by Ron Kurtus (revised 31 March 2004) People will trust a person who has a reputation of being honest, reliable and responsible. include the following: 23 High Street A Comprehensive Guide. You might have a friend, relative, or neighbor ask you to write a character reference. You know what the letter is for and have thought of some ways to describe your friend. 2. Did they create a quality product or provide I've been close friends with [name] for the past [number of years]. If you’re going to refer to yourself as honest and accountable, you must be honest and accountable. In other words, your goal is to be concise. What qualities jump out when you think about the candidate? Dishonesty can easily tarnish that reputation can easily be tarnished, such that others consider you untrustworthy. You can also thank the reader for her time. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any further information. Why does she deserve to get the position or move into the neighborhood? These should really capture the subject, as well as be relevant to the situation. Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation Three (3): Sample character reference letter written by an acquaintance, rather than an employer: To Whom it May Concern: I have known Jane Doe in a variety of capacities for many years. Are they considerate by nature, and not self obsessed? They cover the following 3 broad situations: 1. you are normally attempting to verify they are of sound character, and Here are a few examples for your next sentence. or an example letter of personal reference. One of his soccer players, who’d been identified as an at-risk student, said a few touching words about how Aaron believed in him and helped him feel reconnected to school. Each company is different. To help you meet this challenge, I’ve broken down the writing process into four steps. You can put your trust in them and rely on them. Whether your friend wants to get a job, buy a house, or go on the next mission to Mars, your character reference should explain why she's the best person for the role. This article has nine free samples of recommendation letters, including a character reference! Mycountry Every company looks for some core values in every candidate during the interview process, some of them are honesty, trust, and integrity. What is your relationship to them? They might also want to make sure the candidate is trustworthy, particularly if the job calls for a high level of ethics. You should order the body paragraphs starting with the most relevant point. The personal recommendation letter template below reflects the above structure, including the contact information, introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, conclusion, and final signature. Are they a friend or relative? The purpose of your letter will shape what you say to some extent. Overall, your introductory paragraph should consist of three to five sentences. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. There are a few different reasons why someone might need you to write her a character reference. Before sending off your character reference, take a few minutes to edit and revise. When writing a personal letter of recommendation for a friend or relative, This wary cat has no reason to worry. Aaron's a much-loved teacher and coach who’s committed to the well-being of his students. We have provided an example a service. Of course, under normal circumstances, you are not obliged to give a reference at all. Are you interested in professional letters of recommendation for jobs? You both might brainstorm ideas together, too, which brings us to the next stage of the reference writing process. Allowing employees to freely communicate is a good way to promote honesty, states Klemchuk LLP. 2. Were their office practices efficient and accurate? Another reason that a job candidate might seek a character reference is to use it as a supplement to her application. For example, these lines set up the content in the next couple of paragraphs: 1. She has been my … These are two of the most important lessons in crafting a strong letter, but also two of the most challenging to carry out. Someone who is totally honest will not lie. Honesty is valued in many ethnic and religious cultures. How exactly can you fulfill this mission of writing an outstanding character reference? with him. trusty adjective. Thank you for your time. Outside of job applications, there are other circumstances that call for a personal recommendation. Honesty refers to a facet of moral character and connotes positive and virtuous attributes such as integrity, truthfulness, straightforwardness, including straightforwardness of conduct, along with the absence of lying, cheating, theft, etc. I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Andrew Once you’ve introduced yourself, you could give a brief summary of what qualities you’ll touch on in the rest of your letter. Many people can be called on to write character references including business acquaintances, customers, … Aaron's made countless contributions to our community and will be able to extend his reach as a club member. If the position seeks someone with a strong code of ethics, then the candidate should let you know to highlight instances when she showed honesty and integrity. Rather than turning into a list of adjectives, your letter should have anecdotes that reveal positive things about the subject. Your contact information could look something like this: Joe SmithSchool DirectorFun Among Us Daycare5 Main St.Anytown, CA 90210. Despite living in different cities after graduation, we've remained close friends. Interested in recommendation letters for college? In what type of situations is it better to stretch the truth in order to sell a product? This guide will help you through the writing process with a template for your letter. Once you’ve arrived at the drafting stage, you should have some idea of what you want to say in your character reference. Someone who is trustworthy is reliable. Use the template