Fired in Probation Period, Boss offers to make it look good in reference letter





.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}






up vote
6
down vote

favorite












I was fired at the end of my probation period, because I called in sick too many times. My boss said he wants to make it look like I was only temporary there for a project, so that it doesn't look like my employment was terminated.



At first I liked the Idea, but on the other hand it isn't true and I feel that it may be better to say the truth to my next employer. If he would ask in the interview if he can call my former boss for reference than I wouldn't like this. If he knew in advance that I "failed", the situation would be more clear.



On the other hand it would put me in a better light and might give me more opportunities.



What are your thoughts? How would you prefer it?



P.S. With reference (letter) I mean the German "Arbeitszeugnis". I say this because a reference letter is not exactly the same. The employer is required to give former employees an "Arbeitszeugnis" on request, so it's not optional.










share|improve this question









New contributor




8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 1




    Related: In a job interview, how do I explain why I was fired?
    – Dukeling
    Nov 21 at 18:44










  • Thank you for all the answers and comments! I have accepted your regard (everyone of you basically told me to accept it) and found out that this is also a self worth issue. My boss also showed me with this, that he really likes me and the termination was not for personal reasons.
    – 8421
    Nov 22 at 21:20










  • Not an answer, but are you going to carry on being sick so often you get sacked? If you have a long-term illness you need to do something about it. If you were not actually sick but just taking days off, will you stop doing that?
    – RedSonja
    2 days ago










  • I have health issues to sort out. I won't accept another job until I am not confident, that I am able to maintain it. I accepted this job, because I was really looking forward to it and assumed that I am able to sort out my issues without having much sick leave as it was a part-time job (in contrast to the previous one).
    – 8421
    yesterday

















up vote
6
down vote

favorite












I was fired at the end of my probation period, because I called in sick too many times. My boss said he wants to make it look like I was only temporary there for a project, so that it doesn't look like my employment was terminated.



At first I liked the Idea, but on the other hand it isn't true and I feel that it may be better to say the truth to my next employer. If he would ask in the interview if he can call my former boss for reference than I wouldn't like this. If he knew in advance that I "failed", the situation would be more clear.



On the other hand it would put me in a better light and might give me more opportunities.



What are your thoughts? How would you prefer it?



P.S. With reference (letter) I mean the German "Arbeitszeugnis". I say this because a reference letter is not exactly the same. The employer is required to give former employees an "Arbeitszeugnis" on request, so it's not optional.










share|improve this question









New contributor




8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 1




    Related: In a job interview, how do I explain why I was fired?
    – Dukeling
    Nov 21 at 18:44










  • Thank you for all the answers and comments! I have accepted your regard (everyone of you basically told me to accept it) and found out that this is also a self worth issue. My boss also showed me with this, that he really likes me and the termination was not for personal reasons.
    – 8421
    Nov 22 at 21:20










  • Not an answer, but are you going to carry on being sick so often you get sacked? If you have a long-term illness you need to do something about it. If you were not actually sick but just taking days off, will you stop doing that?
    – RedSonja
    2 days ago










  • I have health issues to sort out. I won't accept another job until I am not confident, that I am able to maintain it. I accepted this job, because I was really looking forward to it and assumed that I am able to sort out my issues without having much sick leave as it was a part-time job (in contrast to the previous one).
    – 8421
    yesterday













up vote
6
down vote

favorite









up vote
6
down vote

favorite











I was fired at the end of my probation period, because I called in sick too many times. My boss said he wants to make it look like I was only temporary there for a project, so that it doesn't look like my employment was terminated.



At first I liked the Idea, but on the other hand it isn't true and I feel that it may be better to say the truth to my next employer. If he would ask in the interview if he can call my former boss for reference than I wouldn't like this. If he knew in advance that I "failed", the situation would be more clear.



On the other hand it would put me in a better light and might give me more opportunities.



What are your thoughts? How would you prefer it?



P.S. With reference (letter) I mean the German "Arbeitszeugnis". I say this because a reference letter is not exactly the same. The employer is required to give former employees an "Arbeitszeugnis" on request, so it's not optional.










share|improve this question









New contributor




8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











I was fired at the end of my probation period, because I called in sick too many times. My boss said he wants to make it look like I was only temporary there for a project, so that it doesn't look like my employment was terminated.



