Relieving Letter vs. Experience Letter: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Published on December 4, 2023
A relieving letter is a formal document confirming the termination of employment, while an experience letter summarizes an employee's tenure and role.
Key Differences
A relieving letter officially acknowledges an employee's resignation and signifies the end of their obligations to the company. In contrast, an experience letter highlights the duration of employment and the roles and responsibilities undertaken.
The relieving letter is a formal way for an employer to convey that the employee has no pending tasks or responsibilities left. An experience letter, however, serves as a testament to the employee's skills and contributions during their tenure.
Relieving letters are often required by future employers as proof of the end of the previous employment. Experience letters are used by employees to demonstrate their professional experience and achievements to potential employers.
The content of a relieving letter is generally brief, focusing mainly on dates of employment and the completion of the notice period. The experience letter provides a more detailed account, including the employee's job title, responsibilities, and sometimes a performance summary.
The relieving letter is a closure document, while the experience letter can be considered as a recommendation highlighting the employee's qualifications and work
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Confirms termination of employment
Summarizes tenure and role
Content Focus
Employment end date, notice period
Job role, duration, responsibilities
Usage
For future employment as a clearance
To showcase experience and achievements
Detail Level
Generally brief and factual
More detailed with role descriptions
Implication
Signifies fulfillment of obligations
Acts as a professional recommendation
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Relieving Letter and Experience Letter Definitions
Relieving Letter
A relieving letter is often necessary for joining a new employer.
I submitted my relieving letter during the onboarding process with my new employer.
Experience Letter
It serves as a certification of the employee's work experience and skills.
The experience letter I received highlighted my contributions and skill set.
Relieving Letter
A relieving letter is a formal document issued by an employer acknowledging an employee's resignation.
Upon resigning, I received my relieving letter, marking the official end of my tenure.
Experience Letter
This letter is often used as a reference for future employment opportunities.
I included my experience letter in my application to showcase my professional background.
Relieving Letter
It signifies the completion of all duties and the formal end of the employment relationship.
The relieving letter confirmed I had no pending tasks before leaving the company.
Experience Letter
It provides a summary of the employee's achievements and performance.
My experience letter commended my successful project completions.
Relieving Letter
This letter is proof that the employee has been relieved of their responsibilities.
My future employer requested my relieving letter as proof of my last job's conclusion.
Experience Letter
An experience letter can act as a recommendation from the previous employer.
The glowing review in my experience letter helped me secure my current job.
Relieving Letter
It marks the closure of the employee's current employment cycle.
Receiving my relieving letter symbolized the end of an important career phase.
Experience Letter
An experience letter is a formal document that details an employee's role, responsibilities, and tenure at a company.
My experience letter outlined my five years as a project manager.
FAQs
Why is a relieving letter important?
It's important for future employment as proof that the previous job obligations are completed.
What is a relieving letter?
A document confirming an employee's resignation and the end of their employment.
What information does a relieving letter contain?
It typically includes the employee's last working day and a statement of completed obligations.
What is an experience letter?
A letter summarizing an employee's job role, responsibilities, and tenure.
When should an employee receive a relieving letter?
After fulfilling all duties and completing the notice period.
Can an experience letter help in job applications?
Yes, it provides potential employers with a summary of your past work experience and skills.
How does an experience letter benefit an employee?
It acts as a reference for the employee’s skills and experiences for future job opportunities.
Who issues a relieving letter?
The HR department or the immediate supervisor of the previous employer issues it.
What details are included in an experience letter?
Job position, duration of employment, key responsibilities, and sometimes performance highlights.
Can you use a relieving letter for visa applications?
Yes, it can be used to prove the end of your employment in your home country.
Should an experience letter include salary information?
Typically no, it focuses on job role and tenure rather than compensation.
Do freelancers need relieving letters?
Usually not, as their work is project-based and not tied to formal employment.
Do freelancers get experience letters?
They can request them, especially for long-term projects, but it's less common.
Is a relieving letter mandatory for all jobs?
It's not mandatory universally but is commonly requested by new employers.
Who issues an experience letter?
It's usually issued by the HR department of the previous employer.
Can an experience letter be customized?
It depends on the employer's policies, but specific contributions can sometimes be highlighted.
What’s the ideal time to ask for an experience letter?
Upon resignation or after the end of employment.
Is an experience letter always positive?
Generally, yes, but it may vary depending on the company’s policy and the employee's performance.
What if a company refuses to issue a relieving letter?
You can discuss the matter with HR or seek legal advice if it's unjustly withheld.
Can a relieving letter be denied?
It can be denied if the employee hasn't completed their notice period or pending tasks.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.