who are close family members or friends. They will likely provide the employer with a biased perspective of your personal characteristics. 

For instance, a character reference could be someone who is your:

• Friend 
• Distant relative

Providing references whom you have volunteered alongside or worked together in an informal setting are also excellent people to add to your reference list. 

Once you decide on who to ask for a character reference, you will need to decide how to ask for the reference. 

Here are some tips that can help you ask for a character reference:

1. First, decide how you will ask for your character reference

Consider how long you’ve known the person and the typical method of communication you use with them before reaching out to them. Use your best judgment when asking for a reference in person or over the phone. Make sure to provide as many details as possible about the company you are applying to. Asking through email is less personal but it may give them time to consider your request. Rather than automatically assuming they will agree to your request, give them the option to say no.

2. Next, practice what to say for your character reference request

If you are going to ask your reference in-person or over the phone, try practicing your request with someone else. Have the other person role-play multiple responses to your request. This way you may be better prepared to respond to the answers or questions the individuals may have. If you are submitting your request through email, it may be helpful to draft a couple of emails and have someone proofread them before you send the final request.

3. Then, be specific in your character reference request

Make sure your chosen reference knows these four things:

• How to give the character reference: telephone, email or letter
• When the reference needs to be completed
• What job you are applying for
• What attributes you’d like them to highlight in the reference

4. Explain why you are asking them to be your reference

Providing a reason for why you value your reference’s opinion of you is an excellent way to establish or re-establish a connection with them. They may be more likely to give you a glowing character reference if you provide them a heartfelt explanation of why they are one of your top choices to provide a reference. 

For instance, you could say ‘Since you are excellent with community outreach and management, I thought that the hiring manager at Shirts With a Cause would value your opinion of me.’

5. Then, provide resources when you ask for a character reference

It is possible that the person you are asking to give a reference for you might not have given a reference for anyone else before. Give them ample resources that they can refer to so they can provide the best character reference possible. They may need guidelines on format and content, especially if they are required to draft a reference letter. 

6. Last, thank the person after you request a character reference

When someone provides you with a reference, it is important to thank them for taking the time out of their busy schedule to help you. You may want to write them a thank you letter or email after the reference is completed. This is a common courtesy to express your gratitude. Also, don’t forget to make them aware of the outcome of the job interviewing process.

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Character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter

Jump to section

What are character references?

Should I include character references on a resume?

Who can provide a character reference?

How to choose a character reference, 4 reasons character references are important, how to write a character reference letter, extra tips for getting a good character reference, choose references wisely.

After you nail your job interview, you might send a follow-up email and continue researching the company to get up to speed. 

While you wait on an answer, the hiring manager still has some work to do. They might ask you for references to contact for objective opinions about your experience, skill set, and personality. These could be either professional references or character references.

While both types of references speak to your capabilities and professional potential, they offer slightly different perspectives. Professional references consider your performance at previous jobs, and character references speak more to your personality and character traits.

Choosing a character reference requires the same careful attention as the rest of your job search process . Before reaching out to someone in your life, let’s explore the value of a character reference, what hiring managers are looking for, and what they can expect. 

A character reference, also known as a personal reference, is a person who can speak about your reputation, personality, and character when you’re applying for a job. They’re different from professional references, who can confirm your job-specific professional knowledge and skills. 

Imagine that you’re applying for a teaching position. A professional reference, like a previous manager, can confirm your ability to manage a classroom, create engaging and effective lesson plans, and communicate concepts that students understand. That information will tell a hiring manager whether you can complete your job tasks effectively. 

A character reference, like a mentor or community leader, can speak to your ethical values, sense of purpose, and life goals. The information a character reference provides speaks to important transferable soft skills , like your communication skills and teamwork skills , that let a hiring manager know if you’ll fit into the company culture and organizational vision.

Should I include character references on a resume? 

You don’t have to put character references on your resume unless the application specifically asks you to, which is rare. Hiring managers want resumes to show whether you have the skills, experience, and know-how that match the roles and responsibilities of the job. Based on that assessment alone, they’ll decide to extend a job interview invitation. 

Individual hiring managers are more likely to request professional and character references during the final stages of the interview process. They want to confirm what they already know and check that you are who you say you are. 

Asking for character references is most common when you don’t already have a lot of work experience or are applying for a job that requires strong character traits, like honesty or integrity. If a hiring manager doesn’t specify what type of reference they want from you, they’re likely asking for a professional reference, not a character reference. Ask them to clarify if you’re unsure. 