At first I liked the Idea, but on the other hand it isn't true and I feel that it may be better to say the truth to my next employer. If he would ask in the interview if he can call my former boss for reference than I wouldn't like this. If he knew in advance that I "failed", the situation would be more clear.



On the other hand it would put me in a better light and might give me more opportunities.



What are your thoughts? How would you prefer it?



P.S. With reference (letter) I mean the German "Arbeitszeugnis". I say this because a reference letter is not exactly the same. The employer is required to give former employees an "Arbeitszeugnis" on request, so it's not optional.







termination references germany probation






share|improve this question









New contributor




8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question









New contributor




8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 2 days ago









Appulus

33748




33748






New contributor




8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









asked Nov 21 at 16:57









8421

394




394




New contributor




8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





New contributor





8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






8421 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.








  • 1




    Related: In a job interview, how do I explain why I was fired?
    – Dukeling
    Nov 21 at 18:44










  • Thank you for all the answers and comments! I have accepted your regard (everyone of you basically told me to accept it) and found out that this is also a self worth issue. My boss also showed me with this, that he really likes me and the termination was not for personal reasons.
    – 8421
    Nov 22 at 21:20










  • Not an answer, but are you going to carry on being sick so often you get sacked? If you have a long-term illness you need to do something about it. If you were not actually sick but just taking days off, will you stop doing that?
    – RedSonja
    2 days ago










  • I have health issues to sort out. I won't accept another job until I am not confident, that I am able to maintain it. I accepted this job, because I was really looking forward to it and assumed that I am able to sort out my issues without having much sick leave as it was a part-time job (in contrast to the previous one).
    – 8421
    yesterday














  • 1




    Related: In a job interview, how do I explain why I was fired?
    – Dukeling
    Nov 21 at 18:44










  • Thank you for all the answers and comments! I have accepted your regard (everyone of you basically told me to accept it) and found out that this is also a self worth issue. My boss also showed me with this, that he really likes me and the termination was not for personal reasons.
    – 8421
    Nov 22 at 21:20










  • Not an answer, but are you going to carry on being sick so often you get sacked? If you have a long-term illness you need to do something about it. If you were not actually sick but just taking days off, will you stop doing that?
    – RedSonja
    2 days ago










  • I have health issues to sort out. I won't accept another job until I am not confident, that I am able to maintain it. I accepted this job, because I was really looking forward to it and assumed that I am able to sort out my issues without having much sick leave as it was a part-time job (in contrast to the previous one).
    – 8421
    yesterday








1




1




Related: In a job interview, how do I explain why I was fired?
– Dukeling
Nov 21 at 18:44




Related: In a job interview, how do I explain why I was fired?
– Dukeling
Nov 21 at 18:44












Thank you for all the answers and comments! I have accepted your regard (everyone of you basically told me to accept it) and found out that this is also a self worth issue. My boss also showed me with this, that he really likes me and the termination was not for personal reasons.
– 8421
Nov 22 at 21:20




Thank you for all the answers and comments! I have accepted your regard (everyone of you basically told me to accept it) and found out that this is also a self worth issue. My boss also showed me with this, that he really likes me and the termination was not for personal reasons.
– 8421
Nov 22 at 21:20












Not an answer, but are you going to carry on being sick so often you get sacked? If you have a long-term illness you need to do something about it. If you were not actually sick but just taking days off, will you stop doing that?
– RedSonja
2 days ago




Not an answer, but are you going to carry on being sick so often you get sacked? If you have a long-term illness you need to do something about it. If you were not actually sick but just taking days off, will you stop doing that?
– RedSonja
2 days ago












I have health issues to sort out. I won't accept another job until I am not confident, that I am able to maintain it. I accepted this job, because I was really looking forward to it and assumed that I am able to sort out my issues without having much sick leave as it was a part-time job (in contrast to the previous one).
– 8421
yesterday




I have health issues to sort out. I won't accept another job until I am not confident, that I am able to maintain it. I accepted this job, because I was really looking forward to it and assumed that I am able to sort out my issues without having much sick leave as it was a part-time job (in contrast to the previous one).
– 8421
yesterday










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
16
down vote



accepted










I would accept his kind offer.



Just be honest with the time period on the CV and just say that you left because it was not a suitable job for you.



It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period. The point of this period is for either party to leave easily.



Sometimes, it is just a bad fit. Or it could be a host of reasons.



