How To Write A Personal Reference Letter (With Examples)

Writing a personal reference letter is an important task that can significantly influence someone’s career journey. Personal reference letters provide potential employers with insights into an individual’s character and work ethic from those who have closely interacted with them. While professional recommendations effectively showcase job-related skills, a personal reference can enhance a candidate’s application and make it more compelling.

Whether you’re crafting a letter for a family friend, coworker, or former client, this guide outlines how to write an impactful personal reference letter, offers examples, and shares essential tips for success.

Key Takeaways:

• Include a description of your relationship with the applicant, highlight their positive attributes, and provide a clear recommendation.

• Familiarize yourself with the candidate’s strengths and personal traits before writing the letter.

• Share specific examples of the candidate’s skills while maintaining a positive and professional tone.

• A well-written personal reference letter can be pivotal in securing an opportunity, so honesty and clarity are crucial.

What is a personal reference letter?

A personal reference letter, also known as a character reference or personal letter of recommendation, serves to support an individual’s application for a job, school admission, housing, or any other position that requires screening of candidates. A strong personal reference can be the deciding factor in whether an applicant succeeds or is overlooked. Unlike professional references, personal letters delve into a candidate’s character and soft skills, providing a holistic view of their personality beyond just work capabilities.

How to write a personal reference letter

To write an effective personal reference letter, begin by outlining your relationship with the applicant, followed by examples of their positive qualities. Here’s a detailed approach:

1. Explain your relationship with the applicant. Start by detailing how you know the individual and the duration of your acquaintance. Make it clear that your perspective on their character is valuable.

2. Provide examples of the applicant’s positive qualities. After explaining your relationship, share the attributes that make this person stand out. Aim for at least two positive traits.

   Consider including qualities such as:

   • Excellent communication

   • Positive outlook

   • Outstanding academic performance

   • Strong interpersonal skills

   • Commitment to extracurricular activities

   Whenever possible, illustrate these qualities with specific examples. For instance, you might mention a time when the candidate initiated a successful school project or displayed leadership in a team setting.

3. The official recommendation. Conclude your letter by summarizing the key points and expressing your strong recommendation for the applicant. Relate the qualities discussed to the specific opportunity they are pursuing, ensuring the reader understands that the candidate has your full endorsement.

4. Contact Information. Include your contact information in the letter so the reader can reach out if they have any questions. Provide an email address and a direct phone number.

Personal reference letter examples

1. Personal recommendation from a teacher example letter

   Subject Line: Personal Reference Letter for Anna Jacobs

   Lindsey Stapleton
   117 W California St.
   Denver, CO, 80402
   (430)-220-3567
   LStapleton@merrick.edu

   September 4, 2026

   Benjamin Smith
   Director of Admissions
   Boston University
   233 Bay State Rd.
   Boston, MA, 02215

   Dear Mr. Smith,

   My name is Lindsey Stapleton, and I am pleased to provide my strongest recommendation for Anna Jacobs for admission to Boston University for the Fall 2026 term. I have served as Anna’s High School English teacher for the past two years at Merrick High School. Previously, I had the opportunity to work with her on both student government and the swim team.

   Throughout my time getting to know Anna both as a student and an athlete, she has exhibited remarkable leadership skills, a supportive demeanor, and a commitment to her education. By her senior year, her dedication led her to become the captain of the swim team. Additionally, she organized a successful dance-a-thon fundraiser for breast cancer awareness as part of her involvement in student government.

   Anna has matured into a capable young woman with immense potential. I am confident that her determination and work ethic will lead her to success, and I highly recommend her for your university.

   Please feel free to contact me for any additional information.

   Sincerely,

   Lindsey Stapleton
   (430)-220-3567
   LStapleton@merrick.edu

2. Personal recommendation from a friend example letter

   Subject Line: Personal Recommendation for Luke Barnes

   Christopher Kelly
   416 Memphis Ave.
   Denver, CO, 80903
   (917)-829-4379
   Ckelly@gmail.com

   September 4, 2026

   To Whom It May Concern,

   I have had the pleasure of knowing Luke Barnes as a close friend for the past twelve years, with the first five spent working together at Lexington & West Bank. During this time, I got to know Luke very well.

   Luke is genuinely one of the most considerate and kind-hearted individuals I know. He is well-liked by everyone, whether in a professional setting or otherwise. In addition to being pleasant, Luke is an exceptional communicator. He has a knack for calming upset clients and articulating proposals with clarity. His sociability and communication skills make him a natural leader among his peers.

   For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend Luke Barnes for this position. I am confident that his work ethic and personality will exceed your expectations and contribute to the success of your organization.

   If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

   Sincerely,

   Christopher Kelly
   (917)-829-4379
   Ckelly@gmail.com

3. Personal reference letter from a coworker example letter

   Subject Line: Personal Recommendation for Tiffany Miller

   Dear Mr. Johnson,

   I am delighted to write this letter in support of my coworker, Tiffany Miller. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Tiffany at XYZ Company for the past five years, and I can attest to her outstanding qualities and contributions to our team.