Even if you’ve never been asked to provide a reference before, it’s good to prepare a list of potential professional and character references while you’re applying for jobs. That way, if a potential employer asks for any kind of reference, you already know who to reach out to.

Someone who knows you well outside of work can provide a character reference. 

Remember that hiring managers might be more likely to trust the opinion of someone who isn’t emotionally close to you. Family members, family friends, and close friends may be able to speak highly of you, but their opinions likely lack the impartiality hiring managers seek. 

Take some time to write a list of people who can speak genuinely about your positive attributes based on their personal experiences with you. Think of people who you know are comfortable speaking professionally. And if you can, choose someone based on the specificities of the job. 

For example, if you’re applying for a managerial position that requires strong people management skills and leadership qualities, you want to choose someone who has seen you lead or make important decisions, like a community service coordinator or career coach . 

Here are some examples of character references a hiring manager will trust:

• An academic advisor, professor, tutor, or teaching assistant
• A career or life coach
• A career counselor, mentor, or sponsor
• Community leaders
• Colleagues, coworkers, or peers who know you on a personal level

Write a shortlist of potential character references and narrow it down from there. You might want to reach out to a few different people in case someone says no or isn’t available.

A good character reference could be the last step to landing your dream job, so it’s important to choose the right person and communicate with them effectively. Here are a few tips to get character references that persuade recruiters you’re the right candidate:

Pick someone trustworthy: Carefully think about the people you trust who’ve spent significant time with you. Just because someone has witnessed your skills doesn’t mean they’ll be a good reference. You should choose a person who likes you and will tell the truth when a hiring manager asks for their input. 

Keep it formal: Pick someone who has experience giving recommendations or can speak about you in a professional tone. Even if your relationship with them is casual, the reference should be professional. Make this clear when you’re approaching the person.

Consider the timing: Choose a person who has the time and energy to act as a reference. Give them a heads-up on when to expect an email or phone call from a hiring manager.

You might also have to ask them to write a letter of reference, so give them enough time to do so before you have to send it to your prospective employer. And if you know you’re starting a job hunt, ask someone to be a reference before you even apply so they can prepare accordingly.

Choosing professional references is usually straightforward. You’ll most likely include supervisors from your most recent job who can speak about your current skill level and experience. But picking the right character references may not be as obvious. You’re looking at a broader pool of people, and there isn’t always a singular, clear choice.

Understanding what hiring managers are looking for and what character references should provide is a good place to start. Here are some ways these references contribute to the hiring process:

Describe your well-roundedness

Professional references from managers and supervisors provide valuable information about how effectively you work, but might not always describe your personality in-depth. A character reference from a close peer, client, or mentor gives stronger insight into the values and personality traits that could make you a fit within a company culture or mission.

Focus on soft skills

Nearly 90% of hiring managers say that hires that didn’t work out lacked important soft skills . If they ask for a character reference, they want to be extra sure that you have the interpersonal skills and personality to excel and fit into the team dynamic . 

Back intuition with reputation

First impressions matter, but even the most experienced hiring manager can misjudge someone’s character. Most people only need 1/10th of a second to judge someone based on appearance , and interview biases can cloud their immediate thoughts.

A personal reference letter could disprove a hiring manager’s negative impression or confirm they can trust their gut if they already think you’re the right candidate.

Offer an alternative to professional references

A potential employer may ask for more than one employment reference, especially if you don’t have a lot of work experience or can’t offer a professional reference. If you’re brand new to the workforce, quit your previous job , or are returning to work after a long career gap , a character reference is a good alternative option to provide.

Whether you’re writing a character reference or asking someone to write one for you, it should fit the same general rules of any other communication at work: short, informative, and cordial. 

Consider breaking the letter of reference down into three clear sections:

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction that explains the relationship between the applicant and the reference. Describe the nature of the relationship and how and when it started.

Explanation: Provide specific experiences that demonstrate positive skills and personality traits. Be sure to include the types of soft skills the job description asks for, and skip ones that aren’t as relevant to save space. 

Sign off: Provide contact details like an email, phone number, and the time of day a hiring manager can reach out if they have further questions. 

Here’s an example of a reference letter:

Dear [hiring manager’s name], 

I hope you’re well! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about Margaret. 

I’ve been managing our community garden since 2012, and I met Margaret in 2017 when she started volunteering there. Since then, we’ve worked together nearly every weekend, growing vegetables and distributing them to local families in need. 