As long as this is just a one off you should not have any problems.






share|improve this answer





















  • Well, the reason is that OP called in sick too much. This could have repercussions.
    – SiXandSeven8ths
    Nov 21 at 17:45










  • Why tell the new employer this information? Just keep the excuse rather neutral.. Just gloss over it. If it is a long running health condition perhaps get it sorted. The old employer is going to over look it.
    – Ed Heal
    Nov 21 at 18:02












  • "It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period." I disagree with this. It is true that OP should not have any problems (leaving at the end of a probationary period) as long as this is a single event. However, I would give my opinion that it does look bad - not very bad but I wouldn't call it okay or neutral. OP should "accept his kind offer" for this reason.
    – J. Chris Compton
    Nov 21 at 18:30










  • @J.ChrisCompton - The OP will have a reasonable reference. To the future employer I would suggest keep the reason rather neutral and vague. I would suggest that the poster just tries to sweep it under the carpet. We all make mistakes in life. No point dwelling on it.
    – Ed Heal
    Nov 21 at 18:36






  • 2




    @EdHeal Yes, I agree. My answer (predating but lower scoring at the moment than this one) says the same thing. Except I say that not continuing after probation generally looks bad. I say this for OP's benefit, because it seems to me that the OP doesn't see this as bad at all... and I think some people would. It isn't horrible, but can look bad - OP should take the hint and let the nice guy/girl help them out.
    – J. Chris Compton
    Nov 21 at 18:43


















up vote
16
down vote













A general remark about a German Arbeitszeugnis: it has to be constructive and not detrimental to finding new employment. You can sue your employer over this and people often do so. There are no bad reference letters, people just assume you sucked if they are not good enough. So for example "satisfactory" means bad, "to our fullest satisfaction" is somewhat good and only "always to our fullest satisfaction" means you are worth employing. So even if someone shows up drunk and attacks people with an axe, their Arbeitszeugnis would probably read "Actively engaged in social activities and shows great skill with rescue equipment, we are sorry to see him go".



In that light, you want a good reference letter. Getting a "truthful" reference letter is a bad, bad move. Any employer reading it will assume this is the best possible version of what happened from your perspective. And if the best possible version from your perspective was that you were sick too many times and got fired for it, as an employer I would assume you never showed up in the first place.



Get the best reference letter you can. Future employers will likely not call your former boss. In Germany, we are used to believe the paperwork we are presented. Even if they do call, your boss will likely say exactly what's on the letter, otherwise he would admit to lying. That's not illegal, but not something anybody likes to do.



So go get the best possible Arbeitszeugnis you can get. This is a marketing campaign for your next job, not a fair and independent judgement of your abilities. And everybody knows that.






share|improve this answer

















  • 9




    Upvote for "shows great skill with rescue equipment" ;-)
    – Mawg
    Nov 22 at 9:06


















up vote
4
down vote













German law/customs might be different, but I would be inclined to allow him to put it in the best light possible.



Sounds like he is trying to do you a favor - barring anyone from Germany/Europe who can tell you why this custom is unethical... let him.



Being terminated at the end of a probationary period (for any reason) generally looks bad.






share|improve this answer

















  • 1




    In countries with strong employee protection, there is a stronger tendency to fire someone at the end of a probationary period precisely because it's much harder to do so even a month later. That makes the probationary period a case of "when in doubt, out".
    – MSalters
    Nov 22 at 15:40


















up vote
1
down vote













In most of commercial organizations probation periods are given to assess the performance, capability & conduct of new employee. It is the best way to judge the performance of individual and to decide his future service tenure. During this period normally the individual is assessed critically, same is probably happened in your case.Moreover, for future sustainability you should find your weaknesses as well for further improvement. For new appointment it is not appropriate to tell your boss regarding your previous job unless he ask from you, if he ask you regarding your previous job than you should not hide anything and tell him truth....






share|improve this answer








New contributor




Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.


















    Your Answer








    StackExchange.ready(function() {
    var channelOptions = {
    tags: "".split(" "),
    id: "423"
    };
    initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

    StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
    // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
    if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
    StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
    createEditor();
    });
    }
    else {
    createEditor();
    }
    });

    function createEditor() {
    StackExchange.prepareEditor({
    heartbeatType: 'answer',
    convertImagesToLinks: false,
    noModals: true,
    showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
    reputationToPostImages: null,
    bindNavPrevention: true,
    postfix: "",
    imageUploader: {
    brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
    contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
    allowUrls: true
    },
    noCode: true, onDemand: false,
    discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
    ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
    });


    }
    });






    8421 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.










