Relieving and experience letter format

A relieving letter is addressed to the employee and confirms that their resignation was accepted and they were relieved of their duties on a given date. An experience letter, or experience certificate, is addressed to whoever may read it and confirms the period of employment and the role held. New employers usually ask for both.

There is no single national rule covering every employee, but certified standing orders and some state shops and establishments rules require a service certificate on request, and the letters are standard practice. Refusing one without good reason can be challenged.

Employers commonly issue it once handover is complete and the notice period has been served or settled. Withholding it to force a payment, or indefinitely, can be challenged, so it is better to settle any dispute over notice pay separately.

On or soon after the last working day, dated that day or later. The relieving date in the letter should match the last working day in your records and the full and final settlement.

Keep it factual: dates, role and, if you choose, responsibilities and a brief positive line. Avoid negative remarks. If there are concerns about conduct, leave the conduct line out rather than criticise.

Click Print or save as PDF and choose Save as PDF as the printer. Only the letters are printed, on A4, and when you make both, each starts on its own page.