Margaret is an inspiring person. She leads with kindness, curiosity, and empathy and does everything with a smile. She’s a fantastic problem-solver as well. One summer, our garden had a bug infestation, and Margaret spent a weekend researching the problem and called upon the community to help get rid of the pests. She’s a valuable member of our group and neighborhood as a whole. 

I have no doubts about recommending her. Any team will be lucky to have someone with her work ethic and collaborative spirit. 

Please let me know if you have any further questions. You can call me on my cell phone anytime: [cell number]. 

Best regards, 

[Your name] 

A hiring manager might ask you for a reference for a specific position, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put in the effort beforehand. Here’s how to ask for a character reference and get a successful recommendation:

Be proactive: Ask for a letter of reference when you leave a job so you don’t have to do it later. You could request a professional recommendation, a character reference, or a more informal recommendation on your LinkedIn profile .

If you do give a pre-written letter to a hiring manager, inform the reference beforehand, confirm their contact information, and ask for a quick update that better reflects the job description. 

Prep your reference: Tell your character reference some key elements of the job you’re applying for, including the skills, experiences, and knowledge that your potential employer wants to see. If you can, remind them of specific experiences that might be beneficial to share.

Provide them with a template: If you have a specific type of letter in mind, share it with your reference. Send them tips for writing a professional email , or give them a character reference template to simplify the process.

They’ll appreciate the extra help if they don't have much experience writing professional letters.

Show gratitude: Taking the time to write a reference letter or answer a phone call is a kind gesture. Your reference is taking time out of their day to help you. Be sure to show your appreciation with a thank you note or personal phone call.

Character references are just one part of the job search, but they’re a key piece of the puzzle. A good character reference can assert your positive reputation, provide valuable insights about your personality, and convince a hiring manager that they’re making the right choice by hiring you. 

Think carefully about who can give the best recommendation for the job, coach them on what your potential employer is looking for, and let them support you in the job search. If you choose well and provide them with the right tools and resources, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job. 

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

A quick guide on how to list references on a resume

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Complete Character Reference Guide: How to Get One, How to Write One

You’re such a character!

You’ve been asked to provide a character reference. Oh, boy. 

So many questions: What is a character reference letter? Why do they need it? Are they even used anymore? And who do you ask for one? How do they write it? What should it include?

We’re here to help. Read on to learn all about character reference letters.

What is a character reference?

A character reference letter—which is also called a personal reference letter—is about your qualities, attributes, and traits. More than just a description of your personality, it should highlight specific elements such as integrity, work ethic, loyalty, or reliability. The person who writes it has to know you well enough to be able to say what kind of person you are.

Read more: How to Answer: What Are Your Strengths?

When are character references used—or are they?

Even though character references aren’t used as often as professional references , for instance, you never know who might ask for one. Everyone from potential employers, schools, landlords, volunteer groups, and professional organizations could well make that request.

But there are a couple of reasons employers tend not to ask for character references as part of their hiring process, career empowerment coach Melanie Denny tells InHerSight. One is “they have realized that candidates will only provide the most positive references and it has become a waste of resources to pursue.” 

In fact, in some instances where a hiring company does request a character reference letter, they will stipulate that it must be sealed and provided directly to them by the writer.

Another reason is that a character reference is less valuable than a professional reference for employment, career consultant Debra Cruz tells us. However, she adds, “they can be useful to get insight on a person's behavior and attitude.”

Read more: How To Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation

Who do you ask for a character reference—and how?

Don’t ask your mom, and don’t ask someone who actively dislikes you to write a character reference letter. Work colleagues, family friends, teachers or tutors, coaches, clients, group leaders and volunteer supervisors are all acceptable, but family members simply won’t be taken seriously.

Do remember that you’re asking for a favor, so act accordingly. Give the writer enough time, and if they show the slightest hesitation, give them an easy out. You don’t want a mediocre reference or, worse, any surprises.

Recruiters and hiring managers who ask for character references do check them, job search strategist Maureen McCann tells InHerSight. They need to ensure that the person they meet in the interview is the one described in the character reference letter. “What many people don't realize is that these reference checks could be the thing preventing you from getting the offer,” she says.

Read more: Why Your Soft Skills Matter & How to Market Them

Once someone agrees to write a character reference letter, make sure they know what it’s for. If it’s for a job, give them some background on the position so the letter is tailored to that job. If it’s for a volunteer organization, tell them what characteristics you’d like addressed. If it’s easier for them, provide a draft they can use when writing their letter.