     

    draft saved


    draft discarded


















    StackExchange.ready(
    function () {
    StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f123212%2ffired-in-probation-period-boss-offers-to-make-it-look-good-in-reference-letter%23new-answer', 'question_page');
    }
    );

    Post as a guest















    Required, but never shown




















    StackExchange.ready(function () {
    $("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function () {
    var showEditor = function() {
    $("#show-editor-button").hide();
    $("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
    StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
    };

    var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
    if(useFancy == 'True') {
    var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
    var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
    var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

    $(this).loadPopup({
    url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
    loaded: function(popup) {
    var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
    var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
    var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

    pTitle.text(popupTitle);
    pBody.html(popupBody);
    pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);
    }
    })
    } else{
    var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
    if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true) {
    showEditor();
    }
    }
    });
    });






    4 Answers
    4






    active

    oldest

    votes








    4 Answers
    4






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted










    I would accept his kind offer.



    Just be honest with the time period on the CV and just say that you left because it was not a suitable job for you.



    It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period. The point of this period is for either party to leave easily.



    Sometimes, it is just a bad fit. Or it could be a host of reasons.



    As long as this is just a one off you should not have any problems.






    share|improve this answer





















    • Well, the reason is that OP called in sick too much. This could have repercussions.
      – SiXandSeven8ths
      Nov 21 at 17:45










    • Why tell the new employer this information? Just keep the excuse rather neutral.. Just gloss over it. If it is a long running health condition perhaps get it sorted. The old employer is going to over look it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:02












    • "It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period." I disagree with this. It is true that OP should not have any problems (leaving at the end of a probationary period) as long as this is a single event. However, I would give my opinion that it does look bad - not very bad but I wouldn't call it okay or neutral. OP should "accept his kind offer" for this reason.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:30










    • @J.ChrisCompton - The OP will have a reasonable reference. To the future employer I would suggest keep the reason rather neutral and vague. I would suggest that the poster just tries to sweep it under the carpet. We all make mistakes in life. No point dwelling on it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:36






    • 2




      @EdHeal Yes, I agree. My answer (predating but lower scoring at the moment than this one) says the same thing. Except I say that not continuing after probation generally looks bad. I say this for OP's benefit, because it seems to me that the OP doesn't see this as bad at all... and I think some people would. It isn't horrible, but can look bad - OP should take the hint and let the nice guy/girl help them out.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:43















    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted










    I would accept his kind offer.



    Just be honest with the time period on the CV and just say that you left because it was not a suitable job for you.



    It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period. The point of this period is for either party to leave easily.



    Sometimes, it is just a bad fit. Or it could be a host of reasons.



    As long as this is just a one off you should not have any problems.






    share|improve this answer





















    • Well, the reason is that OP called in sick too much. This could have repercussions.
      – SiXandSeven8ths
      Nov 21 at 17:45










    • Why tell the new employer this information? Just keep the excuse rather neutral.. Just gloss over it. If it is a long running health condition perhaps get it sorted. The old employer is going to over look it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:02












    • "It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period." I disagree with this. It is true that OP should not have any problems (leaving at the end of a probationary period) as long as this is a single event. However, I would give my opinion that it does look bad - not very bad but I wouldn't call it okay or neutral. OP should "accept his kind offer" for this reason.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:30










    • @J.ChrisCompton - The OP will have a reasonable reference. To the future employer I would suggest keep the reason rather neutral and vague. I would suggest that the poster just tries to sweep it under the carpet. We all make mistakes in life. No point dwelling on it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:36






    • 2




      @EdHeal Yes, I agree. My answer (predating but lower scoring at the moment than this one) says the same thing. Except I say that not continuing after probation generally looks bad. I say this for OP's benefit, because it seems to me that the OP doesn't see this as bad at all... and I think some people would. It isn't horrible, but can look bad - OP should take the hint and let the nice guy/girl help them out.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:43













    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted






    I would accept his kind offer.



    Just be honest with the time period on the CV and just say that you left because it was not a suitable job for you.



    It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period. The point of this period is for either party to leave easily.



