HOW IT WORKS
Three steps. No phone calls. No fakes.
Attestum references are sealed permanently at creation. The writer's identity is verified. The content can never be changed. Here's exactly how it works.
Try It FreeThe complete flow
FOR THE CANDIDATE
Sign up for free on Attestum (takes 30 seconds)
Enter your referee's name, work email, and your relationship
Attestum sends your referee a secure magic link to their work email
FOR THE REFERENCE WRITER
Click the magic link in your email (no account required)
Write the reference — freetext, upload a PDF, or use a guided template
The content is encrypted in your browser and sealed permanently. You're done.
FOR THE RECRUITER (OR ANYONE VERIFYING)
Receive a verification link from the candidate
See a free preview: who wrote it, their verified identity, the creation date, and a tamper-proof seal
Unlock the full reference for €3. Download as PDF. Verified in 10 seconds.
What “sealed permanently” means
When a reference is created on Attestum, three things happen simultaneously:
Content encrypted
The reference text is encrypted in the writer's browser using AES-256-GCM encryption before it ever reaches our servers. We never see the content.
Hash recorded on-chain
A cryptographic fingerprint of the encrypted content is permanently recorded on a public blockchain. This fingerprint can be verified by anyone, independently, forever.
Identity bound
The writer's verified work email is permanently linked to this reference. The record shows exactly who wrote it and when.
The result: a reference that can't be edited, can't be faked, and can't be deleted — by anyone, including Attestum.
What you see when you verify
Free preview (no account required)
- Writer's name and verified work email domain
- Relationship to the candidate (e.g., 'Direct Manager at Acme Corp')
- Trust verification level (e.g., 'Work email verified')
- Creation date and tamper-proof seal
- Verification status (sealed, unaltered since creation)
After payment (€3 or Pro subscription)
- Full reference content (the actual text the writer created)
- Downloadable PDF with reference content + verification URL
- Complete verification metadata
Trust levels explained
Every Attestum reference carries a visible trust level showing how strongly the writer's identity is verified. Today, writers verify their work email. Future levels will add LinkedIn verification, reputation history, and advanced cryptographic proof. Trust deepens over time.
Common questions
Does the reference writer need an Attestum account?
No. They receive a magic link at their work email and can write the reference immediately. No signup, no password, no app to install.
What formats can I write a reference in?
Three options: freetext (write anything), PDF upload (upload an existing reference letter), or structured template (guided questions — great for standardised references).
Can I edit a reference after it's sealed?
No. Once sealed, the content is permanently locked. This is by design — it's what makes Attestum references trustworthy. If a reference needs to be updated, the writer can create a new one and the subject can revoke the old link.
How long does the whole process take?
For the candidate: 2 minutes to request a reference. For the writer: 5–15 minutes to write it. For the recruiter: 10 seconds to verify it.
Ready to try it?
Free for candidates and writers · €3 per verification for recruiters · Free during early access
Get Started FreeNo credit card required