Character reference

DCFC79

Ive been asked to write a character reference, now then having not done 1 before i have no idea what i should write and should i even be doing it eg should it not be someone who has known the person for sometime eg longer than 3 - 4 years.

Thanks

yvonne13_2

Just say how long you have known the person for and if they are a reliable, flexible person just say. Also you could mention if you were looking for employee's you would employ them and say why, just point out the good points.

DCFC79

yvonne13 wrote: »

Just say how long you have known the person for and if they are a reliable, flexible person just say. Also you could mention if you were looking for employee's you would employ them and say why, just point out the good points.

Is that it, ive never had to get 1 before(when looking for a job) and thought it was something a person would be best at doing who had known the person for some time.

yvonne13_2

If you don't fell comfortable doing one don't do it. I don't mind writing them as long as I have known the person for at least 1 year.

DCFC79

yvonne13 wrote: »

If you don't fell comfortable doing one don't do it. I don't mind writing them as long as I have known the person for at least 1 year.

i just wasnt expecting to do 1.

yvonne13_2

Don't worry hun you will be fine

DCFC79

yvonne13 wrote: »

Don't worry hun you will be fine

It seems easy enough as you pointed out, ill give it a whirl and ill ask for any help on here.

Mistral001

I take it this is not one wriiten on a form provided by the future employer and is totally composed by you.

There is a certain way of doing it and it may be worth consulting the library and finding a book on business letter writing.

You cannot write any negative criticism as that could constitute a libel, so if you feel the urge to do that, then decline writing the reference at all.

I found one fairly good sample letter here which might be of interest:

http://www.writeanygenre.com/character-reference-letter-writing.html

Do not copy and paste any part of this or any other letter you find in electronic form by the way as that will be so, so noticeable. Make it totally original using plain language with short sentences etc. I would consider hand writing it neatly if it is for a friend.

scheming_gypsy

for a character reference; just tell them to do it themselves and send it to you. If you agree with it then sign it and send it. If you don't, modify it and send it.

DCFC79

Mistral001 wrote: »

I take it this is not one wriiten on a form provided by the future employer and is totally composed by you.

There is a certain way of doing it and it may be worth consulting the library and finding a book on business letter writing.

You cannot write any negative criticism as that could constitute a libel, so if you feel the urge to do that, then decline writing the reference at all.

I found one fairly good sample letter here which might be of interest:

http://www.writeanygenre.com/character-reference-letter-writing.html

Do not copy and paste any part of this or any other letter you find in electronic form by the way as that will be so, so noticeable. Make it totally original using plain language with short sentences etc. I would consider hand writing it neatly if it is for a friend.

well ive not received it yet, i was only asked tonight if i would do it. Yes it will be hand written as i was asked for my address. Ill give that link a read.

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

for a character reference; just tell them to do it themselves and send it to you. If you agree with it then sign it and send it. If you don't, modify it and send it.

thanks

InsideInsurance

If you havent received it yet then dont stress yet. Most references are done on forms with a series of short questions to answer rather than them expecting you to freeform write an essay on the person.

If it is the older style its fairly simple and short in terms of confirming how you know the person, how long and generally saying you believe them to be honest, trustworthy, reliable or any other such characteristics.