Document guide
Work experience evidence
Employer letters or certificates that confirm the jobs and internships on your CV.
What it is
A letter or certificate from an employer confirming your role, dates of employment and, ideally, responsibilities. It can also be an internship certificate or contract.
Why programmes ask for it
Some programmes require or value professional experience and want evidence. DENSYS 2.0 asks for proof of employment if relevant; IPCVai accepts a work certificate if you have one; MUrCS asks for proof of work experience at the final stage. HYGIEIA's scholarship portfolio covers five years of work history.
Who issues it
Your employer's HR department or your manager, on company letterhead.
What it usually contains
Your name, job title, start and end dates, full-time or part-time status, main responsibilities, signature, company stamp and contact details.
How to prepare it
- Request letters from current and past employers that match the dates on your CV.
- Ask that responsibilities relevant to the programme be described.
- Translate if needed.
Common mistakes
- Dates that do not match the CV.
- Letters without a signature, letterhead or contact details.
Quality-control checklist
- On letterhead, signed, dated.
- Dates and titles match the CV.
- Translated where required.
Lead time (planning estimate)
One to four weeks; longer for former employers.
Commonly useful or programme-dependent?
Programme-dependent. Worth collecting if work experience is a selection criterion for any programme on your list.