    Sometimes, it is just a bad fit. Or it could be a host of reasons.



    As long as this is just a one off you should not have any problems.






    share|improve this answer












    I would accept his kind offer.



    Just be honest with the time period on the CV and just say that you left because it was not a suitable job for you.



    It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period. The point of this period is for either party to leave easily.



    Sometimes, it is just a bad fit. Or it could be a host of reasons.



    As long as this is just a one off you should not have any problems.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Nov 21 at 17:25









    Ed Heal

    9,34821546




    9,34821546












    • Well, the reason is that OP called in sick too much. This could have repercussions.
      – SiXandSeven8ths
      Nov 21 at 17:45










    • Why tell the new employer this information? Just keep the excuse rather neutral.. Just gloss over it. If it is a long running health condition perhaps get it sorted. The old employer is going to over look it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:02












    • "It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period." I disagree with this. It is true that OP should not have any problems (leaving at the end of a probationary period) as long as this is a single event. However, I would give my opinion that it does look bad - not very bad but I wouldn't call it okay or neutral. OP should "accept his kind offer" for this reason.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:30










    • @J.ChrisCompton - The OP will have a reasonable reference. To the future employer I would suggest keep the reason rather neutral and vague. I would suggest that the poster just tries to sweep it under the carpet. We all make mistakes in life. No point dwelling on it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:36






    • 2




      @EdHeal Yes, I agree. My answer (predating but lower scoring at the moment than this one) says the same thing. Except I say that not continuing after probation generally looks bad. I say this for OP's benefit, because it seems to me that the OP doesn't see this as bad at all... and I think some people would. It isn't horrible, but can look bad - OP should take the hint and let the nice guy/girl help them out.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:43


















    • Well, the reason is that OP called in sick too much. This could have repercussions.
      – SiXandSeven8ths
      Nov 21 at 17:45










    • Why tell the new employer this information? Just keep the excuse rather neutral.. Just gloss over it. If it is a long running health condition perhaps get it sorted. The old employer is going to over look it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:02












    • "It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period." I disagree with this. It is true that OP should not have any problems (leaving at the end of a probationary period) as long as this is a single event. However, I would give my opinion that it does look bad - not very bad but I wouldn't call it okay or neutral. OP should "accept his kind offer" for this reason.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:30










    • @J.ChrisCompton - The OP will have a reasonable reference. To the future employer I would suggest keep the reason rather neutral and vague. I would suggest that the poster just tries to sweep it under the carpet. We all make mistakes in life. No point dwelling on it.
      – Ed Heal
      Nov 21 at 18:36






    • 2




      @EdHeal Yes, I agree. My answer (predating but lower scoring at the moment than this one) says the same thing. Except I say that not continuing after probation generally looks bad. I say this for OP's benefit, because it seems to me that the OP doesn't see this as bad at all... and I think some people would. It isn't horrible, but can look bad - OP should take the hint and let the nice guy/girl help them out.
      – J. Chris Compton
      Nov 21 at 18:43
















    Well, the reason is that OP called in sick too much. This could have repercussions.
    – SiXandSeven8ths
    Nov 21 at 17:45




    Well, the reason is that OP called in sick too much. This could have repercussions.
    – SiXandSeven8ths
    Nov 21 at 17:45












    Why tell the new employer this information? Just keep the excuse rather neutral.. Just gloss over it. If it is a long running health condition perhaps get it sorted. The old employer is going to over look it.
    – Ed Heal
    Nov 21 at 18:02






    Why tell the new employer this information? Just keep the excuse rather neutral.. Just gloss over it. If it is a long running health condition perhaps get it sorted. The old employer is going to over look it.
    – Ed Heal
    Nov 21 at 18:02














    "It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period." I disagree with this. It is true that OP should not have any problems (leaving at the end of a probationary period) as long as this is a single event. However, I would give my opinion that it does look bad - not very bad but I wouldn't call it okay or neutral. OP should "accept his kind offer" for this reason.
    – J. Chris Compton
    Nov 21 at 18:30




    "It is not bad leaving at the end of the probationary period." I disagree with this. It is true that OP should not have any problems (leaving at the end of a probationary period) as long as this is a single event. However, I would give my opinion that it does look bad - not very bad but I wouldn't call it okay or neutral. OP should "accept his kind offer" for this reason.
    – J. Chris Compton
    Nov 21 at 18:30












