How to Write a Work Experience Certificate 2025: Format & Sample

what is a work experience certificate? An experience certificate is a formal document provided by an employer to the employee. This letter affirms the employment history of the employee within the organisation. 

An experience certificate is known under several names such as a work experience letter, job experience certificate, employment verification letter, service certificate and work reference letter. While it includes all the important information regarding your work and work roles in the organisation, keeping it short and to the point is also important. 

A work experience certificate is required when you want to study for an MBA or master's degree from a reputed university abroad—where prior job experience is asked as part of the admissions application. Submitting an authentic and impressive experience certificate can significantly impact the selection process. Besides, through a work experience certificate, the admissions committee inquires about a candidate's designation at the job and tenure of service.

Check the benefits of a work experience certificate:

• Proof of employment in a firm
• Works as a record of your work history
• Showcase your experience level
• To understand the role, responsibilities and position you played in a firm
• Display your work skills
• To support the claims made in your CV or resume 

Now you know who requires a work experience certificate and why. Next, let’s check the experience certificate format and components.

There is no specific experience letter format for submitting to a university. However, keeping the pointers that the admissions committee would like to check in mind, it must illustrate the following details:

• Experience certificates must be addressed to a specific person, institution, or “to whom it may concern.”
• The date/year when the work experience letter has been issued should be mentioned.
• The name of the employee/ candidate should be mentioned.
• The designation/ role/ title that the candidate holds must be given.
• Work details with significant responsibilities, achievements, and conduct should be mentioned.
• The date of recruitment or resignation/ last working day should be included.
• Any additional crucial information could be added.
• The signature of the Director, Head of Department, or Head of Human Resources and company seal should be present.

Lastly, a work experience certificate for international students must be formatted correctly. Let’s explore the breakdown of a few essential details in an experience letter format.

• Date of Issue: The issue date must lie on the second line in the upper right corner.
• Letterhead: The experience certificate must be typed on the official or business letterhead of the organization. This certifies the work experience as authorized.
• Conduct: This section includes the manager’s feedback and observations of the candidate/ employee’s work.

Who writes a work experience certificate? The organization’s HR department usually writes an experience letter. However, they gather information from the candidate’s department manager before writing one.

Suggested: How to Write SOP for Masters: Samples & Format

Now you know what an experience certificate and a work experience certificate format is. It is crucial to note that a relieving letter and a work experience certificate are different. Many study abroad aspirants need clarification on the two. Therefore, let’s check the…

Are you confused about the Work Experience requirements before an MBA abroad? Are you unsure how it impacts your profile overall? Our Yocket Experts have simplified it for you in pros and cons in a brief video. Watch this video on Work Experience Before MBA: Myths or Reality, where we have laid down the information crisply. 

Work experience certificate is provided by your employer. 

You can contact the HR department of your office to get a work experience certificate issued. The application should be formal. Maintain a humble tone. You can provide essential details, including your complete name, designation, department and your employee ID. A work experience certificate is usually issued when an employee decides to leave a firm. 

A work experience certificate is generally needed for applying for a new job or higher studies. 

Most firms ask their applicants to submit proof of their work history and achievements. While submitting a cover letter, resume and other documents, attaching a work experience certificate along with them can help your employer assess your profile better. It makes your candidature more credible.  

A work experience certificate can also be asked while applying for higher education. Most foreign universities ask their students to submit a work experience certificate as part of their admission process. This is common for graduate courses such as an MBA and MCom. 

We have compiled a list of the most important details to add to your experience certificate format:

• Write on the company letterhead  
• Header
• Date and Place
• Add Full Name
• Add Designation and Company Name
• Mention your Work Roles and Work Skills
• Mention the Start and End Date
• Closure

Although the relieving and experience letters have similar content, they have a distinct purpose. Let’s check how.

So, ask for a work experience certificate from your previous organization while applying for a study abroad course or a job opportunity. Furthermore, sort out all the paperwork beforehand to avoid last-minute hindrances.

Check out the tips for Work Experience Certificate below:

Tip 1: Proper Formatting

Tip 2: Use Formal Tone

Tip 3: Use Simple Language

Tip 4: Be Specific

Tip 5: Use Positive Language

Tip 6: Add Updated Contact Details

Tip 7: Proofread the Document

Work experience is paramount for international students who desire to pursue higher education abroad, particularly for programs like MS or MBA. By understanding the correct format, you can ensure it effectively communicates your qualifications to the admissions committee at your dream university. But if you thoroughly read the blog, you are good to go well-equipped with ideas and tips from the best in the industry. 

Besides a work experience certificate, the master's application process for studying abroad includes submitting numerous critical documents like a statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, CV, academic transcripts, etc. If you need personalized guidance on submitting the university application or other concerns like the application for loans/ scholarships/ visas, connect with our expert counselors by subscribing to Yocket premium.