Writing a character reference for yourself can feel awkward, but it's possible to do it effectively. The key is to focus on your positive attributes and accomplishments, demonstrating your suitability for the position or situation. Instead of directly praising yourself, use concrete examples and quantifiable achievements to showcase your skills and character. You can also use a third-person perspective to make it sound more objective. However, it's important to be honest and avoid exaggeration. Remember, the goal is to present a compelling and authentic picture of yourself.
The Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Character Reference for Yourself
Here's a breakdown of what to do and what to avoid when writing a character reference for yourself:
Do:
- Use a professional tone and format: Write in a clear, concise, and professional manner. Use a standard business letter format.
- Focus on relevant skills and experiences: Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the position or situation you're applying for.
- Provide specific examples: Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills and accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying "I am a good communicator," provide an example of a time you effectively communicated with a challenging audience.
- Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Increased sales by 15% through effective marketing strategies."
- Use a third-person perspective: Write the reference as if someone else is writing it about you. This helps maintain objectivity and avoids sounding self-promotional.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure your reference is free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Don't:
- Exaggerate or make false claims: Be honest and truthful in your self-assessment. Exaggeration will only hurt your credibility.
- Use overly subjective language: Avoid using vague or subjective language like "I am a hard worker." Instead, provide concrete evidence of your work ethic.
- Focus on personal qualities: While personal qualities like integrity and responsibility are important, the focus should be on your professional skills and experience.
- Include personal information: Avoid sharing personal information that is not relevant to the reference. Focus on your professional achievements.
- Send the reference directly: Always have someone else send the reference on your behalf. This maintains a sense of objectivity and professionalism.
Example of a Character Reference for Yourself
Subject: Character Reference for [Your Name]
To: [Recipient Name]
From: [Your Name]
Date: [Date]
This letter is to serve as a character reference for [Your Name]. I have known [Your Name] for [Number] years in the context of [Your Relationship]. During this time, I have consistently observed [Your Name]'s strong work ethic, exceptional communication skills, and dedication to achieving high standards.
For example, during [Project or Situation], [Your Name] demonstrated their ability to [Skill] by [Specific Action]. This resulted in [Positive Outcome]. [Your Name]'s [Skill] and [Skill] were instrumental in [Positive Outcome].
Based on my experience working with [Your Name], I highly recommend them for any position or situation that requires [Skills and Qualities]. They are a reliable, competent, and dedicated individual who consistently exceeds expectations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Writing a character reference for yourself can be a delicate task. By focusing on your accomplishments, using specific examples, and maintaining a professional tone, you can create a compelling and effective reference that showcases your strengths. Remember to be honest, avoid exaggeration, and always have someone else send the reference on your behalf. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of making a positive impression and achieving your desired outcome.