    @J.ChrisCompton - The OP will have a reasonable reference. To the future employer I would suggest keep the reason rather neutral and vague. I would suggest that the poster just tries to sweep it under the carpet. We all make mistakes in life. No point dwelling on it.
    – Ed Heal
    Nov 21 at 18:36




    @J.ChrisCompton - The OP will have a reasonable reference. To the future employer I would suggest keep the reason rather neutral and vague. I would suggest that the poster just tries to sweep it under the carpet. We all make mistakes in life. No point dwelling on it.
    – Ed Heal
    Nov 21 at 18:36




    2




    2




    @EdHeal Yes, I agree. My answer (predating but lower scoring at the moment than this one) says the same thing. Except I say that not continuing after probation generally looks bad. I say this for OP's benefit, because it seems to me that the OP doesn't see this as bad at all... and I think some people would. It isn't horrible, but can look bad - OP should take the hint and let the nice guy/girl help them out.
    – J. Chris Compton
    Nov 21 at 18:43




    @EdHeal Yes, I agree. My answer (predating but lower scoring at the moment than this one) says the same thing. Except I say that not continuing after probation generally looks bad. I say this for OP's benefit, because it seems to me that the OP doesn't see this as bad at all... and I think some people would. It isn't horrible, but can look bad - OP should take the hint and let the nice guy/girl help them out.
    – J. Chris Compton
    Nov 21 at 18:43












    up vote
    16
    down vote













    A general remark about a German Arbeitszeugnis: it has to be constructive and not detrimental to finding new employment. You can sue your employer over this and people often do so. There are no bad reference letters, people just assume you sucked if they are not good enough. So for example "satisfactory" means bad, "to our fullest satisfaction" is somewhat good and only "always to our fullest satisfaction" means you are worth employing. So even if someone shows up drunk and attacks people with an axe, their Arbeitszeugnis would probably read "Actively engaged in social activities and shows great skill with rescue equipment, we are sorry to see him go".



    In that light, you want a good reference letter. Getting a "truthful" reference letter is a bad, bad move. Any employer reading it will assume this is the best possible version of what happened from your perspective. And if the best possible version from your perspective was that you were sick too many times and got fired for it, as an employer I would assume you never showed up in the first place.



    Get the best reference letter you can. Future employers will likely not call your former boss. In Germany, we are used to believe the paperwork we are presented. Even if they do call, your boss will likely say exactly what's on the letter, otherwise he would admit to lying. That's not illegal, but not something anybody likes to do.



    So go get the best possible Arbeitszeugnis you can get. This is a marketing campaign for your next job, not a fair and independent judgement of your abilities. And everybody knows that.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 9




      Upvote for "shows great skill with rescue equipment" ;-)
      – Mawg
      Nov 22 at 9:06















    up vote
    16
    down vote













    A general remark about a German Arbeitszeugnis: it has to be constructive and not detrimental to finding new employment. You can sue your employer over this and people often do so. There are no bad reference letters, people just assume you sucked if they are not good enough. So for example "satisfactory" means bad, "to our fullest satisfaction" is somewhat good and only "always to our fullest satisfaction" means you are worth employing. So even if someone shows up drunk and attacks people with an axe, their Arbeitszeugnis would probably read "Actively engaged in social activities and shows great skill with rescue equipment, we are sorry to see him go".



    In that light, you want a good reference letter. Getting a "truthful" reference letter is a bad, bad move. Any employer reading it will assume this is the best possible version of what happened from your perspective. And if the best possible version from your perspective was that you were sick too many times and got fired for it, as an employer I would assume you never showed up in the first place.



    Get the best reference letter you can. Future employers will likely not call your former boss. In Germany, we are used to believe the paperwork we are presented. Even if they do call, your boss will likely say exactly what's on the letter, otherwise he would admit to lying. That's not illegal, but not something anybody likes to do.



