What must a reference letter contain? How do I assess performance? The authors present the legal foundations of the TVöD and provide you with concrete guidelines on what a reference letter must include and how performance assessment is integrated. You will receive legally secure and expertly crafted formulations, ensuring you always find the right words, even in cases of doubt. Templates for employees in federal, state, and municipal positions will help you quickly and accurately create reference letters. Additionally, the book supports you with checklists, examples, and conversation guides for conducting qualified employee discussions and performance evaluations. Contents: Over 60 sample reference letters, legal basis for the right to a reference, how to avoid typical assessment errors, templates for every grade level, steps for creating reference letters, personnel assessment according to TVöD, conducting qualified assessment discussions, online work aids: all sample reference letters available for free download, timeline for creating reference letters, guide for personnel assessment discussions, assessment forms.