Who to put as your character reference, how to ask them, and what the letter says: template and 5 samples
List two or three people who know how you work, and ask them first. Copy the letter template, the resume list and the message to ask them.
Who to choose as a character reference
Pick people who have seen how you work or behave over time, and who'll answer when an employer calls.
A former supervisor or team leader, if you've worked before.
A teacher, adviser or OJT supervisor, if you're a fresh graduate.
A church, community or org leader you've volunteered with.
A former client, if you've freelanced.
Skip relatives. A reference from family tells an employer little about you.
How to ask them
Ask before you list anyone, by text, Messenger, email or in person.
Tell them which job you applied for, so a call from that company doesn't surprise them.
If they need to write a letter, offer to send a short draft, and let them change it.
Thank them, and let them know how it went.
How many to list
List two or three, unless the employer asks for a different number. Give each one's name, position, where they work and a mobile number or email, as in the resume sample. Need a recommendation from a boss instead? Use the recommendation letter template.
Character reference letter template
Send this to the person writing for you, or draft it for them if they ask you to.
They replace every line in [brackets] with what they've seen you do, and one example.
They sign it and add a mobile number or email the employer can use.
Keep it to one page. A printed letter is signed by hand; an email can come straight from them. Download the Word file
[Date]
[Hiring manager's full name, or Hiring Manager]
[Company name]
Dear [Mr. or Ms. Last name, or Hiring Manager]:
I'm writing as a character reference for [applicant's full name], who is applying for the [job title] position at [company name].
I've known [first name] for [number] years as [his or her] [relationship, e.g. teacher, supervisor or parish coordinator] at [school, company or group].
[First name] is [two qualities, e.g. honest and reliable]. [One example that shows it, e.g. She handled our org's funds for two years and kept a record of every peso.]
[One more line on how they treat people or handle pressure, with an example.]
[Your recommendation in one line, e.g. I'd trust her with money and customers.] You can reach me at [mobile number] or [email].
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full name]
[Position and organization]
Character reference samples
Three letters, the list for your resume, and the message to ask someone. Pick the one closest to yours, copy it, and change the names and details.
Character reference from a former teacher
For a fresh graduate or student. A teacher or adviser can speak to how you work, show up and treat classmates.
Example only. Angelica Ramos is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm writing as a character reference for Angelica Ramos, who is applying for the Customer Service Associate position at ABC Business Solutions Inc.
I've known Angelica for four years as her adviser in the BS Business Administration program at XYZ State University, where I teach marketing.
Angelica is honest, and she finishes what she starts. As treasurer of our marketing society for two years, she kept a record of every peso we collected and spent, and posted the report on our page each month.
She's also patient with people. When three classmates in her thesis group fell behind, she set up weekly meetings and helped them finish their chapters on time.
I'd trust Angelica with money, customers and deadlines. You can reach me at +63 900 000 0000 or liza.manalo@example.com.
Sincerely,
Prof. Liza Manalo
Faculty, College of Business Administration
XYZ State University
Character reference from a former supervisor
For someone who has worked before. A former boss or team leader can vouch for your attendance, honesty and how you handle pressure.
Example only. Jomar Aquino is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm writing as a character reference for Jomar Aquino, who is applying for the Warehouse Supervisor position at XYZ Logistics Corp.
I was Jomar's supervisor for three years at ABC Distribution Inc., where he worked as an inventory clerk on my team until July 2026.
Jomar shows up on time and tells the truth, even when it's awkward. In three years he was never late for a shift, and when a supplier delivered 40 extra boxes by mistake, he reported it the same day.
He stays calm when things get busy. During our busiest season he trained two new clerks and kept his own counts right.
I'd hire Jomar again if I could. You can reach me at +63 900 000 0000 or roberto.santos@example.com.
Sincerely,
Roberto Santos
Operations Supervisor
ABC Distribution Inc.
Character reference from a church or community leader
For someone without a former boss to ask, or as a third reference. A parish coordinator, pastor or org leader who has seen you volunteer can speak to your character.
Example only. Rhea Mae Gutierrez is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I'm writing as a character reference for Rhea Mae Gutierrez, who is applying for a Virtual Assistant position with your company.
I've known Rhea for six years as the coordinator of the youth ministry at ABC Parish in Lipa City, where she has volunteered since she was in senior high school.
Rhea is responsible and trustworthy. For the past two years she has kept the schedule for 25 volunteers and handled the sign-ups for our yearly medical mission, which served about 300 families.
She's kind and easy to work with. Our older parishioners ask for her by name when they need help with forms.
I'd trust Rhea with any job that needs care and honesty. You can reach me at +63 900 000 0000 or ben.aguilar@example.com.
Sincerely,
Ben Aguilar
Youth Ministry Coordinator
ABC Parish, Lipa City
Character references on your resume
How the Character references section at the end of a resume or biodata looks: two or three people, each with their position, where they work and how to reach them. Ask them first, and tell them which job you applied for.
Example only. Angelica Ramos is an invented person, and every detail is made up.
I hope you're well. I'm applying for a Customer Service Associate role at ABC Business Solutions Inc., and I'd like to list you as one of my character references. Would that be okay?
The company may call or email you in the next few weeks. If they ask for a letter, I can send you a short draft to edit, so it won't take much of your time.
Thank you so much, Prof.
Angelica Ramos
angelica.ramos@example.com | +63 900 000 0000
Questions
What is a character reference?
Someone who vouches for your character, like your honesty, reliability and how you treat people, more than your job skills. An employer may call them or ask them for a letter.
Who can be a character reference?
A former supervisor, a teacher or adviser, an OJT supervisor, a church or community leader, or a former client. Pick someone who has known you for a while and isn't a relative.
How many character references should I put on my resume?
Two or three, unless the listing asks for a different number. Give each one's name, position, where they work and a mobile number or email.
Can I write "available upon request" instead?
Yes, if your resume is short on space. Have the names and numbers ready, since an employer can ask for them right after an interview.
Can a family member be my character reference?
It's best not to. An employer wants someone who can judge you fairly, like a teacher, a former boss or a community leader.
Who writes the character reference letter?
The person vouching for you. If they ask you to draft it, write it in their voice, send it to them to edit, and let them sign and send it.