The right to a work certificate
After changing jobs, everyone has the right to a job reference from their previous employer. If the employer does not issue the certificate without being asked, you should still try to request it, since it serves as proof of the work done and it can also help when looking for a job.
In order for the job reference that is issued to actually help in the search for a new employer, the reference should describe the employee in a particularly benevolent manner. Employers usually use a kind of “employment reference code” which describes the work done by the employee in such a coded way that many job seekers cannot correctly interpret the true meaning behind the wording.
Employers use these language codes to describe the services relatively positively and thus avoid confrontations with the former employee, but still convey the actual evaluation through a specific choice of words.
Employers are obliged to report positive things
However, the employers have another good reason to formulate the job references as rosy as possible and with hidden messages. Because according to paragraph 109 paragraph 2 of the trade regulations (GewO), the employer is obliged to always formulate the benefits of the employee positively.
Accordingly, negative formulations such as “the employee was unreliable” or “the employee is not qualified” must not appear in the reference. A language code is used so that the employer can still make a representative assessment.
Everyone should be familiar with the meaning of the phrase “was always trying”; this is how employers signal inadequate performance by the employee. However, the meaning of the following phrases is less well known among employees.
Understand the code correctly
The most common formulations in the job reference are according to “t-online” to decode:
“Always to the fullest satisfaction” can be interpreted as a very good performance.
“Always to your complete satisfaction” stands for good performance.
“To your complete satisfaction” stands for satisfactory performance.
“Was always tried” is interpreted as insufficient.
“Mr./Ms. Mustermann does all the work with great diligence and interest.” This means that the worker is working hard but without success or results.
“Mr./Ms. Mustermann was very diligent and knew how to sell well.” As a result, the employee is labeled as a pushy busybody.
“Mr./Mrs. Mustermann has properly completed all assigned tasks.” This expresses the lack of initiative.
“Mr./Mrs. Mustermann contributed to the improvement of the working atmosphere and was sociable.” In this way, the employer indicates possible alcoholism.
“Hereby we would like to highlight his/her ability to delegate the tasks with great success.” Means as much as “Mr./Ms. Mustermann avoids work”.
“Mr./Ms. Mustermann has worked within the scope of his/her abilities.” This represents poor performance.
“Mr./Mrs. Mustermann showed understanding for the work.” The employee appears to be lazy.
“Mr./Ms. Mustermann has an open-minded nature/got along well with colleagues.” This stands for talkativeness.
“Mr./Mrs. Mustermann has a refreshing openness when dealing with colleagues and superiors.” That means as much as the employee is cheeky with unhealthy self-confidence.
“Mr./Mrs. Mustermann has specialist knowledge and shows a healthy self-confidence.” The employee has a loose mouth despite little specialist knowledge.
“Mr./Ms. Mustermann works very precisely.” The worker is slow.
“Mr./Ms. Mustermann never gave cause for complaint.” The employee does average work.
“Mr./Mrs. Mustermann is leaving us by mutual agreement.” The employee was fired.
a notice
The formulations mentioned should always be viewed in the overall context of the job reference. It can happen that certain contexts change the meaning of the statement.
Henry Ely / Editor finanzen.net
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