Character letter of recommendation is not something that is written in dire consequences, as the name might sprout such notions in one's mind. In fact it has got nothing to do with your actual character sketch. It is a formal document that is required in some procedures like in prosecution cases, other court hearing, signing a bond for renting a house, taking admission in some highly reputed institutes for education purpose, etc.
Reference to Context
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| Character Letter of Recommendation |
To answer the question, what is a character letter of recommendation, we need to know the purpose of the letter. Although we described the meaning of the letter, the purpose can decide upon how to write the content. Sample the following examples:- Scholarship: If one wishes to get a scholarship for education sake, then the issuer should know about it and highlight the candidate's academic skills and plus points, his or her interest in the subject, career focus, etc. The same applies for admission purposes too.
- Job: There are many sample character recommendation letters available online for the candidates seeking jobs. Note the skills and experience the writer highlights in order to convince the recipient of the letter of the candidate's abilities.
- Court Appearance: The requirement for this letter in a court hearing is totally different from the ones mentioned in the above points. One needs to vouch for the person's honesty, dependability, and other such virtues
Who Can Write the Letter?
Ideally, these letters should be written by people who are associated closely with the candidate or applicant. As explained above, only a person who knows the candidate well enough to vouch for certain mentioned qualities hold value. Not that if anyone else writes the letter will not be considered, but usually the tone of the letter should be personal and for that one needs to know the applicant.
For scholarships, your ex teachers, principles, head of the department, visiting faculty, etc., can write the letter for you. Similarly for employment purposes, letters from the ex employers do play an important role. You can request your manager, immediate reporting head, etc., to put in a word for you.
Content of the Character Recommendation Letter
The letter becomes effective when the writer mentions some incidences that show the qualities that he or she is going to mention in the letter. In short, it means that whatever the person writes in the letter should be backed up by substantial supporting information.
If possible, get the letter printed on the issuer's letter head. In case you think the person is too busy to accommodate an appointment for you, you may even draft the letter yourself and then just request the person to lend his letter head, give an official stamp and sign on it.
The language of the letter should be formal and the length of the letter can go up to two pages, but try and keep the context to the point without unnecessarily expanding on the same topic. While concluding the letter, ensure that it is reiterated why the person is being recommended or just emphasize on the purpose of writing the letter.
