Arbeitszeugnis codes: what your Swiss reference letter really says

Why Swiss reference letters are written in code

Under Art. 330a of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), an employee can ask the employer for a reference letter (Arbeitszeugnis) at any time. It covers the type and duration of the job, your performance and your conduct. If you ask for it, the employer must limit the letter to type and duration only. That shorter version is called an Arbeitsbestätigung.

Swiss case law expects a reference letter to be truthful and, at the same time, benevolent (wohlwollend). Employers resolve that tension with conventional wording: every sentence sounds positive, but small differences carry the real grade. Recruiters in German-speaking Switzerland read these nuances closely.

The satisfaction formula, decoded

Most letters contain one sentence that sums up your performance. The wording maps to a grade:

These codes are conventions, not law. Sources rank a few borderline phrases slightly differently, so read the letter as a whole.

Other signals recruiters look for

• Time words. Stets, immer and jederzeit (always) are needed for top marks. Their absence weakens an otherwise positive sentence.
• Strong qualifiers. Words like äusserst, umfassend or optimal signal an above-average assessment.
• Effort instead of outcome. Sentences that describe how hard you tried, without saying what you achieved, suggest weak results.
• Conduct sentence. A strong letter describes your conduct towards managers, colleagues and, where relevant, clients. A group that is left out can read as a problem with that group.
• The closing. A good closing thanks you, regrets your departure and wishes you success. A letter that ends abruptly, or leaves out the thanks, reads as cool.
• What is missing. If your main responsibility is not mentioned, recruiters may assume it did not go well.

What you can do about a weak Arbeitszeugnis

1. Read it as soon as you receive it. Compare the satisfaction formula, the conduct sentence and the closing with the table above.
2. Ask for specific changes. Point to the exact sentence and suggest wording. Many employers correct letters when the request is concrete and polite.
3. Ask for an interim reference (Zwischenzeugnis) during your employment, for example after a change of manager. It gives you a documented record before you leave.
4. Get advice if the employer refuses. A union, a legal advice service or an employment lawyer can tell you whether a correction can be enforced in your case.

Using your Arbeitszeugnis in applications

In German-speaking Switzerland, a complete application often includes copies of your reference letters alongside your CV and cover letter. Put the most recent and most relevant letters first. If a letter is weak, your cover letter can give context: concrete achievements from that role carry more weight than the coded wording.

Sources: Art. 330a OR (Fedlex) · Robert Half Schweiz: Zeugnissprache deuten · jobagent.ch: Arbeitszeugnis-Codes. This article is general information, not legal advice.

FAQ

Can I ask for an Arbeitszeugnis at any time?

Yes. Under Art. 330a OR, an employee can request a reference letter from the employer at any time, including during employment.

What is the difference between an Arbeitszeugnis and an Arbeitsbestätigung?

An Arbeitszeugnis covers the type and duration of the job plus your performance and conduct. An Arbeitsbestätigung, issued at your request, covers only the type and duration.

What is the best grade in a Swiss reference letter?

The top grade is usually expressed as 'stets zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit' (always to our fullest satisfaction).