Employee Reference Letter From Employer Template for Austria

The Employee Reference Letter From Employer (Dienstzeugnis) is a crucial document in Austrian employment law, required to be issued upon request when an employment relationship ends. This document serves multiple purposes: it provides future employers with reliable information about the candidate's qualifications and performance, while also serving as an important reference document for the employee's career progression. Under Austrian jurisdiction, employers are legally obligated to provide this reference letter, which must be written in a way that is truthful yet not disadvantageous to the employee's future career prospects. The content typically includes detailed information about the duration of employment, job responsibilities, performance evaluation, and behavioral assessment. The document must comply with specific legal requirements outlined in Austrian labor law, including the General Civil Code (ABGB) and the Salaried Employees Act, and must be crafted carefully to avoid any discriminatory language while maintaining objectivity and positivity.

1. Letter Header: Company letterhead including full company name, address, and contact details

2. Date and Title: Current date and clear identification as 'Dienstzeugnis' (Employment Reference Letter)

3. Employee Information: Full name, date of birth (optional but common in Austria), and job title of the employee

4. Employment Duration: Precise start and end dates of employment

5. Job Description: Detailed description of the employee's role, responsibilities, and areas of work

6. Performance Assessment: Evaluation of the employee's performance, quality of work, and capability (must be truthful and positive in tone)

7. Behavioral Assessment: Description of the employee's conduct towards superiors, colleagues, and if applicable, clients

8. Reason for Departure: Brief statement of why the employment relationship ended (if mutually agreed)

9. Closing Formula: Standard closing with good wishes for the future

10. Signature Block: Company representative's name, position, and signature