    So go get the best possible Arbeitszeugnis you can get. This is a marketing campaign for your next job, not a fair and independent judgement of your abilities. And everybody knows that.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 9




      Upvote for "shows great skill with rescue equipment" ;-)
      – Mawg
      Nov 22 at 9:06













    up vote
    16
    down vote










    up vote
    16
    down vote









    A general remark about a German Arbeitszeugnis: it has to be constructive and not detrimental to finding new employment. You can sue your employer over this and people often do so. There are no bad reference letters, people just assume you sucked if they are not good enough. So for example "satisfactory" means bad, "to our fullest satisfaction" is somewhat good and only "always to our fullest satisfaction" means you are worth employing. So even if someone shows up drunk and attacks people with an axe, their Arbeitszeugnis would probably read "Actively engaged in social activities and shows great skill with rescue equipment, we are sorry to see him go".



    In that light, you want a good reference letter. Getting a "truthful" reference letter is a bad, bad move. Any employer reading it will assume this is the best possible version of what happened from your perspective. And if the best possible version from your perspective was that you were sick too many times and got fired for it, as an employer I would assume you never showed up in the first place.



    Get the best reference letter you can. Future employers will likely not call your former boss. In Germany, we are used to believe the paperwork we are presented. Even if they do call, your boss will likely say exactly what's on the letter, otherwise he would admit to lying. That's not illegal, but not something anybody likes to do.



    So go get the best possible Arbeitszeugnis you can get. This is a marketing campaign for your next job, not a fair and independent judgement of your abilities. And everybody knows that.






    share|improve this answer












    A general remark about a German Arbeitszeugnis: it has to be constructive and not detrimental to finding new employment. You can sue your employer over this and people often do so. There are no bad reference letters, people just assume you sucked if they are not good enough. So for example "satisfactory" means bad, "to our fullest satisfaction" is somewhat good and only "always to our fullest satisfaction" means you are worth employing. So even if someone shows up drunk and attacks people with an axe, their Arbeitszeugnis would probably read "Actively engaged in social activities and shows great skill with rescue equipment, we are sorry to see him go".



    In that light, you want a good reference letter. Getting a "truthful" reference letter is a bad, bad move. Any employer reading it will assume this is the best possible version of what happened from your perspective. And if the best possible version from your perspective was that you were sick too many times and got fired for it, as an employer I would assume you never showed up in the first place.



    Get the best reference letter you can. Future employers will likely not call your former boss. In Germany, we are used to believe the paperwork we are presented. Even if they do call, your boss will likely say exactly what's on the letter, otherwise he would admit to lying. That's not illegal, but not something anybody likes to do.



    So go get the best possible Arbeitszeugnis you can get. This is a marketing campaign for your next job, not a fair and independent judgement of your abilities. And everybody knows that.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Nov 21 at 19:25









    nvoigt

    46.3k19112155




    46.3k19112155








    • 9




      Upvote for "shows great skill with rescue equipment" ;-)
      – Mawg
      Nov 22 at 9:06














    • 9




      Upvote for "shows great skill with rescue equipment" ;-)
      – Mawg
      Nov 22 at 9:06








    9




    9




    Upvote for "shows great skill with rescue equipment" ;-)
    – Mawg
    Nov 22 at 9:06




    Upvote for "shows great skill with rescue equipment" ;-)
    – Mawg
    Nov 22 at 9:06










    up vote
    4
    down vote













    German law/customs might be different, but I would be inclined to allow him to put it in the best light possible.



    Sounds like he is trying to do you a favor - barring anyone from Germany/Europe who can tell you why this custom is unethical... let him.



    Being terminated at the end of a probationary period (for any reason) generally looks bad.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      In countries with strong employee protection, there is a stronger tendency to fire someone at the end of a probationary period precisely because it's much harder to do so even a month later. That makes the probationary period a case of "when in doubt, out".
      – MSalters
      Nov 22 at 15:40















    up vote
    4
    down vote













    German law/customs might be different, but I would be inclined to allow him to put it in the best light possible.



    Sounds like he is trying to do you a favor - barring anyone from Germany/Europe who can tell you why this custom is unethical... let him.



    Being terminated at the end of a probationary period (for any reason) generally looks bad.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 1




      In countries with strong employee protection, there is a stronger tendency to fire someone at the end of a probationary period precisely because it's much harder to do so even a month later. That makes the probationary period a case of "when in doubt, out".
      – MSalters
      Nov 22 at 15:40













    up vote
    4
    down vote










    up vote
    4
    down vote









    German law/customs might be different, but I would be inclined to allow him to put it in the best light possible.



    Sounds like he is trying to do you a favor - barring anyone from Germany/Europe who can tell you why this custom is unethical... let him.