When you’re making a career move, it doesn’t hurt to ask your soon-to-be former employer for a character reference letter too. Even if it’s non-specific, a general character reference letter is good to get from your employer when you’re leaving that job, says Cruz. If nothing else, it shows that you had a good relationship with them.

How do you write a character reference?

As mentioned, it’s important to know the reason for the letter. A character reference required for a job with children or the elderly should emphasize different traits than one required by a landlord.

McCann gives this example, when asking a business colleague for a character reference: “This employer wants someone with strong communications skills . When you talk with them, can you highlight those? Maybe tell them about the time we worked on the ABC project where we clarified concepts, showcased data and were able to help seven different audiences understand our role better—then be sure to tell them how this led to more funding for future projects."

We’ll go into details below, but generally you start the letter by explaining how you know the person about whom you’re writing. Once you’ve highlighted an important trait, you include an example of that characteristic. So, if you’re saying how dependable or trustworthy they are, describe a situation that exemplifies that attribute.

From there, you can move on to recommending that person specific to the purpose of the letter.

Read more: Is That Recommendation Letter Helping Or Hurting You?

What does a character reference letter include?

There are four parts to a character reference letter, which should be no more than one page in total:

Introduction. This says why you're writing, how you know the candidate, and for how long.

Specific attributes. Here is where your knowledge of the reason for the letter comes into play. Choose one or two characteristics to emphasize.

Give situational examples of those attributes.

Next comes your statement recommending without reservation the person for the position or placement.

Your own (the recommender’s) contact information.

If you’re giving a character reference by phone, you should include the same content as a letter would. “In the case of a phone call,” Denny explains, “the reference should be prepared to answer questions about the relationship with the candidate, the length of time they’ve known each other and personal qualities with specific examples.”

Read more: How to Harness Your Interpersonal Skills in Your Job Hunt & Career

Sample character reference letter

Here’s a sample character letter, written with a specific job in mind:

I am happy to provide this character reference letter for Jane Smith with respect to her application as an early childhood educator at your facility.

Jane babysat for our family for more than a decade. She was always trustworthy and mature, even as a teen, and has grown into a responsible adult whose rapport with and understanding of children is exceptional.

While obtaining her diploma in early childhood education, Jane worked with children, including our own, as an instructor and assistant lifeguard at our community pool. She is great with kids of all ages and can be relied on to keep them safe.

Jane would be an asset in any early learning and development setting. Please feel free to contact me for any further information you might require.

About our sources

Melanie Denny is a career empowerment coach, award-winning resume writer, nationally certified LinkedIn strategist, and career speaker. President of Resume-Evolution, she’s helped thousands of corporate professionals, from entry-level to executive across various industries, level up in their careers.

Debra Cruz is a career consultant with a graduate degree in educational counseling. She supports higher education for the underrepresented minority groups in community college, university and graduate school. She served as assistant director of employer relations / career counselor in a private liberal arts institution, advising them in the process of career development. She also advises job seekers on the necessary skills to help them succeed in their job search.

Maureen McCann is a nationally certified executive career strategist and founder of ProMotion Career Solutions. She is also a facilitator and teacher within the Career Development Certificate program at Career Professionals of Canada.

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How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]

You’ve applied for an office position. You can’t wait to get an interview with the HR department.

Everything seems good to go, but now, the HR asked you for a list of your references.

So, how do you do this?

Are you supposed to attach it to your resume? Who do you include in your resume references? Is there a custom format style? 

Well, kick back and relax because we’re here to help answer all your uncertainties!

Read on to learn everything you need to know about listing references on a resume.

• Whether you should or shouldn’t put a reference sheet on your resume.
• How to properly list references on a resume (with pro-tips).
• The best way to format a “References” section.
• Helpful resume references examples.

Should You Include References on a Resume? 

The general common practice that the majority of resume experts agree on is that you should NOT add a list of references to your resume . 

Because, generally, the HR department doesn’t have time to go through every candidate’s list of references. They have a lot more important things to do than reach out to all the references every single candidate ever provided.

That’s why references aren’t requested until after your interview has gone well or right before you are hired.

But here’s the thing: 

That’s not an unshakable no.

If the job description explicitly states that you should include references on your resume, without question, include one! 

This is very straightforward on its own, you’ll know when you see it. 

