Phrasings · Closing formula

Closing formulas for the work reference

Three building blocks: reason for termination, thanks, wishes for the future. Phrased factually, in line with the duty of benevolence — without exaggeration.

Factual, without judgement — only mention if relevant or desired.

Reason for termination

„Ms X is leaving our company at her own request, to take up a new professional challenge."
„The employment relationship ends amicably as of [Date] due to a reorganisation in business unit [X]."
„Mr Y is leaving our company on completion of his studies and his subsequent international experience."

Concrete, without effusive praise.

Thanks

„We thank Ms X for her many years of reliable and effective work."
„For the [number] years of dedicated cooperation and the substantial contribution in area [X], we offer our heartfelt thanks."
„We regret Mr Y's departure and thank him for his commitment in [specific area/project]."

Benevolent, but not exaggerated.

Wishes for the future

„We wish her all the best and continued success on her further professional and personal path."
„For the upcoming [role/studies/retirement], we wish her all the best."
„We wish him health, success and personal fulfilment for the future."

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Must the reason for termination be stated?

Not mandatory, unless it is essential for the assessment (e.g. summary dismissal) or the person wishes it. In the standard case — ordinary termination — a neutral phrasing belongs in the closing formula.

What about a dismissal by the employer?

Phrase factually ("The employment relationship ends as of [Date] due to a reorganisation"). Important: no double-edged insinuations. If the reason is problematic, possibly use only date and a neutral formula ("ends as of [Date]").

Are wishes such as "professional success" obligatory?

Not mandatory, but very common and part of the duty of benevolence under Art. 330a CO. Omitting them is read in the classic code tradition as a negative signal — therefore it is recommended to formulate a wish for the future.

Automatically appropriate in the generator

Reason-for-termination dropdown, tonality slider for thanks intensity, compliance check for consistency with the assessment — all built in.