    Being terminated at the end of a probationary period (for any reason) generally looks bad.






    share|improve this answer












    German law/customs might be different, but I would be inclined to allow him to put it in the best light possible.



    Sounds like he is trying to do you a favor - barring anyone from Germany/Europe who can tell you why this custom is unethical... let him.



    Being terminated at the end of a probationary period (for any reason) generally looks bad.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Nov 21 at 17:11









    J. Chris Compton

    1,568313




    1,568313








    • 1




      In countries with strong employee protection, there is a stronger tendency to fire someone at the end of a probationary period precisely because it's much harder to do so even a month later. That makes the probationary period a case of "when in doubt, out".
      – MSalters
      Nov 22 at 15:40














    • 1




      In countries with strong employee protection, there is a stronger tendency to fire someone at the end of a probationary period precisely because it's much harder to do so even a month later. That makes the probationary period a case of "when in doubt, out".
      – MSalters
      Nov 22 at 15:40








    1




    1




    In countries with strong employee protection, there is a stronger tendency to fire someone at the end of a probationary period precisely because it's much harder to do so even a month later. That makes the probationary period a case of "when in doubt, out".
    – MSalters
    Nov 22 at 15:40




    In countries with strong employee protection, there is a stronger tendency to fire someone at the end of a probationary period precisely because it's much harder to do so even a month later. That makes the probationary period a case of "when in doubt, out".
    – MSalters
    Nov 22 at 15:40










    up vote
    1
    down vote













    In most of commercial organizations probation periods are given to assess the performance, capability & conduct of new employee. It is the best way to judge the performance of individual and to decide his future service tenure. During this period normally the individual is assessed critically, same is probably happened in your case.Moreover, for future sustainability you should find your weaknesses as well for further improvement. For new appointment it is not appropriate to tell your boss regarding your previous job unless he ask from you, if he ask you regarding your previous job than you should not hide anything and tell him truth....






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.






















      up vote
      1
      down vote













      In most of commercial organizations probation periods are given to assess the performance, capability & conduct of new employee. It is the best way to judge the performance of individual and to decide his future service tenure. During this period normally the individual is assessed critically, same is probably happened in your case.Moreover, for future sustainability you should find your weaknesses as well for further improvement. For new appointment it is not appropriate to tell your boss regarding your previous job unless he ask from you, if he ask you regarding your previous job than you should not hide anything and tell him truth....






      share|improve this answer








      New contributor




      Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.




















        up vote
        1
        down vote










        up vote
        1
        down vote









        In most of commercial organizations probation periods are given to assess the performance, capability & conduct of new employee. It is the best way to judge the performance of individual and to decide his future service tenure. During this period normally the individual is assessed critically, same is probably happened in your case.Moreover, for future sustainability you should find your weaknesses as well for further improvement. For new appointment it is not appropriate to tell your boss regarding your previous job unless he ask from you, if he ask you regarding your previous job than you should not hide anything and tell him truth....






        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        In most of commercial organizations probation periods are given to assess the performance, capability & conduct of new employee. It is the best way to judge the performance of individual and to decide his future service tenure. During this period normally the individual is assessed critically, same is probably happened in your case.Moreover, for future sustainability you should find your weaknesses as well for further improvement. For new appointment it is not appropriate to tell your boss regarding your previous job unless he ask from you, if he ask you regarding your previous job than you should not hide anything and tell him truth....







        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer






        New contributor




        Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        answered Nov 22 at 19:33









        Ahmad Raza

        311




        311




        New contributor




        Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.





        New contributor





        Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.






        Ahmad Raza is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.






















            8421 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.










             

            draft saved


            draft discarded


















            8421 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.













            8421 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.












            8421 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.















             


            draft saved


            draft discarded














            StackExchange.ready(
            function () {
            StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f123212%2ffired-in-probation-period-boss-offers-to-make-it-look-good-in-reference-letter%23new-answer', 'question_page');
            }
            );

            Post as a guest















            Required, but never shown





















































            Required, but never shown














            Required, but never shown












            Required, but never shown







            Required, but never shown

































            Required, but never shown














            Required, but never shown












            Required, but never shown







            Required, but never shown











            Popular posts from this blog

            AnyDesk - Fatal Program Failure

            How to calibrate 16:9 built-in touch-screen to a 4:3 resolution?

            QoS: MAC-Priority for clients behind a repeater