Confirming your account.
WHAT A REFERENCE DOES
Confirms what you said about your work.
WHO TO ASK
Former managers, primarily Senior colleagues who saw your work Clients, for freelance work
WHEN TO ASK
Before you need them.
WHY BEFORE
Requests arriving urgently are awkward and sometimes declined.
WHAT TO ASK
Whether they would be comfortable giving a positive reference.
WHY THAT WORDING
It gives an honest exit, and a hesitant reference is worse than none.
WHAT TO PROVIDE THEM
The role you are applying for What you would like emphasised The likely timing
WHY
It helps them give a useful, specific reference.
WHAT TO DO WHEN LEAVING ANY ROLE
Ask then, while relationships are current.
WHAT TO KEEP
Contact details that will remain valid.
WHY
People move, and reaching them years later is difficult.
WHAT TO DO IF A FORMER EMPLOYER GIVES ONLY CONFIRMATION OF DATES
That is common policy; find an individual willing to speak personally.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT A DIFFICULT DEPARTURE
Be honest about it, and offer alternative referees.
WHY
Concealment is discovered.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
List someone without asking Provide details of someone who would be unfavourable
WHAT TO DO AS A REFEREE
Be honest, and be specific.
