Use Personal References
Keep in mind, that if you are employed or have worked in the past, employers will check with your previous employers. However, if you work record isn't perfect you can bolster your candidacy with a good character reference. If you are looking for your first job, you can use personal references instead of employment references.
Who to Ask for a Reference
Who should you ask to provide a personal reference or write a character reference letter for you? Neighbors and acquaintances may be willing to write a reference for you. Business acquaintances, professors/academic advisors, customers, and vendors can all make good references.
If you volunteer consider using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references. Have you participated in the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, a similar organization or in school sports? Ask your group leader or coach to write a personal letter of reference for you. If you've baby-sat or dog-sat or shoveled snow, ask the people you worked for if they will write a reference letter for you.
Write a Character / Personal Reference Letter
Have you been asked to write a reference letter? Or do you want some samples to give to the person who is writing a reference letter for you? Review our letter sample for a character reference and our other reference letter samples for ideas and suggestions on what to write and how to provide a compelling reference.
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Reference Letter Samples
Sample reference letters and recommendation letters, letter samples for character references, and letters asking for a reference.
Reference Resources
