“Diskarte o diploma?” This once-trending question among Filipinos on social media sparked debates about which matters more when pursuing career success—resourcefulness or formal education. But in today’s competitive job market, employers are now looking beyond what’s written in your resume.
While your educational background, technical skills, and work experience remain important, hiring managers also want to understand who you are beyond your credentials. They want to see your values, work ethics, and how you interact with others, traits that can’t always be measured through grades or job titles alone.
This is where a character reference becomes valuable. It offers employers a glimpse of your personality and professionalism through someone else’s perspective. Before you finalize your application, let’s explore how to properly include a character reference on your resume and how it can help employers recognize your full potential.
What Is a Character Reference in a Resume
A character reference, also known as a personal reference, is someone who can vouch for your personality, values, and attitude at work. This person can describe you as a dependable team player, an ethical leader, or someone who consistently shows professionalism and integrity in what you do.
Unlike a professional reference, which focuses on your technical skills and job performance, a character reference provides insight into who you are as a person.
For instance, if you’re applying as a software developer, a professional reference may emphasize your coding ability. Meanwhile, a character reference could share how you’re a problem-solver, collaborative, and purpose-driven, which makes you not just a good developer but also a great colleague.
Having a strong character reference can also be helpful when applying for an on-site job, where employers value employees who can work well with others, adapt to different environments, and maintain a positive attitude in face-to-face interactions.
Who Can You Choose as a Character Reference
When thinking of a character reference, your first thought might be someone close to you, like a family member, best friend, or partner. However, employers usually prefer references who can speak about your character more objectively and professionally.
It’s best to choose people who have observed how you handle responsibilities, challenges, and interactions with others, even outside your regular work setting. Consider reaching out to:
- Academic professors or instructors
- Office mentors or guidance counselors
- Company executives or former supervisors
- Clients you’ve worked with
- Community or organization leaders
Selecting the right person ensures your character reference gives a fair and credible view of who you are, both personally and professionally.
How to Write or List a Character Reference on Your Resume
Writing or presenting your character reference takes a bit of strategy. The goal is to show that the people vouching for you are credible and relevant to the position you’re applying for. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Write a professional and respectful request letter to your chosen referee, asking for their time to speak about your performance and provide meaningful insights.
- Prepare a separate document dedicated to your character references instead of including them directly on your resume.
- Provide complete details such as the person’s full name, current position or role, company or organization, email address, and contact number.
- Include a short description of your relationship with the person and a brief introduction about who they are.
When & When Not to Include Character References
Not all hiring managers will require you to include a character reference on your resume, but it’s always better to be prepared. Knowing how to properly list can help you appear organized and professional during the hiring process.
When to Include Character References
- When the employer specifically requests character references during the application process.
- When you are a fresh graduate or have limited work experience to showcase.
- When applying for leadership or trust-based roles where credibility, ethics, and integrity are essential.
When Not to Include Character References
- When the company does not ask for character references, especially in your resume or initial application.
- When the position prioritizes technical or specialized skills that require professional references, instead.
- When your chosen references are family members or close friends who may give biased feedback.
Sample Character Reference Examples (for Different Roles)
To guide you further, here are some character references in resume examples that you can follow when adding references to your resume for different situations:
For job seekers applying for another job:
Name: Juan dela Cruz
Position: Senior Frontend Developer
Company: ABC Tech Solutions
Address: 123, Fernando St., Makati City
Phone: +63 123 456 7890
Email: juandelacruz @ abctech.com
Relationship: Former Supervisor
For fresh graduates applying for their first job:
Name: Maria dela Cruz
Position: Department Head
Company: ABC University
Address: No. 123, P. Burgos, Makati City
Phone: +63 123 456 7890
Email: maridelacruz @ abc.edu
Relationship: Former Thesis Adviser
For freelancers applying for project-based or remote work:
Name: John Smith
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Company: ABC Digital Hub
Address: 0123 Any Road, Anywhere, USA
Phone: +63 123 456 7890
Email: johnsmith @ abcdigihub.com
Relationship: Former Client
Read more ⬇️
Resume Sample Guide: Proper Format, Writing Tips, and Examples
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter (If Requested)
The purpose of including a character reference in your resume is to help hiring managers see you as more than just another job applicant. It shows that you are someone trustworthy, dependable, and a good fit for the company’s culture.
When asking someone to be your referee, remember that your approach should still be professional, even if that person is a close friend, mentor, or long-time client. Here are some quick tips to guide you in writing a character reference request letter:
Tip 1: Be clear in your introduction
Start your letter with a polite greeting and briefly explain the purpose of your message. Mention the job you’re applying for and why you believe they are the right person to vouch for you.
Tip 2: Highlight your strengths and role
Briefly describe your skills, achievements, or personality traits you’d like them to emphasize in their reference. This helps your referee write a focused and relevant statement that aligns with the job you’re applying for.
Tip 3: Provide necessary contact details
Include your updated contact information so they can easily reach you for clarification or follow-up. You can also share the company’s preferred contact method if the recruiter wants to verify the reference directly.
Tip 4: Give them time to respond
Avoid pressuring your referee to reply immediately. Be considerate of their schedule and politely ask for their confirmation within a reasonable time frame. Showing respect for their time also reflects your professionalism.
Apply for Jobs with a Good Character Reference Now!
Nowadays, a quick online search can reveal thousands of job opportunities. But to truly stand out, you need more than just the basics of how to write a resume—you need to show who you are as a person.
With Bossjob’s AI-powered hiring and job-matching solutions, it connects professionals directly with employers who value both competence and character. Whether you’re a fresh graduate just starting your career or a professional planning a career change, Bossjob offers guidance on job hunting, interview tips, and personal growth that reflects your true potential.
Understanding the meaning of character references in a resume can also give you an edge, demonstrating integrity, teamwork, and the right attitude in the workplace.
Conclusion
Having a character reference ready gives you an advantage because it highlights your eagerness to serve the company, support its clients, and perform your best with respect and compassion. It also focuses on the core attributes that are relevant to the role, allowing you to showcase your strengths through the positive feedback of your referees.
