Job Discussion Forums

Sugarcandy Mountain · Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 28

I hope that someone out there can enlighten me about the rules/law pertaining to the subject. I assume that the rules are the same throughout China, but am most interested in how they are applied in Shanghai. I have spoken with 3 prospective employers who have referred to the letter that they need in order to hire me and secure a new Z visa, as a Recommendation Letter. No one has said Release Letter. But, these were not the HR/FAO people.

The way I see it, a Recommendation is written by the former employer and basically says "X worked here and did a wonderful job. We recommend X for the job." A Release Letter simply confirms that X worked there and completed his contract. As far as I know, all someone needs is the later.

What does a typical Release Letter look like? I know it must have the red chop, but must it be written on official letterhead in Chinese? Does it only have to confirm completion of the contract or should it say more(recommend)?

The reason I ask is that after being let go (fired) from my last job, I was given a letter on official letterhead, with a red chop, written in English. This letter does not say "Release or Recommendation". It says in bold, underlined print - "Termination of Contract".

In English it goes on to say, somewhat verbatim -

Mr. X

We regret to inform you that your contract will be terminated. Please contact us to complete the clearance procedure. By completing the clearance form, your last payment of salary will be paid.

Thank You.

HR Department
name of school

I was told upon dismissal by a non-HR person that the letter will suffice in order for me to ascertain employment elsewhere. A bit wary of the letter's wording, I called the chief HR person. He said that he wasn't personally aware of what the letter said and that he couldn't confirm if it would be effective. He did say that if it didn't work to have a prospective employer call his assistant Ms. Y. I called and asked Ms. Y. She said she wasn't sure, but Ms. Z may, but Ms. Z was out of town, please call back.

My former employer said they would not hinder my getting another job, but I'm not sure about this letter. What do you think? What should the letter look like and say?

Thanks

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

just about anything will do..it should state that you have completedyour contract in good standing...and if they are nice they can say you did a good job..TopCat in Changchun has a great little release letter/form he once sent me...

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Sugarcandy Mountain · Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 28

Thanks. Being written in English then won't matter?

Beating a dead horse, it simply says - Contract terminated. Sign the clearance form and we'll pay you.

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

It must also be stamped as approved by the local P.S.B.
Lest we get confused here - there are two kinds of letters you may be talking about:
a) the above-mentioned release letter;
b) a letter of recommendation, a.k.a. "testimonial".

This latter is usually asked for by public employers who hire teachers from overseas; two years of continuous work at a school are required. If you have no such recommendation it might be a little tough getting a new job! Unless you have a letter pertaining to a two-year stint from before your recent misadventure!

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

When I moved from Dalian to Beijing, the Beijing PSB did request that i have a release letter from Dalian's PSB..but it had nothing to do with a school....maybe a school of thought ..but nothing what so ever to do with the education organization I had been working for...a release letter was enough..however..I have had quite a few of the companies (schools) that I have sought employment, require reference letters either from former employers or colleagues..

Sugarcandy Mountain · Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 28

I appreciate everyone's responses. Thanks.

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

It's been some time since anyone has brought up this topic. I can only assume that either not too many people are changing employer, or somehow their new employer hasn't asked for a release letter and/or a recommendation letter.

My (hopefully) new employer in another province has asked for both. Actually, they call the release letter a "contract expiration certificate". Before that they used the word termination which I strongly objected because it sounded like I have not completed my year-long contract. After calling me and me calling my FAO, my FAO has finally given me a release letter in addition to an updated recommendation letter with corrected marital status and showing two passport numbers, one being the one I came here with and the other one being my new passport.

So what's this all about? Nothing really. My suggestion is, for the sake of covering your behind and avoiding having to bother your FAO once again (God only knows how soon they would love to see you pack up your bags and leave their apartment), ask for BOTH. In fact, DEMAND. It's better to have more than not having enough. Also, the new employer wants to see the ORIGINALS, so make sure you photocopy a few in case somehow they can't get you a new FEC (in the case of non degree holders and non native speakers) and won't mail back the original copy to you. It's also a good idea to scan the originals.