This seems to be the norm these days unfortunately... would like to hear from you. Thanks

The experience certificate issued by your employer while discharging you is a reference letter only for subsequent employers. It is also called discharge certificate like in Army . You just cant get certificate if there are any serious charges against you. However there is practice of asking form you two references of reputed persons in society with one of them your ex colleague or boss in past organizations.

Thanks Dr Gupta for your contribution - thanks for the information provided, I can see that there is a need to have the discharging letter - if you can please elaborate on this - what might be the contents of this letter.

Appreciated.

Thanks and regards

Stay safe and take care

I have sought for and obtained references from both current and past employers. I have never been denied any.

However, it depends on the character of the employee requesting for the reference. Sometimes employees who do not merit very positive comments in their reference letters decribe thier employers in negative terms when they dont get what they expect.

Hello Mark

Great to hear that businesses would offer references and that they did not recommend that you obtain a reference from your colleague and they are are not obliged to do so by law! which happens to some unfortunately.

I believe this should be considered for all no matter about the character of the employee.

Thanks and regards

All the best.

Yes, I’ve definitely requested reference letters from both current and former employers a few times throughout my career. I think it's an important part of building a professional reputation, especially when transitioning to a new opportunity or looking to advance in my career.

When asking for a reference letter, I always make sure to choose someone I’ve worked closely with, someone who understands my skills and can speak to my performance. I also make sure to provide clear context on why I need the letter—whether it's for a job application or a promotion—and I highlight specific achievements or skills I’d like them to emphasize.

I’m mindful of their time, so I try to ask with enough lead time and offer any information or materials that might make it easier for them to write a strong letter. And of course, I always follow up with a thank-you note to show my appreciation for their support.

Let me know if you'd like some tips on how to approach someone for a reference letter or how to make the request!

If they have started denying reference letters, it is not according to the law. I think you can just start by asking the manager about the matter, then remind them, then write to the CEO or HR that you haven't received anything.

📷

Stefan Lindstrom thank you for your participation - great advice... but, in several instances what we hear from people that the workplace would take refuge in the law - stating they are not obliged to do so!

Thanks and regards

Stay safe and take care

Hassan Abed Ali Alwan Jubouri thank you for your participation in this discussion - indeed, this would be from colleagues - but as mentioned in the earlier response - some organizations do not give reference letter (issued by the organization) not by a colleague or someone who worked with you, stating they are not obliged to do so!

Thanks and regards

Stay safe and take care

Theodora Issa, thank you. It isn't easy if the employer doesn't want to, and they will write under duress. But attaching the section in the law that says one must, can add a little weight.

Stefan Lindstrom thank you - indeed, if it is spelled clearly - there would be no need for the legal department at any organization to join the conversation, but it would be straight forward and this would be done without any twists and turns by the legal team and the corporate geniuses!

Thanks and regards

Stay safe and take care

Theodora Issa , thanks to you too. All the best /Stefan

ps

it is of course always best - if it comes from within, I.e., voluntarily :-)

Stefan Lindstrom thank you - totally agree.

Thanks and regards

Stay safe and take care

Good evening,

Whenever needed asked reference letters from my ex-employers.

I confess that meeting with them was particularly pleasant for all of us.

Even today after many, many years we communicate with each other very often.

George Manargias thank you for sharing such a pleasant experience with your ex-employers - great to see. Hope we have more of this type of employers.

All the best

Thanks and regards

Stay safe and take care

Theodora Issa