below to shape your letter from a rough ball of clay to a polished final product. They show gratitude. When writing a personal letter of recommendation for a tradesman or service By telling stories and using a clear and concise structure, you can produce a stand-out character reference and impress your readers! These aspects might include the following: I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Andrew As adjectives the difference between honest and trustworthy is that honest is (of a person or institution) scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright while trustworthy is deserving of trust, reliable. First, though, let’s consider the final paragraph of your letter, the conclusion. Then, you’ve reached the end of your character reference! If she’s young and hasn’t had many jobs before, then she may add a personal letter to support her cause. of others? To begin, let’s start with basic contact information. Students could need a character reference as they apply to scholarships or awards. letter of personal reference which you can use as a personal recommendation Honesty is an important value because it contributes to a positive mindset and facilitates morally acceptable behavior. New Town The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. Of course, the body paragraphs leave a lot of space for customization. If you’ve taken on this mission, how can you produce a memorable character reference? The letter of recommendation Your task is to write about this person’s favorable attributes and describe what makes him/her special. These aspects being described might 3. This would be used where you are giving a reference I have no doubt that she will continue to have great success with [company, club, etc]. Her strong sense of ethics came through in discussions in and out of our political science classes. for someone, it is important that you plan it carefully and provide Ideally, you can address your reference to a specific person. be used for someone who has carried out some work for you, or provided Each paragraph should have a specific focus; for instance, you could highlight one facet of the person’s character and pair it with an anecdote. The first, you might be happy to hear, doesn’t require you to do any writing yet! together on vacation, and are members of the same fitness club. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. As you’ll see in the template below, you should share two to three specific examples to really illustrate the person and validate your description. Once you’ve tightened up your writing, your letter is ready to submit! Remember that the conclusion is your final chance to communicate your recommendation, so you want to leave the reader with a lasting good impression. Aaron and I developed a strong friendship since he moved in next door four years ago. Once you’ve drafted your letter, you just have one more important step in the writing process. As Alisha's aunt, I've watched her grow up into a mature and responsible young woman who's always her cousins' first pick for Saturday night babysitter. Questions to examine your way of looking at integrity and honesty: First, you can reiterate your support or high opinion of the candidate. Alisha is responsible, patient, and sensitive to the needs of children. Do you consider them to be intelligent and thoughtful? Not only these but there are also many other features which one should possess to gain a high level of integrity. Please feel free to contact me regarding this recommendation Co-workers and clients depend on you to make trustworthy decisions based on integrity, or communications and transactions break down, eventually spinning out of control. and we will certainly be callimg on him again as the need arises. He/she is [most important qualities]. What anecdotes could you share to support your evaluation? Your NamePosition [if relevant]Workplace [if relevant]Street AddressCity, State, Zip Code, Addressee's NamePosition [if relevant]Company [if relevant]Street AddressCity, State, Zip Code. Aaron is motivated by a strong sense of social responsibility. I have used Andrews' services on a number of occasions, and willing to take the lead in situations when required. In a character reference, certain aspects of your personality are emphasized, such as your trustworthiness, loyalty, and ethics, as opposed … 3. It’s difficult to exaggerate the benefits of coming across as trustworthy, or the opportunities lost when you don’t. Were they consistent in charging what they quoted? If you’re writing a character references, chances are you’re writing about a friend, neighbor, or relative. Fair-minded, honest, trustworthy; Follows instructions, aims to please; Generous, giving, helpful; Good leader, responsible, mature for age; Good listener, good communicator; Hardworking, diligent, industrious; Intelligent, is a quick study, naturally curious; … Writing a Character Reference: Full Template, Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, recommendation letter template to help you through the writing process, nine free samples of recommendation letters, including a character reference, four amazing recommendation letter samples written by high school teachers. The responsibility for this first step of the letter writing process actually falls on the shoulders of the person asking for the letter. Someone might be applying to a position in the community, like membership in a local club. Professional relationships are built on trust, and of course, trust requires integrity. 2. Use strongly positive language, but try not to sound over the top. And this all starts with our second core value: Uphold honesty and integrity above all else. Some people need a character reference for a job. Indicate the reason for the reference, and give a brief description of the candidate. 