When am I entitled to a reference letter?

After termination of the employment relationship, employees are entitled to a reference letter. It allows the employee to provide evidence of his or her practical experience and qualifications when applying for a job. In addition to general information about the position and the duration of employment, the letter usually also contains information about the employee’s conduct and performance.

Do I have to be cautious that my employer hides secret messages in the reference letter?

The reference letter is highly formalized, and its wording is often controversial. There It is a widespread opinion that the reference letter communicates secret messages about an employee. This may be true in individual cases. But employers are often not interested in making it difficult for their former employees to continue their professional careers. Often employees are allowed to write their own references. In my experience, the importance of reference letters has decreased significantly.

What do the final evaluations mean?

The reference usually ends with an evaluation according to the following gradations:

• very good performance: The employee has always performed the tasks assigned to her:himhim or her to our fullest satisfaction and has met our expectations in every respect.
• good performance: The employee has always performed the tasks assigned to her:himhim or her to our full satisfaction and has met our expectations in every respect.
• average performance: The employee has performed the tasks assigned to him or /her to our full satisfaction.
• below average, but still sufficient performance: The employee has completed the tasks assigned to him or /her to our satisfaction .
• poor performance: The employee has completed the tasks assigned to him or /her to our satisfaction on the wholeat large.
• totally unsatisfactory performance: The employee has made an effort to complete the tasks assigned to him or her to our satisfaction.

A reference letter may also be requested before the end of the employment relationship. Usually, a special event is taken as an occasion to issue a so-called interim reference, such as a promotion, the change of supervisor or an upcoming restructuring. It can also make sense to request it in the process of terminations.

Please note: This is a very general overview on german labor law. If you need help in your particular case, please do not hestitate to contact me or book your appointment. I’m happy to help.