Secret codes in the job reference: These grades are really behind the formulations
Created: 05/25/2022, 16:10
By: Andrea Stettner
"He was always trying": In job references, bad reviews often hide behind seemingly positive sentences.
You can find out what the phrases really mean here.
Job references* must always be worded "benevolently" so that employees do not have to fear any disadvantages when looking for a job.
However, that is only half the truth, because bosses certainly know ways and means of putting their (former) employees in a bad light - by hiding criticism with the help of
"secret codes" in the job
reference.
Also interesting:
work reference disappeared: am I entitled to a new one?
Job reference formulations: These grades are behind it
This
secret reference language
makes it difficult for employees to understand what is really behind the wording in the reference.
Basically, one can say: the more extravagant and flowery the praise, the better.
Formulations with "always", "to the fullest satisfaction", "excellent" or "extremely" make you look good to very good and give you good to very good grades.
If, on the other hand, terms such as "broadly" or even "trying" appear, this does not mean anything good.
Quite the opposite: those who only made an effort apparently had nothing better to offer.
This secret
grade code has
become established in job references among HR professionals and bosses:
Grade 1:
"always to the fullest satisfaction"
Grade 2:
"to the fullest/always to the fullest satisfaction"
Grade 3:
"To the full satisfaction"
Grade 4:
"To the satisfaction"
Grade 5:
"On the whole to our satisfaction"
Grade 6:
"made an effort"
Also interesting:
Compensation in the event of termination: When do I get money?
Bosses often hide "secret codes" in job references: Apparently positive formulations actually mean something completely different.
© Jens Büttner/dpa
Want to stay up to date with the latest career news?
Then follow our industry page on the career portal Xing.
The most common formulations in the job reference - according to areas
We have collected
and decoded the most common
formulations in the work reference for you:
Formulations and secret codes of behavior / motivation | meaning | grade |
|---|---|---|
He/She always completed his/her tasks independently, with the utmost care and accuracy. | Very good rating | 1 |
He/she was always very reliable over the entire duration of his/her employment. | Nice rating | 2 |
He/she showed good handling of responsibility. | Satisfactory rating | 3 |
His/her expertise matched the requirements for the position. | Sufficient rating | 4 |
With his/her commitment, he/she tried to achieve all goals and meet expectations. | Poor rating | 5 |
Termination reason wording and secret codes | meaning |
|---|---|
He/She leaves the company by mutual consent. | The termination was most likely initiated by the employer. |
Effective December 1, 2021, the employment contract was terminated by mutual consent. | End of employment by termination agreement |
We had to part with the employee on December 1st, 2021. | Termination without notice by employer |
Also read:
Five job search tips that will really get you ahead.
Formulations and secret codes Final formulation | meaning | grade |
|---|---|---|
We very much regret the departure of Mr./Ms. Müller and would like to thank them for their excellent work. | Very good rating | 1 |
Saying goodbye to Mr. Maier is difficult for the team, as we are losing a very likeable and always successful employee. | Nice rating | 2 |
We regret the loss of a very committed and goal-oriented employee. | Satisfactory rating | 3 |
We thank him for his/her achievements. | Sufficient rating | 4 |
No words of thanks: A lack of regret and wishes for the future is always interpreted negatively. | Poor rating | 5 |
Formulations and secret codes of future wishes | meaning | grade |
|---|---|---|
We wish him/her continued success and all the best, both professionally and privately. | Very good rating | 1 |
We wish him/her all the best for the future in his/her private life and continued professional success. | Nice rating | 2 |
Finally, we wish you all the best and much success for your personal and professional future. | Satisfactory rating | 3 |
We wish our employees continued success. | Sufficient rating | 4 |
We wish Mr./Ms. Kunze the best of luck for the future. | Poor rating | 5 |
Important: What else you have to consider with the work reference
Have you received a work certificate?
Then you should not only pay attention to the wording, but also check these five points in the job reference.
(
as) *Merkur.de and FR.de are offers from IPPEN.MEDIA
.
