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

5 pointsMaxPengwing2y ago6 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?

6 comments

i_have_an_idea2y 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.

MaxPengwingOP2y 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?

codegeek2y 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.

MaxPengwingOP2y ago

Thanks!

ensocode2y ago

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

brudgers2y ago

Freelancers don't use reference letters.