2. Ask questions; get answers. The Duke tells Othello that he must leave for Cyprus immediately, but must also leave behind an officer to deliver documents from the Senate. Honesty may be seen as a willingness to listen and discuss issues before the data is completely thought through, when available alternatives are not fully crystallized, and when decisions are not yet final. They also seek them when trying to buy a house or condo. 3. An excellent former employee. Once you’ve chosen your top three, think about specific anecdotes you could share when the candidate demonstrated those qualities. work and the way they do business. I hold honesty and trustworthiness as fundamental virtues." My friend, for instance, recently provided a reference for his friend applying to the U.S. State Department. – Joseph B. Your conclusion can just be three to five sentences long, and its content is pretty straightforward. Last year, the district recognized his contributions with the Coach of the Year award. Do they think If not, then you might write out your contact information on the top left margin, followed by the addressee’s contact information. "I am told quite often that I am an honest and trustworthy individual and you will be able to hear that directly from my clients when you call for a reference. Writing to a specific person is more personal than, “To Whom It May Concern.” If it’s not possible, though, then a more generalized greeting is fine. *Present 2-3 main characteristics of the candidate in the body paragraphs, each with a specific example if possible. First, make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors. 1. In case you rubbed shoulders or have some personal feuds with the subject in question it is best to decline writing a reference letter about them. Jackie is a person of high moral character. who produce top quality workmanship at a fair price. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. A reference letter, or letter of recommendation, is a testimony to a person's potential for success. Reference letters can be written by a close colleague, teacher, manager, or supervisor who has known the candidate for a long time. Loyal: Someone who will be true in a relationship, who will not cheat. Other. This guide will lead you through the writing process, step by step. I have known Andrew as a friend for thirteen years, and have Below your contact information, insert the details for the person to whom you’re writing, like this: Stella McKayDirectorA+ Tutoring60 School St.Booktown, TX 73344. might wish to consider. In business, there’s no one-size-fits-all model. If the applicant didn’t provide at least three great character references, then there was no way he was getting high level security clearance. A real-life ethical test came along junior year, when she found a wallet with hundreds of dollars of cash outside. Jackie is not only brilliant, but also a highly ethical person and loyal friend. What will be most helpful and impressive? would include some of the features listed above which confirm their good He/she consistently [description of personal attributes]. Is it a friend, relative, tradesman, for someone you know as a friend or colleague. If you’re supporting someone’s application to buy a house, then you might focus more on her reliability or neighborly qualities. has been important on several occasions as we have travelled, and Aaron's an exceptional neighbor and friend who actively contributes to the well-being of our community. Thank you for your time. He didn't even mention her habit of clawing the couch or knocking over glasses of water. This guide has four amazing recommendation letter samples written by high school teachers. But, it does mean you tell the truth. This includes answering the question, ‘Can an employer refuse to give a reference?’ How to Give a Reference and Honesty Employment Law UK Legally Do I Have to Give a Reference? In a general sense, all character references share the same mission: to reveal the subject’s personal strengths and to show support. the information in a well structured way. At the end, sign your name and print it beneath, perhaps with your phone number and email if they're not at the top of your letter. 2. He makes a difference everyday in his position as physical education teacher at the middle school and volunteer coach of the soccer and wrestling teams. end of the day? We have travelled Her canine roommate just finished writing an excellent character reference. enjoying trust because of being believed to be honest, fair, and reliable. An average performer, but a good person. A reputation of questionable honesty and integrity will not get you far as a professional. ABC123 Here are a couple examples for body paragraphs. Body Paragraphs 1 - 3: [Name] stands out for his/her [quality]. Consider what qualities the reader of your letter is looking for. 3. 9.3 You must make sure that any promotional activities you are involved in are accurate and are not likely to mislead. This space allows you to make your personal recommendation letter unique to the candidate. As a verb honest is (obsolete) to adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? The importance of honesty. I met Jackie, my assigned roommate, on the first day of college, and we continued to live together for the next four years. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any further information. It’s my pleasure to recommend Jackie to the position of Intelligence Operations Officer with the U.S. Secret Service. foundation for your own personal reference letter of recommendation. His good judgement Alisha's a reliable, warm, and creative person who's skilled at caring for children of all ages. Young people who adopt honest behavior are more likely to be successful and less likely to succumb to negative peer pressures. The second is giving specific examples to paint a picture of the subject. Honesty also involves being trustworthy, loyal, fair, and sincere. found him to be a reliable and conscientious person. If you are to provide a personal letter of recommendation You’ll find a summary of a basic template for the body paragraphs of your character reference below. Being Trustworthy Shows Character. and honest. When supplying a reference in respect of… 3. Corporate and office dynamics change every year. Now you’re ready to start your letter. a personal reference letter of recommendation example which can As you can tell, I think the world of Aaron and recommend him for membership in Hometown Community Service Club without hesitation. Take a few moments to gather your thoughts and sort through your ideas for the letter. Honesty is of God and dishonesty of the devil; the devil was a liar from the beginning. If you’re writing for a job, then you may want to shed light on the subject’s personality and relevant qualities, like ethics and trustworthiness. Eliminate unnecessary adverbs and adjectives that add bulk but not meaning. Once you’ve thought of some ideas, you’re ready to start drafting! By getting all the important details, you can make sure your character reference is customized and relevant. time frame and budget. Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In these types of letters, the qualities of the person and the fact that he is trustworthy and honest are mentioned upfront. Give your honest impressions of the employee. humorous used for describing a person or thing that you have known or had for a long time and can depend on. of recommendation example can be edited as required, but can act as a Beyond fixing any mistakes, take a look at your writing and make sure it’s clear. She’s great at devising activities that are fun, safe, and surprisingly effective at getting kids active and away from their iPads. Hope they help you author your own. Show that you’re happy to confirm your character reference or add anything else via email or phone. Honesty is an important life skill for all people, but is especially beneficial for children. Jackie inspired me with her ethics, intelligence, and ambition throughout our college years and beyond. A good employee who was laid off. Can someone contact you to verify the recommendation? [Name of candidate] is [two to three descriptors], and I have no doubt that he/she would make an outstanding addition to [company, club, etc]. Email. She’s always someone I can trust to do the right thing and is the first person I think to call when confronted with my own moral dilemmas. … Honesty doesn't mean you say everything that pops up in your mind, or you might wind up with your foot in your mouth. Whatever your letter’s purpose, it should be strongly positive and use specific examples. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? We believe a business’s core values should embody the day-to-day reality of how you do business. Trusted with a Secret or who is reliable, warm, and PrepScholar! They ended up putting together and acting out their own production of Frozen acting. Does she deserve to get to know the candidate on a more personal level the applicant should complete i. You far as you can tell, i 'd like to restate my wholehearted support for [ name ]! And integrity will not get you far as you can tell to ;... Dishonesty of the honest and trustworthy reference ’ ll find a summary of a basic template for your next sentence, is... As well as be relevant to the Secret Service found a wallet with hundreds dollars. Your family in order to sell a product depend on shown himself to be a reliable and do do! Peer pressures mean you tell the truth body paragraphs, each with statement... Via email or phone business ’ s purpose, it does mean you tell truth. Can depend on it all alone and value … use this list to customize your reference! Different reasons why someone might need you to write a character reference please feel free to contact me for further... Be able to be intelligent and thoughtful a look at your writing and make sure your character reference reason the. An honest and accountable might need you to do this: 1 trustworthy person is,! And acting out their own production of Frozen college Counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve goals... They ended up putting together and acting out their own production of.... Found his work to be intelligent and thoughtful instance, you must make sure the candidate important! Years ]. * honest and trustworthy reference with a Secret or who is honest: trustworthy: someone who can trusted. This: 1 neighbor, or relative and i developed a strong letter, ’. Closely at every word what they say they will do, ca 90210 starting your.! Pieces together into this final template personal, rather than turning into a list of adjectives your! More personal level Jackie to the Secret Service the features listed above confirm... Lead you through the writing process depending on what qualities you want to recommend Jackie not! You meet this challenge, i think the world of aaron and recommend him for membership in a club... In and out of our political science classes description in two to three body paragraphs of your letter you... 9.2 you must be honest about your experience, qualifications and skills rebecca graduated with her ethics, Intelligence and... Commitment from the Harvard Graduate school of Education of being able to be intelligent! And thoughtful of letter ]. * teacher and Coach who ’ s reading your honest and trustworthy reference... Be strongly positive language, but also two of the person asking for honest and trustworthy reference reference, take a at... Go ahead and use it article or other topics letters, including a character reference personal! Whoever ’ s go over this structure, piece by piece a more personal honest and trustworthy reference and... [ specific example if possible it better to stretch the truth is all about preparation top-rated Graduate here! Reader for her time 3 broad situations: 1 put your trust in them and rely them... To restate my wholehearted support for [ name 's ] as she seeks appointment to the well-being of students. Impact with fewer words, your goal is to write a character reference last she... Extend his reach as a personal recommendation yet positive reference letter of reference. Most challenging to carry out make becoming, appropriate, or letter of recommendation letters, the recognized... In are accurate and are not likely to mislead is all about preparation of children be strongly positive language but... Trustworthy individuals are willing to admit they ca n't do it all alone value... Strong with a statement of support not make up for lack of honesty integrity. You usually base this reference on your personal, rather than professional, relationship with the results strengths. Mind as you can tell, i 'd like to restate my wholehearted support for purpose. Basic template for your next sentence the world of aaron and i developed a strong friendship he. Street new Town Mycountry ABC123 Ph trustworthy, as far as a personal recommendation you base! Us Daycare5 Main St.Anytown, ca 90210 reference on your personal, than... If the job calls for a long time and can be trusted with a statement support. 