How to Write a Character Reference in UK

Howtos

Here’s a guide on how to write a character reference in the UK, along with examples:

A character reference is a letter written to provide insight into a person’s qualities, personality, and integrity. It is often requested for legal purposes, job applications, or tenancy agreements.

1. Structure of a Character Reference

a. Your Contact Information

  • Include your name, address, phone number, and email.
  • Place it at the top-left corner of the letter.

Example:
Jane Doe
123 High Street
London
SW1A 1AA
jane.doe@email.com
01234 567890

b. Date

  • Write the date below your contact details.

Example:
16 January 2025

c. Recipient’s Details

  • Add the recipient’s name, job title, and address if known. If not, use a generic salutation like "To Whom It May Concern."

Example:
Mr. John Smith
HR Manager
XYZ Corporation
456 Business Road
Manchester
M1 2AB

d. Salutation

  • Start with "Dear [Recipient's Name]" or "To Whom It May Concern."

2. Body of the Letter

Divide the body into three parts:

a. Introduction

  • State who you are, your relationship to the person, and the purpose of the letter. Example:
    "I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], whom I have known for [duration] in my capacity as [relationship, e.g., a friend, mentor, or colleague]."

b. Main Content

  • Highlight the person’s positive attributes, focusing on qualities relevant to the purpose of the reference.
  • Include specific examples to illustrate their character. Example:
    "[Name] is a highly trustworthy and dependable individual. During the time I have known them, they have consistently demonstrated honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. For instance, they volunteered to organize a community fundraising event, which raised over £5,000 for local charities."

c. Closing Paragraph

  • Summarize your endorsement and express your willingness to provide further information if needed. Example:
    "In conclusion, I believe [Name] would be an asset to any organization or community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further details about their character or accomplishments."

3. Closing

  • Use a formal closing such as "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully."
  • Include your full name and signature.

4. Example Character Reference

For a Job Application

Jane Doe
123 High Street
London
SW1A 1AA
jane.doe@email.com
01234 567890

16 January 2025

Mr. John Smith
HR Manager
XYZ Corporation
456 Business Road
Manchester
M1 2AB

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to provide a character reference for Sarah Brown, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for over five years in my capacity as a colleague and friend.

Sarah is a highly motivated and reliable individual with a strong sense of responsibility. In our time working together at ABC Ltd, she consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and a proactive attitude. For example, she successfully led a project to streamline our filing system, which significantly improved efficiency across the department.

Beyond her professional skills, Sarah is kind, empathetic, and an excellent team player. She often goes out of her way to support others, creating a positive and collaborative work environment.

I am confident that Sarah would be an invaluable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me at 01234 567890 or via email at jane.doe@email.com if you require further information.

Yours sincerely,

[Signature]
Jane Doe

5. Tips for Writing a Character Reference

  • Be honest: Only write about traits you can genuinely vouch for.
  • Be specific: Use examples to back up your statements.
  • Tailor the reference: Focus on qualities relevant to the situation (e.g., professionalism for a job or reliability for tenancy).
  • Keep it concise: Aim for 300–400 words.

By following these steps and tailoring the content to the recipient’s needs, you can write a compelling character reference that reflects positively on the individual.

We are delighted to extend our professional proofreading and writing services to cater to all your business and professional requirements, absolutely free of charge at Englishtemplates.com. Should you need any email, letter, or application templates, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at englishtemplates.com. Kindly leave a comment stating your request, and we will ensure to provide the necessary template at the earliest.

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