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One of the most important goals here at FreeWritingCenter is to truly serve as a Free Writing Center for all of your writing needs. If you’re in the middle of writing a character reference for a friend, then you’re probably here because you really don’t know where to start and you’re looking for a free writing resource for help. You’ve come to the right place.
Writing a character reference as a friend is a bit different than doing so as an employer, and you may be nervous about ruining your friend’s chances for a job or some other opportunity because you messed up the reference letter. The following guide will walk you through the simple process of writing a character reference for a friend that will put them in a very good light for anyone who might be interested.
A Simple Guide to Writing a Character Reference for a Friend
If you’ve been staring at that blank piece of paper (or computer screen) for a while now, and you simply don’t know where to start - keep in mind the objectives that you want to accomplish with your letter. Ultimately, you want to:
- State how you know the person and why you’re a credible reference.
- Describe how your friend has the sort of characteristics that the organization is most likely looking for.
- Provide interesting anecdotes as evidence of your friends strong character.
- Offer a general summary statement and stand behind your statements about your friend with an offer to the organization to call or contact you for more information.
Each goal above actually represents the four important elements of a reference letter. Since you’re not an employer, finances and work ethic do not come into play at all. As a friend, you’re offering a character reference, so that’s exactly what you should aim to do by highlighting every good quality your friend has, and not mentioning any negative characteristics that you may know about. Your friend asked you for a reference because they trusted you to provide a very positive one, so don’t let them down.
An Example of an Effective Character Reference for a Friend
The following sample is an example of a character reference that incorporates all of the elements described above. By projecting confidence for your friend and your appreciation for your friends stellar character, the reader will understand that they are dealing with a person who truly makes a positive impact on the people that he or she knows.
To Whom it May Concern:
I have known Amy Thomas for over five years. Her daughter is close friends with mine, and we’ve gone on many outings and trips together both individually and as a family. She also cared for my children on weekends when my husband and I had to travel for business.
Amy is one of the most patient and generous individuals that I’ve ever met. One weekend when my husband and I had a last minute conference come up in another state, we called Amy and asked if she could watch our children. Amy actually canceled her own personal weekend plans so that she could help us with our child care crisis.
Amy also demonstrated a meticulous attention to detail and an ability to effectively accomplish complicated tasks in a very short time when she organized my daughter’s large graduation party for us. The event included my daughter’s entire class, family, decorations, live entertainment and food. Amy managed to produce one of the most entertaining and exciting events, and even came in under budget.
I feel that Amy would be a tremendous addition to any organization that she joins, and that she would prove to be an invaluable part of any job, project or task that she’s assigned. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any further questions about Amy.
Sincerely,
Christy Smith
As you can see, the letter is both professional and passionate, and it portrays how important Amy is within the life of the writer. By using the tips listed above and the sample letter provided here, you’ll be able to effectively convey that message and help your friend in whatever it is he or she needs your reference letter for.
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