Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Characterization
• Method 2 of 3: What to write in the characteristic
• Method 3 of 3: What not to write on your testimonial
• Tips

A characteristic is most often written to confirm someone's skills, achievements and abilities. Characteristics are required for admission to an educational institution, applying for a grant or scholarship, recruiting or promoting. When writing a characteristic, you need to proceed from the goal pursued by the person who asked for your recommendation. Explain how you know the person and why he or she fits well with someone.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Characterization

1. 1 To make the characteristic look professional, print it. Handwritten lettering can be difficult to read.
2. 2 Print your letter on high quality paper. You should print on an inkjet or laser printer. The appearance of the letter says a lot, both about the person who wrote it and about the candidate himself.
3. 3 Follow accepted letter writing guidelines. Indicate your address in the upper right corner of the sheet, and the address of the person to whom this letter is intended - in the upper left corner. Be careful and follow the formalities when putting down the date and address.

Method 2 of 3: What to write in the characteristic

1. 1 Introduce yourself and the candidate. Indicate how long you have known him or her.
   • Provide a reason why your recommendations can be trusted. For example, if you recommend someone for a certain position and have once done such a job yourself, indicate this in the letter so that the recipient can see that you understand what the requirements for a candidate for such a position are.
2. 2 Tell us about the candidate's outstanding talents and skills. Explain how this person compares favorably with other applicants for this position.
   • Back up your praise with specific examples. For example, if you're talking about a candidate's initiative, provide a concrete example of how the candidate has benefited.
   • Underline any special observations you have made.Talk about what the person you are characterizing has done well, not what you think he / she can do with success.
3. 3 Describe the personality traits the candidate possesses that will be useful in a particular position or curriculum. For example, talk about leadership skills, problem-solving skills, creativity, and other useful traits.
4. 4 Please indicate your willingness to answer additional questions or provide the necessary documentation. So, for example, your letter may end with the phrase: "Please contact me with any additional questions."

Method 3 of 3: What not to write on your testimonial

1. 1 Don't talk about weak points. It is not worth drawing attention to the difficulties that the candidate may face. Be positive.
   • If you understand that you cannot give a positive review, it is better to refuse to write a characteristic.
2. 2 You should not focus on gender or nationality, age, physical limitations, as well as other physical and cultural characteristics of the candidate. These characteristics should not be taken into account when considering a candidate's application for a job, study or position.
3. 3 Try to avoid colloquial or informal speech. There should be no jokes or slang in your letter.

Tips

• Be sure to check your letter. Typos or grammatical errors will badly characterize you and the person who asked you for the characterization.
• Pay attention to the deadline. You don't want your letter to arrive too late or be considered invalid.