„trat sie stets äusserst selbstbewusst auf“
What this German phrase in your Swiss Arbeitszeugnis (employment reference letter) really says about you – and which grade it hides.
Literal translation vs. real meaning
Literal translation (what DeepL tells you)
“...she always conducted herself with extreme confidence...”
What Swiss HR actually reads
A code for arrogant, opinionated, or aggressive behaviour towards clients, corresponding to grade 3.5 on the Swiss 1-6 scale.
Hidden rating
Insufficient (Grade 3.5)
German rating: Ungenügend (Note 3.5)
What it means in detail
While self-confidence sounds positive in standard English, highlighting extreme confidence in a Swiss reference serves as a negative code. In line with the principle of goodwill under art. 330a CO, it warns prospective employers about poor interpersonal manners. Swiss HR reads this as an insufficient evaluation (grade 3.5).
How to fix it
It is recommended to submit a written objection to the employer and request that the phrase be replaced with a clearly positive performance clause (e.g. "erledigte die Aufgaben stets zu unserer vollen Zufriedenheit").
Suggested wording (German, for your HR department)
Es wird empfohlen, beim Arbeitgeber schriftlich Einsprache zu erheben und die Ersetzung der Formulierung durch eine klar positive Leistungsklausel (z.B. „erledigte die Aufgaben stets zu unserer vollen Zufriedenheit“) zu verlangen.
Hidden criticism detected (grade 3.5)
Under Art. 330a of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), a reference letter must be true but benevolent. Coded downgrades rarely come alone – the same letter often contains further codes or omissions.
Check your whole certificate freeTelling silence & social conduct
Verwaltungsgericht ZH VB.2019.00365 vom 9. Mai 2020, E. 2.4
The Administrative Court of the Canton of Zurich describes the practice of “telling silence” (beredtes Schweigen): if a quality that would normally be mentioned is left out, the reader concludes that it is missing. Leaving out one group of people when describing conduct (e.g. superiors) is generally read as a hint at negative behaviour.
Read the full decision (German)„Darunter gehört, wenn etwa bei der Verhaltensbeurteilung nur das Verhalten zu Mitarbeitern und Kunden erwähnt wird, nicht aber jenes zu Vorgesetzten.“
Unofficial translation: “This includes, for example, a conduct assessment that mentions behaviour towards co-workers and customers, but not towards superiors.”
Related phrases
- trat Vorgesetzten gegenüber stets sehr selbstbewusst aufInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- gegenüber den Vorgesetzten trat er stets loyal und korrekt aufSufficient (Grade 4.0)4.0
- stets kameradschaftlichInsufficient (grade 3.5)3.5
- trat gegenüber Kollegen stets sehr selbstbewusst auf und vertrat ihre eigene Meinung mit NachdruckSatisfactory (Grade 4.5)4.5
Decode your entire reference letter
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Check your whole certificate freeRead this entry in German: Bedeutung von „trat sie stets äusserst selbstbewusst auf“