An experience letter (also called experience certificate or service certificate) is a testimonial document an employer issues at exit, summarising the employee's tenure, role, and conduct. Unlike the relieving letter (which is administrative), this one is character-and-performance focused and is required by future employers and visa authorities.

Experience Letter Format (India HR Template + Sample)

An experience letter (also called experience certificate or service certificate) is a testimonial document an employer issues at exit, summarising the employee's tenure, role, and conduct. Unlike the relieving letter (which is administrative), this one is character-and-performance focused and is required by future employers and visa authorities.

What a Experience Letter must include

  • Date of letter (issued on or after last working day)
  • Employee's name and designation history
  • Joining and last working dates with total tenure
  • Brief description of role and key responsibilities
  • A statement on conduct (sincere, dedicated, honest)
  • A wishes line for the future
  • Authorised signatory name and designation
  • Company letterhead, stamp, and signature

Drafting tips

  • Stick to neutral-positive language. Indian HR norms strongly avoid negative wording in experience letters, even when the exit was contentious.
  • Don't include CTC or compensation details. That belongs in payslips and Form 16.
  • For senior roles, list 3 to 5 specific responsibilities in a bullet block. It helps the employee's next employer and visa applications.

Experience Letter format

[Date: DD MMM YYYY]

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Mr./Ms. [Employee Full Name] (Employee ID: [____]) was employed with [Company Name] from [Joining Date] to [Last Working Day], serving the Company for a total of [X years, Y months].

During his/her tenure, Mr./Ms. [Last Name] held the following positions:

  • [Original Designation], [Department], [From Date] – [To Date]
  • [Final Designation], [Department], [From Date] – [To Date]

In his/her capacity as [Final Designation], Mr./Ms. [Last Name] was responsible for [brief 1-2 line summary of role, e.g. "leading the backend engineering team for our payments platform, delivering core APIs and managing a team of four engineers"].

Throughout his/her association with us, we found Mr./Ms. [Last Name] to be sincere, dedicated, and trustworthy. He/She demonstrated strong technical skills, a collaborative attitude, and a high standard of professional conduct.

We wish Mr./Ms. [Last Name] every success in his/her future endeavours.

Sincerely,

____________________________
[HR Head Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]
[Company Stamp]

FAQs

Should an experience letter mention salary?

No. Salary belongs in payslips and Form 16. The experience letter is for tenure, role, and conduct only.

Can an employer refuse an experience letter?

Refusal is rare but happens during contentious exits. The employee can escalate to a labour commissioner. Most employers issue a neutral letter even after termination.

How is an experience letter different from a relieving letter?

Relieving letter = "you are formally relieved, no dues remain". Experience letter = "here is what you did and how you did it". Both are usually issued together.