By Megon VenterThu. 04 Jul. 20243min Read

How to Write a Personal Reference Letter Using Our Template

Our template guides you through each section, from the salutation to the conclusion, making the writing process straightforward.
How to Write a Personal Reference Letter Using Our Template

A personal reference letter can play a crucial role in showcasing someone's character and qualifications. Using our template simplifies this task, ensuring that you include all necessary details in a structured and effective manner.

With clear prompts and examples, you can craft a compelling letter that highlights the best qualities of the person you are recommending.


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Megon Venter
Blog Author - B2B SaaS Content Writer
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Megon is a B2B SaaS Content Writer with 7 years of experience in content strategy and execution. Her expertise lies in the creation of document management tutorials and product comparisons.


Download Personal Reference Letter

A Personal Reference Letter, often called a "character reference letter," is a formal document that attests to someone's character, qualities, and personal traits.

Unlike professional or employment reference letters that highlight job performance and professional skills, personal reference letters emphasize an individual's personal characteristics.


When writing a personal reference letter, it's important to be confident in your ability to vouch for the person. If you have any doubts or hesitations, it's better to politely decline the request. For those seeking a reference, it's crucial to choose someone who knows you well and can offer a positive and truthful account of your character.


Key Sections of Personal Reference Letter

  • Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person, like "Dear Ms. Johnson," or use a general greeting such as "To Whom It May Concern."
  • Introduction: Introduce yourself, explain your relationship to the person you're referencing, and mention how long you've known them.


    Body: Provide specific details about the person's character, attributes, and qualities, including anecdotes or examples that highlight these traits.


  • Conclusion: Summarize the main points, reaffirm your recommendation, and offer to provide further information if needed.


  • Signature: Close with a sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your handwritten signature (for hard copies) and printed name. Include contact details, such as a phone number or email address.


"Personal reference letters serve as a testament to the candidate's reputation and credibility within their professional network."
Alison DoyleAlison Doyle 
Co-Founder, The Job Hopper News
Source: LinkedIn


Executive Summary

Salutation:

  • Address the letter to a specific person (e.g., "Dear Ms. Johnson,") or use a general greeting ("To Whom It May Concern").
  • Ensure the salutation is polite and appropriate for the context.

Introduction:

  • Introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the individual.
  • Mention how long you have known the person and in what capacity.

Example: "I am writing to recommend John Doe, whom I have known for over five years as a neighbor and friend."

Body:

  • Detail the individual's character, personal attributes, and qualities.
  • Include specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate these traits.
  • Focus on positive aspects and provide a well-rounded view of the person.

Example: "John is one of the most honest and dependable individuals I have ever met. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and has demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills. For instance, when our community faced a severe storm, John organized a neighborhood cleanup, ensuring everyone's safety and wellbeing."

Conclusion:

  • Summarize the key points of your recommendation.
  • Reaffirm your endorsement and willingness to provide further information if needed.

Example: "In summary, I highly recommend John Doe for any opportunity he may pursue. He is a person of great integrity and character. Please feel free to contact me at [your contact information] if you need any additional information."

Signature:

  • Use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."
  • Include your handwritten signature (if submitting a hard copy) and your printed name.
  • Provide your contact details, such as a phone number or email address.

Example: "Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]"



"Ultimately, that’s what writing personal references is all about. You want to explain why and how the person’s personality and traits will help them sparkle in the role"
Jeff GillisJeff Gillis
Co-founder of The Interview Guys
Source: LinkedIn


Stay Accessible

After submission, remain available for any follow-up questions or additional information requests. The recipient may need clarification or further examples to support the reference provided.

Being responsive can significantly enhance the credibility and impact of your letter.
Keeping your lines of communication open shows your commitment and willingness to support the individual fully. Make sure to check your email regularly and be ready to provide any additional details or documents promptly if requested.

 

Keep the Applicant Informed

Stay in touch with the person you wrote the reference for. Let them know that you have submitted the letter and confirm its receipt. This not only reassures them but also helps them stay updated on their application process.

If there are any follow-up requests or additional details needed from you, inform the applicant promptly. This keeps them in the loop and allows them to prepare or respond accordingly, demonstrating your support and involvement in their application.

Monitor the Outcome

If possible, keep track of the application's progress. While you may not have direct access to all the details, checking in periodically can help you stay informed about the status and any potential impact your letter had.

You can gently ask the applicant or the recipient about any updates regarding the application. This can also be a good opportunity to provide further assistance or references if needed, showing your continued support and interest in their success.

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Related Templates for Personal Reference Letter 

Volunteer Recommendation Letter
Created by industry professionals, our Volunteer Recommendation Letter PDF Template highlights a volunteer's dedication and enthusiasm, emphasizing the unique qualities they contributed to the organization.

This template provides a detailed account of the volunteer's journey, passion, and impact, ensuring a comprehensive representation.


In today's fast-paced world, where numerous opportunities exist, standing out is essential. A well-crafted recommendation effectively showcases an individual's character, dedication, and abilities.

Landlord Reference Letter

A landlord reference letter, also called a tenant reference letter, is written by a current or previous landlord to provide details about a tenant's rental history.


This letter confirms the tenant's reliability, behavior, and overall conduct during their rental period. Its main purpose is to offer potential future landlords insight into the tenant's qualities and suitability for a new rental agreement.

Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is a formal document authored by someone who can vouch for an individual's character, abilities, and qualifications.


This letter is often requested by employers, academic institutions, or other organizations to bolster an applicant's case by showcasing their strengths, experiences, and achievements. It provides a personal endorsement and insights into the candidate's suitability for a specific position or opportunity.


Reference Letter
A reference letter, also referred to as a recommendation letter, is a formal document that highlights an individual's skills, character, and achievements.

It is usually written by someone familiar with the individual in a professional or personal context and can attest to their qualifications and suitability for a specific role or opportunity.


Reference letters are commonly used in job applications, academic admissions, and other situations where an external opinion on the applicant's abilities is needed.

You can also use our resignation letter template to professionally resign from your position or provide a way for other employees to do so.


Character Reference Letter

In many situations, such as applying for a job, seeking admission to an educational institution, or dealing with legal matters, a well-crafted character reference letter is invaluable.


Our template ensures these endorsements effectively capture the individual's essence, emphasizing their strengths, values, and contributions. Carefully designed, it provides clear guidelines to convey personal experiences and insights in an authentic and persuasive manner.

After downloading template, if you need to fill in it or modify the content of template on your Mac,  you may need a powerful PDF editor for Mac. Using PDF Reader Pro, you can add your own details and use this template design for your own needs, edit the PDF more conveniently.

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