Character Reference Form

Completing a character reference form for someone who you know doesn't have to be a difficult task. Take some time to review the form thoroughly and you will be able to complete it correctly.

A Character Reference is Required for Some Jobs

What is a Character Reference?

A character reference is more personal than an employment reference. When you fill out a character reference form, it is to tell the person who will be reviewing it what kind of person the subject is. The person coming to you looking for a reference is likely someone that you have had the privilege of knowing personally for some time. It's not necessary for you to have worked with the person to be able to provide him or her with a character reference.

Information on a Character Reference Form

When the time comes to fill in a character reference form, you will likely be asked how long you have known the person. Having a lengthy relationship will give your reference more credibility than if you have only known the person for a short time. Some forms will specify the minimum length of time that you have known someone before you can provide them with a reference.

Another part on the form will be for you to explain you relationship to the person seeking the reference. You should not be providing a character reference for a relative, even though you have known the person for several years and you know that they are a person who is worthy of your recommendation. References that some from this source don't carry the same weight as one from someone who is a friend, colleague, coach, or teacher.

The contents of the rest of the form will vary, depending on the reason the character reference is being sought. In some situations, you will be asked only to certify that the person is of good moral character. Other forms, such as ones used for people who are applying for positions working with children, may be more detailed.

In that situation, you may be asked to describe situations where you have seen the person interacting with children and to share your impressions of the person's way of dealing with them. There is no right or wrong answer, and you do need to be truthful in your assessment.

Filling Out the Form

Before you start to fill out the character reference form, you should take some time to read through it thoroughly. Some forms are very simple, and with these all you may need to do is fill in the blanks. Others require you to share your impressions or make comments.

This type of form will require a bit more preparation on your part. Before you put your thoughts down on paper, you may want to write out a draft first. Once you are happy with the way it reads, then you can put it in final form on the document itself.

It's important to be truthful; you will be signing the form to indicate that what you have written is accurate. You are being asked to provide your opinion about the person or to confirm that they are someone who is trustworthy, honest, responsible, and honorable. You will also need to provide your address and phone number on the form so that the reader can contact you if they wish.

Refusing To Fill Out The Form

If someone approaches you and asks you to provide them with a character reference and you don't feel comfortable doing so, then don't feel that you need to say, "Yes." You can suggest that the person find someone who has known them longer. You can simply state that you don't provide character references for anyone, but if you choose to give this as a reason, be sure to stick to it.

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