Confused About Employment Certificates vs. Experience Letters? How to Get the Right Document After Leaving a Job

Difference Between an Employment Certificate and an Experience Letter

What is the difference between an employment certificate and an experience letter? When I left my last job, I just received a letter stating, "This is to certify that Mrs. Aruna Bhat has worked with us in such and such capacity from this to this period." That's it, nothing else. Does that count as a Certificate of Employment or an Experience Letter? What should actually be the format of each? If what I have is not an adequate experience letter, should I ask for something supplementary? It's been almost three months since I left my job. Can my former employer refuse to give me additional documents now, saying I should have asked earlier? What would be the best way to ask for it?

Background Information

To give you my background: I worked for over a year and a half as a teacher in a private institution for foreign language education. My role was much like a freelance teacher getting periodic short-term work, but the whole setup was very much like an employer-employee structure rather than a freelancer-client structure. During the last work arrangement, I resigned midway due to stark differences of opinion and mismanagement, and on not very good terms. I offered to complete my term before leaving as I had not given notice in advance, but they accepted my resignation from the very day.

Please advise.

Thank you,
Aruna

Difference Between Service Certificate and Experience Certificate

Both certificates are similar as they both pertain to being 'employed' in an organization. A Service Certificate is typically straightforward, often resembling a format with the office's logo and address, similar to a letterhead. It includes standard basic information, which may or may not be serially numbered, such as the employee's name/employee number, designation at the time of leaving, date of joining, date of leaving, and reason for leaving. Some may indicate 'last pay drawn' and remarks on the employee's service (poor, average, good, very good, excellent, outstanding, or satisfactory), akin to grading in a school leaving certificate. It is signed with a seal and dated, with a duplicate copy retained at the office.

Characteristics of an Experience Certificate

An 'Experience Certificate' is more elaborate, providing a descriptive account of the employee's career growth, positions held, knowledge acquired, assignments handled, contributions to the organization, achievements, etc. This format is not as standardized as the Service Certificate and is generally dictated/typed in sentences chosen by the issuer. It may be selectively issued to 'go-getters,' wishing them all the best. Shrewd employees should periodically obtain such certificates whenever their bosses, with whom they were friendly/close, leave the organization, covering their tenure under them. Such certificates are handy when pursuing further career growth opportunities.

Obtaining Certificates Before Leaving

It's advisable to obtain both certificates before leaving an organization. Chasing them after leaving, especially after years have elapsed, can be difficult, particularly from seniors with whom relationships were not cordial. It can be extremely tough or even impossible.