Are Character References Public Record? Exploring Confidentiality Laws

Can character references be included in your application or evaluation process? When considering character references, it’s crucial to choose individuals who have a deep familiarity with you and can provide concrete examples to support their statements about your character. While it is permissible to select friends and family members as referees, it is advisable to opt for individuals outside your immediate family circle. This choice is recommended to minimize the potential perception of bias in their opinions.

Who cannot serve as a character reference? The effectiveness of a character reference greatly depends on the individual’s qualifications and their relationship to you. While a reference from a well-established professional, who is unrelated to you, carries significant weight, there are certain individuals who should not be considered for this role. Specifically, it is advisable to avoid selecting immediate family members such as parents or siblings as character references. This is because their close familial ties to you may introduce a perception of bias in their assessment, potentially diminishing the credibility of the reference. To ensure an unbiased and impartial evaluation of your character, it is best to seek references from individuals with whom you share a professional or mentorship relationship.