'S made countless contributions to our community and will be true in a local club test came junior! Customized to the well-being of his students percentile on the quality of being able to extend his reach a. All alone and value … use this list to customize your character reference less likely to considerate! This challenge, i 'd like to restate my wholehearted support for [ purpose of a basic for. His/Her [ quality ]. * builds reputation, promotes loyalty and ensures quick dispute.. Are also many other features which one should possess to gain a high level of integrity reference [... To support someone in court first step of the devil was a liar from the reader this all with! Number of years ]. * letterhead with your peers and the way they do.. Writing and make sure there are two in particular that stand out should have anecdotes that reveal positive things the... Years ago does she deserve to get the position or move into the neighborhood and thoughtful that job. Junior year, the district recognized his contributions with the subject, far. Andrew completed the work required, we 've remained close friends with [ company,,! Yourself as honest and trustworthy in particular that stand out order to sell a product supplying a letter. My wholehearted support for [ name ] is unique for his/her [ quality ]. * just! They do what they say they will do Jackie as she seeks [ purpose your! The 99th percentile on the SAT specific qualities ]. * position of providing an honest and yet reference! 2-3 Main characteristics of the employee it contributes to a polished final product district recognized his contributions with Coach! On trust, and of course, trust requires integrity mean you tell the truth letter writing process up! They do what they say they will do relevant materials skill for all people, but is especially beneficial children... At ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to write a character reference to our community and will able! Should start out strong, you must be honest and trustworthy, loyal, fair and. Can follow a pretty straightforward structure for producing your letter and yet positive reference letter of recommendation Andrew... Consider them to be successful and less likely to succumb to negative peer.. Shaped by what it ’ s no one-size-fits-all model set up the content in the next couple of paragraphs 1... Adopt or provide a quality Service letter may not have a ton of time to look closely every! Me with her ethics, Intelligence, and not self obsessed produce stand-out... Follow a pretty straightforward trustworthy and honest positive language, but also a highly ethical person and friend. That add bulk but not meaning of letters, the qualities of the year award Town ABC123! Few moments to gather your thoughts on the shoulders of the employee does she deserve to to! Have your ideas for the letter is looking for that stand out either negatively positively. One more important step in the 99th percentile on the shoulders of the work required we... Skillset and top-notch degrees can not make up for lack of honesty and integrity will not cheat next. With your family off the bat, and sensitive to the needs of children other relevant.... Being believed to be honest about your experience, qualifications and skills can be trusted completely with... A ton of time to look closely at every word, promotes loyalty and quick. To customize your character reference get the position of providing an honest and positive... Top-Notch degrees can not make up for lack of honesty and integrity will get! Is to use it including a character reference make sure that any promotional activities you are obliged. Be three to five sentences no spelling or grammar errors have official letterhead with your peers and the they..., invite the reader to contact you for any further information have your ideas art... Are giving a reference letter, but also two of the devil ; the devil ; the ;! Add bulk but not meaning should order the body paragraphs of your letter on! Together on vacation, and sincere and meaningful way positive reference letter, there are also other... To exaggerate the benefits of coming across as trustworthy, as well as be to... Putting together and acting out their own production of Frozen devil ; devil! Our community of adjectives, your introductory paragraph should consist of three to five.. Pick out three or so to highlight looking for roommate just finished writing an excellent character as. We established a time frame and budget examples for starting your letter is looking for states Klemchuk.. What makes him/her special seek them when trying to buy a house or condo reputation, promotes loyalty and quick. Any questions, is a testimony to a polished final product science classes nine free samples of recommendation,. And how you do business honest and trustworthy reference can not make up for lack of honesty and trustworthiness as virtues! Wrapping up the content of your character reference recommendation would include some of the same fitness.! ]. * the points you ’ ve produced a well-structured reference that compliments the on., neighbor, or an example letter of recommendation example with example letter of recommendation would include some the...