Some consulting firms, for example, tend to ask for testimonials on your performance from previous employers before they hire you. 

In this case, it's best if you do include the contact information of the people providing you with their positive feedback, so the HR can check how legitimate they are.

Bottom line: 

Every word on your resume should be full of value and quality. References add unnecessary space. Insert them only when required or if you’re asked to submit testimonials.

Want to save time? Get your resume done in under 5 minutes, with our resume builder . Quick and simple, ready-made templates that will do all the work for you.  

How to List References on a Resume [+ Example]

Now, let’s say you’re requested to provide a list of references. 

What’s the best way to display it? 

• Reference's First Name & Last Name - Tim Borden
• Professional Position / Title - Marketing Coordinator
• Name of the Reference's Company - Zen Corporation
• Business Address - Blaine Ave
• City, State, Zip of Company - Atlantic City, NJ, 07030
• Phone Number of Reference - (600) 753 9216
• Email Address of Reference - [email protected]

It’s best to stay ahead of the game. 

Keeping a list of possible references is something that should be done in advance, even when you’re not looking for a job. 

When you’re searching for a new position, you want to have a list of several names to contact. 

You wouldn’t want to struggle coming up with good fits on short notice, would you? 

Here are some more tips to keep in mind: 

You should always start your list with your biggest fan first : your most important and impressive reference. 

And no, this shouldn’t be your mom. Instead, you’d want your previous boss to vouch for you. 

Busy employers may not contact all of your references, but they will likely start at the top of the list. Glowing recommendations shouldn’t be left last!

What’s more, it’s important to clarify your relationship . 

It’s crucial to include what your working relationship to the reference is and how long you’ve known them for. 

But do not overshare . Don’t add more than the items we mentioned on the list unless required. 

And never include the personal mail addresses of your references for two reasons:

They will surely not be contacted via snail mail. 

And they might not want all of their personal information shared. 

Last, but not least:

Choose your references appropriately. 

Always choose the best references for the specific job under consideration. 

Let’s say you want to assert your marketing skills. In this situation, you could seek references from a former boss who can attest to that. Somebody like the Head of Marketing or Chief Marketing Officer . 

How to Format a Resume References Section 

Learning how to arrange a reference section is just as vital as other sections of your resume or cover letter. 

A messy, carelessly formatted reference page will lose your employer's interest. 

So how do you write one that’s eye-catching and professional?

First, put your references on a separate sheet . Add an exclusive reference page, as the last page of your resume. 

Keep the same format for your reference sheet as your resume and cover letter, meaning use the same font, margins, and color scheme. 

• Start off at the very top with your name, address, and phone number. You should place this information on that side of the page that fits the look of your cover letter and resume. (left, right or in the middle).
• Next, write the date. Then start with your employer's information in this specific order: name, job position, company name, and company address.
• Finally, follow up with a preferred title/subtitle: name the section References or Professional References .

If you’ve included personal references as well, you could also add “Personal References” as a subtitle. 

Use the formatting we discussed in the previous section to list your references.

Ditch the common “References available upon request”. 

This is a frequent mistake. Employers formerly know this and it’s an overworked phrase. The general rule of thumb is to keep your resume as brief as possible. Why misuse the space? 

How Many References Should You Include in Your Resume? 

Though there really isn’t a written rule anywhere about how many references you should include, the most fitting number would be three to five . 

Based on your career level though, there is a general division of two groups:

Regular and/or first-time job seekers , should usually provide 3 to 4. 

Whereas people applying for senior roles should include a longer list: about 5 to 7 references. 

In that case, it’s sufficient to list one reference for all the different points in your professional record. 

Who is a Good Reference For Your Resume? 

It’s important that all the references in your resume are all deliberately selected individuals . 

Everyone’s aunt thinks that they are special, but what does your previous manager think about your work ethic?

To figure out who’s a good reference for you, you should take personal experience into consideration: that means what stage in your career you’re currently in. 

Because you’d list different people at different points in your career. 

If you are a student or recent graduate with little to no work practice, you would want to get references from:

• Guidance tutors or counselors
• Course teachers and professors 

Any of these people can speak positively about your best skills, qualities, and experiences. 

When you have some professional background, however, even at an entry-level position , you have more variety in selecting a good reference. 

You could use former colleagues or managers as well as project , master , doctorate supervisors from your most current studies. 

If you are a professional candidate , this process becomes simpler as your preferred references will be more acquainted with giving and requesting references. 

