A personal reference, sometimes called a character reference, comes from someone who knows the person outside work: a friend, neighbour, teacher or coach. Say how you know them and what they are like, add real examples, and the builder writes the letter. Free to copy, download as Word or print.
Personal reference or employment reference?
An employment reference comes from an employer and confirms facts such as job title and dates. A personal reference is about the person: their character, reliability and how they treat others, from someone who knows them well.
Employers, landlords, universities and volunteering organisations often ask for one, especially for a first job or when there is no recent employer.
What to put in a personal reference
Who you are and how long you have known them, and how.
Two or three qualities that matter for what they are applying for.
A real example of each.
That you are happy to be contacted, with a phone number or email.
Be honest
Only write what you know to be true: you may be contacted to confirm it. Specific examples are worth more than praise.
Personal reference letter examples
Personal reference from a neighbour
Known for eight years, with real examples.
21 October 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
Character reference for James Carter
My name is Graham Wilson, Retired police sergeant. I have known James Carter for 8 years, as his neighbour.
In that time I have found James to be reliable, kind and trustworthy.
He has looked after our house and post whenever we have been away. When my wife was in hospital last winter, he did our shopping every week without being asked.
I am happy to recommend James. I am happy to be contacted on 07700 900123 if anything in this letter needs confirming.
Yours faithfully,
Graham Wilson Retired police sergeant
Personal reference for a first job
From a sports coach.
21 October 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
Character reference for James Carter
My name is Daniel Price, Head coach, Northfield Juniors FC. I have known James Carter for 5 years, as a player and, for the last two years, an assistant coach at the club.
I am writing to recommend James for the role of Sales Assistant at Hallam Home Store.
In that time I have found James to be reliable, hard-working and good with people.
He has helped run our Saturday under-9s sessions for two seasons and has never missed one. Parents regularly tell me how patient and encouraging he is with the children.
I recommend James without hesitation. I am happy to be contacted on 07700 900123 if anything in this letter needs confirming.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Price Head coach, Northfield Juniors FC
Questions people ask
What is a personal reference?
A reference from someone who knows you personally rather than through work, such as a friend, neighbour, teacher or coach. It describes your character and gives examples.
Who can give a personal reference?
Someone who has known you for a while and isn't a relative, ideally someone whose word carries weight, such as a teacher, coach, community leader or long-standing friend.
Is a personal reference the same as a character reference?
Yes, the two terms are usually used for the same thing.
How long should it be?
One page is plenty: three or four short paragraphs.
More letters for work
Resignation letter: Notice to leave, with your last working day worked out.
Retirement letter: Formal notice that you're retiring, with your last day worked out.
Character reference: For a job, a tenancy or court, written from real examples.
Job offer letters: Accept, decline or ask for more, with your resign-by date.
Reference letters: Ask someone to be your referee, or write a reference.