Document background
The Certificate of Past Employment (Arbeitszeugnis) is a fundamental document in Swiss employment law, required whenever an employment relationship ends, whether through resignation, termination, or retirement. This certificate, mandated by Swiss legislation, particularly Article 330a of the Swiss Code of Obligations, must be provided to all employees regardless of their position or length of service. It serves multiple purposes: documenting the employment relationship, providing a detailed account of the employee's responsibilities and achievements, and offering a fair assessment of their performance and conduct. The document must strike a careful balance between truthfulness and benevolence, avoiding any coded negative messages while maintaining accuracy. It plays a crucial role in the Swiss job market, where prospective employers typically expect to review detailed employment certificates as part of their hiring process.