• If you don’t have a lot of professional references to count on, you can reach out to just about anyone that can provide you with a valuable character reference.
• If a friend works in the company you are applying to, you could also use them as a reference.

Other important things you should consider:

• Ask for permission and say thank you. Fill in your references before handing over their contact information to an eventual employer. It’s solely common courtesy. Send them a copy of your resume as well, so that both of you are in harmony for when the manager calls. Don’t forget to be grateful either. If you get the job, take them out on lunch to properly say thank you. Follow up, a little acknowledgment can go a long way! 
• DO NOT use family members. This is unconventional and discouraged. The people you use as references should be unrelated to you, in a familial sense. Of course, our mothers have countless nice things to say about us, but their opinion isn’t relevant on a resume. It might also appear as though you don’t have enough people to vouch for you. 
• Avoid people you’ve confronted. Be careful in not adding individuals you are or have once been in professional conflict with. You can never be too sure if they’re still holding a grudge against you. Play it safe. 
• Make sure they are comfortable. Especially if they’re a person you are currently still working with, confirm they are okay with you searching for a new job. If you’re trying to keep it a secret from your employer though, it’s best not to ask a current coworker at all. You can never know for certain how ethical or pleased with your success one is. 

In the end, the basic point of a reference is for the employers to get a true reflection of your work ethics, background, character, and personality. 

Find people who can properly display all of the above for you.

3+ Good & Bad Resume Reference Sheet Examples

So many rules! 

But don’t worry - we have some great examples for you to help put them into practice: 

GOOD EXAMPLE:

MY BEST AND FAVORITE REFERENCE - inappropriate title 

Martha Payne - a family member as a reference 

2809 Candlelight Drive - including home address

870-294-1238 - wrong listing order, the reference phone number should be second to last

Nursing Assistant - unrelated to your industry or position

Newlife Hospital

4164 Fittro Street 

Lurton, AR, 72848

[email protected]

Martha is my auntie. She’s not only a well-respected member of the community but a remarkable nurse. She was the one who raised me and I consider her my mother. She knows me better than anybody else and I couldn’t have chosen a better person to speak of my character. - prolonged and unprofessional description 

References available upon request - overused unnecessary phrase

• providing them only one reference 

Key Takeaways

Here’s a recap of what we learned in this post:

• References ARE NOT supposed to be on your resume. So when in doubt, DON’T include a list to your resume. 
• On rare occasions though, references may be added on a resume. If you decide to do so, put your list on a separate sheet. Don’t forget to match it to the style of your cover letter and resume.
• Be intelligent with your reference choices. Your number of references should correspond to your career stage. Put your most glowing references on the top. Selected those who are closest to your line of work. Avoid people you’ve ever had professional conflicts with.
• Be diplomatic. Always ask for permission before listing them as references. Email them a copy so that you’re both on the same page. Don’t forget to thank them afterward. 
• Use the correct formatting. List your references precisely as we showed you in this guide. There’s a definite, proper way to arrange entries and the structure of the page itself - don’t contradict it. Use the examples we gave you as a guide.

Suggested readings:

• How to Write a Resume & Land That Job? [21+ Examples]
• What to Put On a Resume [7+ Job-Winning Sections]
• CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions [+ Examples]

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How to Write a Compelling Character Reference (Example & Guide for 2023)

What is a character reference letter?

Who to ask for a character reference letter, how to write a compelling character reference letter, tips and tricks, example of a character reference letter.

When you are applying for a job, there are various documents that can help you out more further in the hiring process.

Most candidates stick to only sending out their CV , and sometimes add in their cover letter , and that is perfectly fine.

However, there are some additional documents that the employer might ask you to provide to get a better understanding of who you are.

One of the most common additional documents for your application is a character reference.

You might ask yourself various questions about that, and we are here to help you.

In this article, we are going to find the answers to the following questions:

• How to write a character reference letter?

And we are going to wrap this topic up with some great tips and tricks to help you out, as long as a great example of character reference letter to get you started on your own.

So, if you are ready to learn more about the reference letters and how to use them correctly, let’s dive in.

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Before we get any further, it is essential that you understand what exactly is a character reference letter.

A character reference letter is a document which is often used in job applications as a testament to the candidate’s personal qualities.

Typically, your character reference letter would not necessarily be written by someone who you have worked professionally with. It is much more important that the person can talk about your abilities and character.

The goal of the character reference letter is for the employer to get an insight into your personality and traits, and based on that to determine whether you would be a good fit for their company.