   During our time together, Tiffany has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication, and attention to detail. She proactively seeks solutions and is always willing to go above and beyond to achieve results.

   One of her most impressive attributes is her ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels. She naturally fosters positive relationships, creating a productive work environment and promoting teamwork.

   I fully recommend Tiffany for any future endeavors. I am confident that she will continue to make significant contributions and excel in her career. If you need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at NickDay@gmail.com or at 123-456-7890.

   Sincerely,
   Nick Day
   NickDay@gmail.com
   123-456-7890

Personal reference letter template

Tips for writing a personal reference letter

When writing a personal reference letter, it’s essential to ensure you’re the right person for this task and to be truthful about the applicant. Here are additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Ensure you are the right person to write the letter. The team seeking a personal recommendation is looking for meaningful insights into the applicant’s character. You must be well-acquainted with the individual to provide an effective reference. If your description lacks specificity, it may detract from the candidate’s chances. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to provide a strong reference, it’s best to decline.

2. Be aware of the deadline. Be sure to know the application’s deadline and allocate enough time to complete your letter. If you suspect you won’t meet the timeline, encourage the applicant to find another recommender to avoid last-minute stress.

3. Be honest. A personal reference letter should reflect truthfulness. Exaggeration or falsehoods can harm the candidate’s chances and compromise your credibility. You can still present the applicant positively without overstating their abilities.

4. Focus on positive attributes. While everyone has weaknesses, it’s crucial to concentrate on strengths when recommending someone. If the applicant’s shortcomings outweigh their strengths, suggest that someone else write the reference.

5. Keep it concise. A personal reference letter should not resemble a lengthy biography. Admission and hiring teams have numerous applications to review, so brevity and clarity will make a more substantial impact.

6. Avoid overly personal details. While the letter is personal, it’s vital to refrain from including unnecessary information. Stick to relevant traits and achievements that pertain to the opportunity at hand.

7. Maintain a polite and professional tone. Regardless of the relationship with the applicant, a professional tone is necessary. Format your letter appropriately, particularly when writing for a friend, to avoid sounding too casual.

8. Provide specific examples. When discussing the applicant’s skills, back your claims with real-life examples. If you mention their hard work, include instances where they exceeded expectations. Specificity reinforces your points and demonstrates the candidate’s capabilities.

9. Focus on relevant information. While highlighting positive traits is essential, ensure you don’t delve into irrelevant details. The information you choose to include should align with the context of the opportunity.

10. Tailor the letter to the desired position. Customizing your recommendation to the candidate’s specific opportunity enhances its relevance. Gather as much information as you can about the role to ensure the traits you mention align with the job requirements.

Before writing a personal reference letter

Before you start drafting the personal reference letter, have a conversation with the applicant to discuss which traits, skills, and experiences they would like you to emphasize. If the letter is for a job application, review the job description together, focusing on the required soft skills. This brainstorming session can help you gather relevant examples, such as a time they effectively collaborated across departments.

If the letter is for educational admission, examine the program details to identify the qualities the institution values, which are often outlined in their mission statement or showcased through social media.

Having a clear understanding of what the recipient is looking for can facilitate the writing process and help you create an impactful personal reference letter.

When to provide a personal reference letter

A personal recommendation letter is most beneficial when a candidate lacks extensive work experience yet demonstrates significant potential. For instance, it can reassure cautious employers about a responsible teenage neighbor who babysat your children. Additionally, it may be crucial during the loan application process for significant purchases like a house.

Before determining how to ask someone to be your reference, consider who would be the best fit. Ideal candidates for personal references include:

• Former teachers

• Clients

• Family friends

• Coworkers

• Guidance Counselors

• Anyone who can credibly vouch for the applicant’s soft skills

The beauty of personal references is their flexibility, allowing anyone from your network to lend support.

How to write a personal reference letter FAQ

1. Should I agree to write a personal reference letter for someone?

   Before agreeing to write a personal reference letter, ensure you know the requester well enough to highlight their relevant qualities. This responsibility should not be taken lightly, as it can significantly impact the applicant’s success. If asked to write a reference for someone you haven’t seen in years, it may seem disingenuous and harm their chances. If you’re unsure about your ability to provide a genuine reference, it’s best to decline.

2. Can you use a family member as a reference?

   Personal references typically exclude family members due to potential bias in their opinions. It’s best to seek past teachers, clients, or coworkers who can speak objectively about your abilities and character.

3. What happens if your reference doesn’t answer?

   If a reference fails to respond during a background check, it may reflect poorly on you. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose your job offer. Apologize to the hiring manager and provide an alternative reference as soon as possible. If you lack another reference, contact the original referee to understand why they didn’t respond, as they may need a gentle reminder to reach out to the employer.

4. What do you write in a personal reference letter?

   In your personal reference letter, include an explanation of your relationship with the candidate and the duration of your acquaintance. Highlight positive personal qualities with specific examples, such as their communication skills, academic performance, or interpersonal abilities. Conclude the letter with your official recommendation and relate their qualities to the specific position they are applying for.

References

1. Boston University – Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.