Cannot get a reference letter from previous employers

[crystal115]

Hi All,

I have a complicated question. Please help me.

I worked with Mr. XX (my direct supervisor-Vice president) at a company A for half a year. I am looking for a reference letter from the company A to proof my employment records. However, there is no HR department in the company, so when I spoke to the CEO/Founder, he said that he won't sign any document for me to support my immigration. My direct supervisor (Mr. XX) is agreed to sign the reference letter, but the problem is that Mr. XX has already left the company ( I left one day after he left). Is that ok he could sign the reference letter for me?

What I have in my hand from company A is- the job offer, job description, termination letter, pay stubs (All agreement signed by CEO/Founder). Can someone help me with this? Do I need an explanation letter? What should I write on the explanation letter? Thank you so much

 

[Binabik]

I would first try to obtain the letter from the company no matter what. Explain clearly that you don't ask for a reference/supporting letter, but simply a proof of employement letter. Try to be as persuasive as possible. If you can you may contact a lawyer. Also, is there anyone else you can contact at the compay?

 

[crystal115]

I would first try to obtain the letter from the company no matter what. Explain clearly that you don't ask for a reference/supporting letter, but simply a proof of employement letter. Try to be as persuasive as possible. If you can you may contact a lawyer. Also, is there anyone else you can contact at the compay?

Is it illegal? Do I need a lawyer? I have contacted the company controller, and he said the same thing to me.They asked me to contact my previous direct supervisor.

 

[chelseafc99]

Hi All,

I have a complicated question. Please help me.

I worked with Mr. XX (my direct supervisor-Vice president) at a company A for half a year. I am looking for a reference letter from the company A to proof my employment records. However, there is no HR department in the company, so when I spoke to the CEO/Founder, he said that he won't sign any document for me to support my immigration. My direct supervisor (Mr. XX) is agreed to sign the reference letter, but the problem is that Mr. XX has already left the company ( I left one day after he left). Is that ok he could sign the reference letter for me?

What I have in my hand from company A is- the job offer, job description, termination letter, pay stubs (All agreement signed by CEO/Founder). Can someone help me with this? Do I need an explanation letter? What should I write on the explanation letter? Thank you so much

I would advise you to do the following:
1) definitely obtain a letter from your direct supervisor and explain that he has also left he company after my departure. If you have a good connection with your supervisor you can also ask him to mention in the letter that he has left the company
2) Document what the CEO/Founder has said regarding not providing an employment letter to support for immigration. You can explain this in your LOE as well if he is hesitating to assist you
3) If possible, attach any e-mails work related with both your direct supervisor and CEO which will suggest you worked their directly under them.

I dont think i lawyer is necessary, you do have other documents to show ties to your previous employment. Just by 2 cents

 

[crystal115]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I have one more question

My previous supervisor has the company's letterhead template. When he writes the letter, do you think he should use the template (Letterhead)?

 

[jes_ON]

Hi All,

I have a complicated question. Please help me.

I worked with Mr. XX (my direct supervisor-Vice president) at a company A for half a year. I am looking for a reference letter from the company A to proof my employment records. However, there is no HR department in the company, so when I spoke to the CEO/Founder, he said that he won't sign any document for me to support my immigration. My direct supervisor (Mr. XX) is agreed to sign the reference letter, but the problem is that Mr. XX has already left the company ( I left one day after he left). Is that ok he could sign the reference letter for me?

What I have in my hand from company A is- the job offer, job description, termination letter, pay stubs (All agreement signed by CEO/Founder). Can someone help me with this? Do I need an explanation letter? What should I write on the explanation letter?

You have enough with all those documents. Yes, you should write a letter of explanation, you should also get a letter from your former supervisor. It does not have to be on letterhead, and should also describe when he left the company, but it should contain is current contact information, and a business card should be attached to the letter. Most important thing is to get a letter that includes job duties/responsibilities.