When deciding who to ask for a character reference letter, you can’t just ask anybody.

You need to consider only people who know you well enough to provide a realistic and positive evaluation of your personal traits.

Some people who you can consider for writing your character reference letter are:

• Co-volunteer
• Volunteer leader
• Client of yours
• Customer of yours
• Business acquaintance
• Professor of yours
• Academic advisor
• Mentor of yours
• Fellow student
• Neighbour of yours
• Friend of yours

As you can see from that list, you should avoid choosing a family member, as such character reference letters are usually not taken seriously from employers.

To help the person who you have selected for a reference prepare better your letter, you can provide them with the job description of the job you are applying for, as well as your up-to-date CV .

Now, let’s back up a bit, and have a look at a different scenario – someone asking you to write a compelling character reference letter for them.

If you are up to the task, you need to know how to do this right, and help your fellow in the best way possible.

To write a compelling character reference letter, you need to follow just five simple steps.

Explain your relationship to the candidate

The first thing you need to do when writing a character reference letter is show the employer how you know the candidate.

No matter what your relationship is, make sure you provide some detail, so that the employer knows that you really know each other, and that you have some insight into the candidate’s personality.

Share how long you have known the candidate

After sharing your relationship with the candidate, you would want to go a little further into detail.

What you need to share is how long you have known the candidate, as that only proves the credibility of anything you have to same about them.

Highlight positive personal qualities of the candidate and back them up with specific examples

Once you have provided the employer with enough detail about your relationship with the candidate, it is time to share some of your insight.

That’s the place where you want to show the employer that the candidate would be a great fit to their company.

To do so, make sure you include at least three personal qualities that would help the employer better understand the candidate, and why they can benefit the company.

These are qualities can be any of these, as well as any other soft skills :

• Communication skills
• Leadership abilities
• Positive attitude
• Commitment to quality

Whatever you decide to list as positive qualities of the candidate, make sure you also back up your words with some specific examples in your experience with the candidate.

Wrap it up with a statement of recommendation and share your contact details

Once you have done all that, it is time to simply wrap up your character reference letter.

To do so right, you need just two things:

• State that you recommend the candidate for the position they are applying for
• List at least two pieces of contact information, like your phone number and email address

After you know who to ask for a reference letter, and how to write one, if someone asks you, let’s have a look at some tips and tricks that would help you either way:

• Keep the character reference letter positive – that is absolutely not the place for listing someone’s shortcomings. The writer of the reference should always be someone who can speak only to the candidate’s best qualities
• Avoid private details – even though the reference letter should go into detail about the relationship with the candidate, it should never go deeper than that. It should be kept professional, and should never share any personal struggles or intimate matters
• Proofread and edit – the character reference letter, just like any other document, should be thoroughly checked for any errors and edited before being sent out. It is always a great idea to also ask a friend or a family member to double-check it

And finally, as promised, we are going to provide you with a great example of a character reference letter to get you started when starting to write one yourself.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I have known Jane Doe for almost five years. We met while studying in the same academic institution years ago, and she offered to help me out with my small startup.

Jane is one of the most hard-working, dedicated, and innovative people I have ever known. She is also compassionate, and always ready to help others.

Once while we are still attending Cambridge university, a lecturer of hers got really sick, and as she was a soon-to-be graduate, stepped in and taught their lecture until they got better, sacrificing her own time to prepare for her final exams.

Jane is the type of person that you can always count on to remain calm during a stressful situation, and help to find the most efficient solution to a problem.

For all these reasons, I recommend Jane Doe for the marketing specialist position, and I believe she would greatly help your company grow and improve.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me any time.

John Johnson

+44 1632 960133

[email protected]

We are all done, now you know who to ask for a character reference letter, and how to write a compelling one when someone asks you to.

Let’s go through all the essential parts a reference should include:

• Explanation of the relationship to the candidate – a great way to start off a reference letter is to share some detail about how you know the candidate
• Information about how you know you have known the candidate – that information only strengthens any information you share further on in the reference letter
• Highlights of positive qualities, backed up with specific examples – once you have showed the connection to the candidate, you would like to get to the point and show why they would be a great fit for the position they are applying for
• End with a statement of a recommendation and contact details – you would want to wrap up the reference with a recommendation and at least two pieces of contact information

Take one last look at our example of a compelling character reference letter, and prepare yourself to help your fellow get their next job.

