I just came across an interesting historical concept - the so-called "Gesinde-Dienstbuch" ("Service Book for Farm Laborers").

This was a pre-printed booklet with forms that would both serve to identify maids and farmhands, and list the details of their past employment.

Such details including the residence of their employer, the duration of employment, the reasons for leaving said employment (plus testimony from the employer), and verification and comments from the local police authorities.

From what I understand, these served a similar role as referrals and employer testimonies in the modern day.

#History #TodayILearned 
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gesinde-Dienstbuch_Trina_Garbes.djvu

https://ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/files-thefolklore-cafe/media_attachments/files/111/146/713/862/358/251/original/3894c96e151aa6cc.png

https://ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/files-thefolklore-cafe/media_attachments/files/111/146/714/874/083/304/original/26aaca1ebc836e31.png 

 @836df508 hmm, as this is from Prussia and the Preussisches Landrecht for non-nobles was terrible, especially if you weren’t staying at the same place forever, I suspect that it has some more sinister function than just referrals and “5 stars, excellent work”.