Ask HN: Leaving company to go freelance, what to ask for in a reference letter?

5 points by MaxPengwing 2 years ago | 6 comments

Hi,

I'm leaving the company I work for to open up my own freelance consultancy & training business. Specialising in B2B eCommerce.

I've gone from Senior Technical Support to Customer Success Manager, and am currently training a group of new hires in tech support before leaving and I am leaving on good terms with the company.

Ive asked my manager and the Sr. Director for references, and they all asked me to think about where I wanted to be not now but in my next job, and list three things I want them to highlight.

This was before I decided to start my own business. I'm not sure what to ask them to highlight and was wondering what HN community would ask for in this situation?

i_have_an_idea 2 years ago |

This is an employee's mindset.

Your future customers don't care about references written by your former boss.

They may care about testimonials from other customers.

MaxPengwing 2 years ago | |

Yes, I agree. But if things go south with starting up. Failure is a possibility, it's good to have something in your back pocket no?

codegeek 2 years ago |

When I hire a freelancer, I look for the following:

- Do they have the skills to do the specific project ?

- Are they someone I can trust to get the job done independently with minimal supervision ?

- Do they have a track record already in the area I am hiring for ?

- Do I feel like they are easy/friendly to work with ?

Tell your Manager/Director to focus on these areas. All the best.

MaxPengwing 2 years ago | |

Thanks!

ensocode 2 years ago |

They should highlight your what projects you did, what skills you have, professionality, sense ofresponsiblity and let's go

brudgers 2 years ago |

Freelancers don't use reference letters.