Guide to wording and phrases in job references

A job reference does not always say what you read at first glance. Below is a brief overview of the most important formulations.

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Expertise in job references

01/2016 Many companies use numerous formulations that can be assigned to a specific school grade. I once took the trouble to put together the building blocks of a job reference. Of course, the whole thing has no claim to completeness or accuracy. All statements without guarantee.

A certificate should always contain information about the employee's specialist knowledge. You should start with the most important knowledge or limit yourself to knowledge that is valuable in the job market. The following formulations are often used for the general assessment of all specialist knowledge:

Very good
had a comprehensive command of his/her area of work (excellent, confident, perfect).
had excellent specialist knowledge that was available at any time.
found his way confidently in new situations.
always found very good solutions.

Good
had in-depth specialist knowledge and was able to solve even difficult tasks through his/her safe application.
worked safely and independently.
found his way in new situations.
found good solutions.

Satisfactory
had the necessary specialist knowledge and used it successfully.
adapted to the respective situations.
found useful solutions.

Sufficient
demonstrated the relevant specialist knowledge.
mastered his field of work according to the requirements.
did not cope with new situations without difficulty.

Performance, motivation and resilience in the job reference

The following formulations are often used to evaluate performance and work motivation.

Very good
always had excellent motivation to achieve
always showed initiative, great hard work and zeal
always identified with his/her task and the company
the performances were always very good
was always highly motivated
showed exceptional commitment

Good
always had a high motivation to achieve
always showed initiative, hard work and zeal
carried out all tasks with great care, great knowledge and high commitment
always showed initiative, hard work and ambition

Satisfactory
had good work motivation
showed initiative, hard work and zeal
carried out all tasks with care, knowledge and commitment
showed commitment and initiative

Sufficient
also showed motivation and initiative
showed diligence and enthusiasm when asked
Overall, he carried out all tasks carefully and with commitment

Resilience is an important factor, especially in jobs with peak loads. The phrases often refer to resilience and endurance together.

Very good
as a persistent and exceptionally resilient employee
was a persistent and exceptionally resilient employee
managed all tasks even under the most difficult working conditions

Good
as a persistent and resilient employee
was a persistent and resilient employee
was able to cope with changing demands and persevered even under time pressure

Satisfactory
who was up to the requirements in fulfilling his/her tasks
was a persistent and resilient employee
was up to the usual demands

Sufficient
who generally fulfilled his/her duties and was able to cope with normal requirements
showed resilience
was largely up to the usual demands

Working method in the employment reference

The wording on the way of working primarily provides information about the employee's autonomy or independence. Furthermore, statements about flexibility and adaptability to new tasks and requirements can also be part of the phrases. Below is an overview of various standard formulations.

Very good
was extremely enthusiastic
always worked with the utmost care and precision
always completed the tasks independently with the utmost care and accuracy
always worked reliably and accurately
was characterized by a high degree of independence
always achieved optimal solutions
was very adaptable and extremely flexible
had a quick comprehension and was extremely open to innovations

Good
completed his/her tasks with great diligence
always worked with care and accuracy
always completed his/her tasks independently with great care and accuracy
always worked reliably and conscientiously
always achieved good solutions
the quality of work always met high standards
was adaptable, agile and versatile
was open to everything new

Satisfactory
was thorough, hardworking and conscientious
worked carefully and precisely
worked conscientiously and reliably
was responsible
Quality of work was above average
achieved good solutions
the quality of work met high standards
could change if necessary

Sufficient
showed generally satisfactory quality of work. generally worked carefully and accurately. showed no insecurities when carrying out his/her tasks, completed the tasks assigned to him/her to our satisfaction, the quality of work met the requirements, the quality of work always met our requirements. preferred constant activity.

Work success in the job reference

If there are outstanding successes to report that are clearly understandable to an outsider, these should definitely be mentioned in the job reference. For example, the introduction of a well-known software in the company, the establishment of a new business area, but also smaller successes that are important for the area of activity, e.g. Employee of the Month Award.

Very good
was extremely enthusiastic
achieved outstanding work results
often had new ideas, which he/she always implemented successfully
always worked with the utmost care and precision
was characterized by a high degree of independence
always achieved optimal solutions

Good
completed his/her tasks with great diligence
had new ideas that were always implemented well
always showed initiative, hard work and ambition
always worked with care and precision
always achieved good solutions
the quality of work always met high standards

Satisfactory
was thorough, hardworking and conscientious
showed commitment and initiative
carried out assigned work systematically
worked carefully and precisely
achieved good solutions
the quality of work met high standards

Sufficient
the quality of work met the requirements
the work results met the requirements
showed generally satisfactory quality of work
generally worked carefully and accurately
The quality of work always met our requirements

Behavior and other phrases in the job reference

Social skills are becoming increasingly important, especially in team-based and service-oriented employment relationships. Often even more important than technical knowledge. The reference should primarily point out exemplary behavior towards employees and managers. For example, if the manager part is missing, this indicates a bad relationship with the boss.

Very good
her/his behavior towards superiors and colleagues was always exemplary
was highly valued by superiors and co-workers because of his friendly nature and collegial attitude
was always helpful
The relationship with superiors, employees and customers was always/always/always impeccable/exemplary

Good
her/his behavior towards superiors and colleagues was exemplary
Because of his/her friendly nature and collegial behavior, superiors and employees valued him/her equally
was helpful
The relationship with superiors, employees and customers was always impeccable

Satisfactory
Her/his behavior towards superiors and colleagues did not give rise to any complaints
Supervisors and employees appreciated his/her collegial behavior
the behavior towards employees, superiors and externally was impeccable

Sufficient
her/his personal behavior was generally impeccable
Collaboration with superiors and employees usually went smoothly
Overall, the behavior towards superiors and employees was impeccable

The job reference should definitely contain the classic phrase of satisfaction:

Very good: He/she always carried out all tasks to our complete satisfaction.
Good: She/He always carried out all tasks to our complete satisfaction.
Satisfactory: He/she carried out all tasks to our complete satisfaction.
Sufficient: He/she completed all tasks to our satisfaction.

In addition, at the end there should be a thank you and best wishes for the future. This wording can also contain information about the reason for leaving, provided the reason is not detrimental to the employee. Positive examples would be