How to Get a Verification of Employment (VOE)

A Verification of Employment (VOE) serves as a formal document confirming an individual’s employment details for a third party. This essential record provides factual data about one’s work history and current employment status. People commonly need a VOE when applying for financial products like mortgages or car loans, seeking to rent an apartment, or even during the background check process for a new job.

Common Details in a Verification of Employment

A Verification of Employment typically includes several key pieces of information, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual’s work situation. This usually starts with the employee’s full name, followed by their current employment status, indicating whether they are actively employed. The document will also specify the dates of employment, showing both the start date and, if applicable, the end date of their tenure with the company.

Beyond basic employment dates, a VOE generally lists the individual’s job title or position within the organization. This clarifies their role and responsibilities. The document often provides details about salary or wages, frequently presented as annual, hourly, or monthly gross income. It may also indicate whether the employment is full-time or part-time, along with typical hours worked. Finally, the employer’s name, address, and contact details are included.

Steps to Requesting Your VOE

Initiating a request for your Verification of Employment involves several procedural steps. The initial action is to identify the appropriate department or contact within your organization responsible for such requests. In most companies, this function resides within the Human Resources (HR) department or the payroll office. For smaller businesses, your direct manager might be the designated point of contact.

When making your request, it is important to clearly state the information the third party requires. This includes providing the name and contact information of the entity requesting the VOE, such as a mortgage lender or landlord. If the requesting party has provided a specific form, include this with your request to your employer. Many employers prefer or require their own internal forms or systems for processing these verifications.

There are various methods for submitting your VOE request to your employer. Many companies utilize formal online portals or dedicated email addresses for HR inquiries. Some organizations may require a written request, often including a signed authorization from you, to ensure compliance with privacy regulations before releasing your information. While some verifications can be completed quickly, manual processing by an employer can take anywhere from 72 hours to 5-7 business days.

Handling and Submitting Your VOE

Once your employer has prepared the Verification of Employment, the delivery method can vary. Some employers send the VOE directly to the requesting third party, ensuring the document’s integrity. Other employers may provide the completed VOE to you in a sealed envelope. Increasingly, electronic delivery methods are common, with the VOE being sent as a secure PDF via email or made available for download through an online portal.

If you receive the VOE directly, carefully review it for accuracy before submission. Check all details, including your name, dates of employment, job title, and salary information, to ensure they are correct and complete. Any discrepancies should be brought to your employer’s attention immediately for correction, as errors could delay your application process.

The final step involves submitting the completed VOE to the requesting third party. This process depends on the recipient’s requirements. Many financial institutions and landlords have online portals where you can upload the document directly. Alternatively, you might need to mail a physical copy, email a PDF, or hand-deliver the document. After submission, a brief follow-up with the requesting party, typically within a few business days, can confirm your application can proceed.