Arbeitszeugnis
Employment Reference Letter
Simple Definition
A mandatory written reference letter from your employer upon leaving. By law, it must be "benevolent" yet "truthful".
Why this matters to Expats.
The Swiss "Secret Code". Because they cannot write negative things openly, they use coded phrases. "He strove to do his best" = He failed. "He was very social" = He was a chatterbox/drinker. "To our full satisfaction" = Good. "To our complete satisfaction" = Very Good.
Actionable Intelligence
Zwischenzeugnis: You can request an "Interim Reference" at any time. Do this if your boss changes or you sense layoffs coming. It locks in your performance record.
Challenge It: If you get a bad code, you can demand a rewrite. Most HR departments will comply to avoid hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory?
Yes. Art. 330a CO says you have a right to it at any time.
Does it matter internationally?
In DACH (Ger/Aus/Switz) region: YES, huge. In US/UK: Less so, but still a proof of employment.