unsuccessfully self employed ... what to do about references?

trilbythecat

Hi,

My husband and I, having run a business at a loss for a few years, are now looking for work. Problem is, (especially for him) we don't have recent references, except for each other!

Any hints as to what is expected/acceptable on forms? We'd use people we do business with, but remember we've been running at a loss, and haven't always been able to pay debts on time.

SandC

I would say use the business associates that you have had success with. That is, not the suppliers who you have been unable to pay up on time but the customers or others who you have built up a rapport with. Despite you running at a loss, you must have had associates who you were close to and supported you?

How about you make a list of all other companies in whatever capacity you have dealt with where you have a personal contact and cross off the ones you think won't be able to give a good reference but contact the ones you think you can. Perhaps write, explaining that regretfully you are unable to carry on with the business, thank them for their support and ask would they be willing to provide personal references for non self employed work in the future?

Don't disregard previous employers either as they will be able to provide references based on you both as employees. Being business owners is a different thing to being employed and you can then give one ex employer referee and one current associate referee?

PedroH

I have used personal references when applying for jobs after freelance work. The sad thing is that I had references, but the people moved on or the business went under. It is the best you can do.

trilbythecat

Thanks. We do have one loyal customer who I think understands what we managed to do despite it all. I think the hardest bit is mental attitude ... my OH had his dream of being his own boss shattered and he feels like a failure who hasn't worked in seven years. He didn't even put the business on his first-draft CV at all. He's slowly coming round to the idea that surviving as long as we did is a success of sorts.

whitewing

I employ my husband, and I have certainly written references for him, making it crystal clear that he was my partner.

I also wrote a reference for my MIL as she helped out sometimes in my business. Again, honesty was absolutely crucial.

It may be worth pointing out that these weren't high powered jobs that they were going for at the time, but they got them.