Mandatory Statutory Entitlement (Art. 330a CO)#
Swiss law allows workers to request formal written evaluations detailing their duties, performance, and conduct while employment remains active.
Strategically Timing the Request#
Avoid sparking resignation rumors by requesting an interim reference during logical career milestones: change of line manager, departmental restructuring, promotion, or three-year tenure marks.
Present-Tense Phrasing and Closing Remarks#
Interim letters are drafted in the present tense to reflect ongoing employment, concluding with expressions of satisfaction and the desire for continued collaboration.
Binding Legal Precedent for Final References#
Swiss courts rule that interim references carry strong binding authority: employers cannot arbitrarily downgrade subsequent final reference evaluations without documented cause.
Professional Request Email Template#
A tactful, polished template to request your evaluation without creating interpersonal friction.
Checklist: what a good interim reference contains#
An interim reference is the template for the later final reference. If a point is missing, it usually remains missing at the end – so check before you file the document:
- Position and period. Precise title of the position and start of the employment relationship.
- Description of duties. Two to four sentences on the area of responsibility and on deputising arrangements. This part is underestimated: a position listing management duties evidences a development which often goes unnoticed in the business field.
- Performance and conduct. Both in the customary reference language, not merely one sentence on conduct.
- Reason for issue. “At own request” is the neutral formula and later never looks like a precursor to a separation.
- Place, date, signature with job title. Without a signature the reference remains worthless.
The reason for issue is the point recruiters examine most closely – not the assessment. “At own request” differs clearly in effect from a neutrally worded interim reference without a reason.
The right moment and the right wording#
An interim reference cannot always be obtained when it is needed. Whoever thinks about the right moment saves conflicts:
- After completing a project or a positive appraisal – the effort is then small and the content good.
- Before a change of line manager. The previous supervisor can still describe your work; afterwards it becomes difficult.
- Before a restructuring. Whoever has today's description of duties in writing can later evidence a shift in duties.
- Not immediately after a conflict situation and not in the same week as an intention to apply.
Formulate the request factually, without a reason and without a threat: “I would ask you for an interim reference to update my records. A draft from the HR department is welcome; I am happy to answer any questions.” Avoid the phrase “for the purposes of my application” – it changes the tone of the document, although the reason is legally irrelevant.