Character reference: reference letter example
When to use it
A letter from someone who knows the candidate well but wasn't their manager (a teacher, community leader, family friend) — for rentals, volunteering, a first job and some visa applications.
The full letter
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
[Date]
To whom it may concern,
My name is [your name], and I am [your role or who you are]. I have known [Candidate's full name] for [X] years [how you know them — e.g. "through our work together at the local volunteer centre"], and I am happy to write this reference.
[Candidate's first name] is honest, responsible and someone who keeps their word. In the time I have known [him/her/them], [a specific example — e.g. "[he/she/they] organised a food-aid drive every weekend for three months without missing a single session"]. It shows clearly how [he/she/they] treats commitments.
[He/She/They] treats people with respect, is patient, and is the first to help when things get difficult. [A second short example — about relationships or reliability.]
I recommend [Candidate's first name] with complete confidence for [purpose — a job, a tenancy, a volunteer programme]. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely, [Your full name] [Your role / who you are] [Phone] · [Email]
Replace the parts [in square brackets] with your own details. Cut generic phrases; add specific facts and numbers.
💡 Expert tips
- 1Don't ask a relative — a neutral person (a teacher, coach, community leader) is far more convincing.
- 2The writer must say how, and for how long, they have known the candidate.
- 3Visa references often need notarisation or translation — check the rules in advance.