What is a Swiss reference letter (Arbeitszeugnis)?
The Arbeitszeugnis is the written assessment of your work by your employer. In Switzerland you are entitled to one under the Code of Obligations (Art. 330a CO). There is the qualified full reference, which rates performance and conduct, and the simple reference, which only confirms the type and duration of employment.
The reference must meet two principles: it must be true and at the same time benevolent. From this tension, over the years, a coded language has developed in which friendly wording carries hidden ratings.
The coded language of the reference
Because a reference must sound benevolent but still carry a truth, a code has become established. What looks positive at first glance often corresponds to only a mediocre or poor grade. The rating follows the school grade system from 1 for very good to 6 for insufficient.
The key lies in small words like always, at all times, to our fullest satisfaction, or conversely in leaving these intensifiers out. Anyone who does not know the code easily overestimates their reference. A full overview of typical phrases with their real meaning is in our reference letter guide.