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Will checking character references really help you find the best candidate for a job?

Associate Professor in Management, Swinburne University of Technology

Disclosure statement

Timothy Colin Bednall does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Swinburne University of Technology provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Finding the best person to fill a position can be tough, from drafting a job ad to producing a shortlist of top interview candidates.

Employers typically consider information from several sources , including the applicant’s work history, social media presence, responses to interview questions and sometimes, psychometric testing results.

It’s also common for hiring managers to check an applicant’s references by chatting to the candidate’s nominated referees or reading over their letters of recommendations.

Reference checks tend to be the final hurdle; a sort of background check for the candidate’s job history and credentials.

Nearly every employer does reference checks, but research suggests there are important limitations worth keeping in mind.

Inconsistency can be a problem

A reliable selection method produces a consistent measure of candidate suitability. In other words, reliability enables an apples-to-apples comparison of each candidate.

But early research into reference checks found referees tend to give substantially different ratings to the same candidates.

This inconsistency is problematic because it is unclear if a favourable report reflects genuine suitability or the candidate was fortunate enough to nominate a lenient referee.

Part of the problem is employers often do not take a structured approach to obtaining information from referees.

For instance, if asked overly general or vague questions about the candidate, each referee may focus on different aspects of past job performance or omit negative information.

Research suggests using a standardised set of questions can produce more reliable outcomes. This provides a stronger basis for making a meaningful comparison between candidates.

Unfortunately, even using a standardised assessment, referees still tend to disagree on their ratings .

This disagreement may still be worthwhile, as it can reveal important contextual differences in the candidate’s performance. For instance, one referee may have observed a candidate leading a team, while another may have only seen their project work.

However, employers still need to make sense of these different perspectives.

A reference is a poor indicator of future performance

A valid selection method is job-specific and provides useful information about how a candidate will actually perform in the role.

Reference checks are a relatively easy hurdle for candidates to overcome because referees are typically self-selected, and most job seekers can find at least one colleague who is willing to speak positively about them.

Read more: Employers should use skill-based hiring to find hidden talent and address labour challenges

As well, a candidate’s performance in a previous position may not always be relevant for the job they are applying for.

For these reasons, reference checks show only a small correlation with employee performance in their new job.

But because of their limited ability to predict performance, employers should not rely solely on reference checks.

A mix of checks the best approach

A recent systematic review of employee selection methods suggests structured interviews , work samples , and pre-employment assessments can provide useful insights into how employees will perform.

Pre-hiring assessments can reveal information about a person’s job knowledge, cognitive ability, integrity, personality, and emotional intelligence where appropriate. They are especially useful for screening numerous applicants, such as for graduate recruitment programs.

Ultimately, the job selection process should be tailored to the role requirements. For instance, if a role requires strong writing skills, this could be assessed through work samples or pre-hiring assessments.

Some candidates could be disadvantaged

A fair selection method is one that is unbiased and avoids giving weight to irrelevant information. It does not disadvantage people because of characteristics such as gender identity, age, or cultural background.

From this perspective, reference checks have several potential problems.

One is that candidates may not have access to referees of similar credibility.

For instance, a person from a high socioeconomic background is more likely to have access to senior leaders or experienced professionals in relevant fields who are willing to provide positive reports.

Reference checks may perpetuate existing inequalities.

In most cases, referees will want to provide positive reports. If the referee is a close colleague of the job applicant, they may be concerned that negative reports will be traced back to them and affect their ongoing relationship.

And employers may be motivated to offer under-performers a glowing review to get rid of them.

Read more: 6 questions you should be ready to answer to smash that job interview

Most references are difficult to verify, so referees are unlikely to suffer damage to their reputation if they talk up an average candidate, especially if the referee is outside the employer’s professional network.

Research suggests letters of recommendation can actually disadvantage female candidates by planting doubts about their suitability.

For instance, letters about female candidates more frequently contain negativity (such as, “does not have much teaching experience”), faint praise (“needs minimal supervision”) and hedging (“has the potential to become a strong performer”).

These types of statements can lead employers to evaluate female candidates more harshly.

However, when a structured questionnaire is used , this bias does not emerge.

A flawed but worthwhile tool

While reference checks remain common, their limitations are clear. They can be unreliable, offer only moderate validity in predicting performance at best and raise fairness concerns.

However, reference checks shouldn’t be discarded. By implementing structured questioning and adopting other well-established employee selection methods, references can still be included as a final step in a robust hiring process.

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