After hours of reading this forum, I've decided it would be a good thing to get some kind of work certificate for my current job before I move to Switzerland. We don't really do that kind of thing in Canada, so I want to be specific in what I ask for.

I guess I'm asking for sort of an expanded letter of reference. Does anyone have an English example of a work certificate? What else should it include? Official letterhead? Should I write parts (like job description/duties) myself?

Thanks.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbeitszeugnis

http://www.e-fellows.net/show/detail.php/10673

http://www.bewerbung-forum.de/forum/...sh-t28317.html

http://www.ideas-smart.com/secret-la...s-of-reference

embo - i think you will find that a lot of agencies and employers do realise that things are done slightly different...i suspect that just standard stuff like length of service are required. I recall arguing/debating with an agency when I was offered my current job...the new employer wanted reference and certificates...I explained that normally certificates are NOT given (I was in the UK earlier). When the agency wanted to speak to my last employer in the UK I warned them that they would only get basic information - and thats all they got. it varies from country to country but some cannot legally give a 'bad' reference. I think here in Switzerland they CAN give a review on your performance legally