They should be familiar with the individual, be able to speak positively of them, and have current understanding of their personality and talents. A character reference, on the other hand, should not be written by a close friend or direct relative (such as a parent or brother), because their opinions may be skewed. A character reference should be obtained from a person who knows the applicant well but is not related to them. A good character reference should: Show an understanding of the applicant's personality and behavior issues Be specific in terms of the positive and negative aspects of the person being referenced Not contain any derogatory information about the applicant Come from a reliable source