{"id":15453,"date":"2023-09-27T09:08:49","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T09:08:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/leadership\/how-to-write-a-character-reference-letter-for-a-friend-or-family-member\/"},"modified":"2023-09-27T09:08:50","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T09:08:50","slug":"how-to-write-a-character-reference-letter-for-a-friend-or-family-member","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mysourcefunding.com\/?p=15453","title":{"rendered":"How To Write A Character Reference Letter For A Friend Or Family Member"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A character reference letter can make or break an applicant\u2019s chances. Here\u2019s how to write a great one.<\/em><\/p>\n

Before the days of background checks, how could prospective employers determine if they were hiring a good worker or a \u2018bad apple\u2019? They had to rely on character reference letters, sealed with wax and signed by the applicant\u2019s former employer. Having your employment terminated without receiving a \u2018character\u2019 from your employer was tantamount to being unhire-able at any reputable establishment in future.<\/p>\n

Employment screening has come a long way since then, thanks to public records and technology, but there are still times where electronic records don\u2019t quite capture everything the hiring manager needs to know. What is the applicant really like<\/em>? Do they go above and beyond or just do the bare minimum? Can they be trusted with sensitive data and company assets?<\/p>\n

In cases like these, a great character reference letter (also known as a letter of character or personal reference letter) can still play a role in a person\u2019s career destiny.<\/p>\n

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The modern character reference letter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A modern character reference letter serves as a general statement about a person\u2019s personality and values as they relate to workplace performance\u2014traits like integrity, work ethic, attitude, thoroughness, communication and more. Occasionally it is written for a specific role the person is applying for, but more often it serves as a general statement that can be shown for a variety of opportunities.<\/p>\n

The content of the letter is based on the applicant\u2019s track record and is written by someone who has been in a position to observe these traits. This is often a friend or family member, but can also include former bosses, teachers, advisors, coaches and coworkers.<\/p>\n

Character reference letters differ slightly from letters of recommendation in that the former are more about the person\u2019s general character, work habits and integrity, while the latter focus on the applicant\u2019s fitness for a particular role.<\/p>\n

What to include in the letter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re approached to write a character reference letter, here\u2019s what you need to include:<\/p>\n