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

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

#1
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?

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

#3
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.

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

#4
post #3

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.

Thanks!

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

#5

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.

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?