Okay, so Missjean's post about when is the right time to ask for a reference prompted me to ask this question...

I have asked two previous employers for references/testimonials to put on my web-site. Being the *executives* they are, they both said..."sure, I'd be happy to. Just type something up for me and I'll look it over and sign it."

Not exactly what I had in mind...

Has anyone ever had to write their own reference for themselves? How can I write two seperate references about me and make them sound like they came from two different people?? And who has time to do this extra work anyway???

Just wondering how you would handle this...

Thanks!

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Suzanne
ASC

Hi Suzanne,

Although this has never happened to me, I've heard of other VAs writing their own references because their clients/employers were too busy. In my opinion, this is actually a plus for you because you can be sure to reference the specific characteristics and abilities that you want others to know about. For instance, my main focus in my business is writing and editing, but my full-time JOB experience has been mostly administrative. It wouldn't do my future clients much good to hear about how great I am at administrative work, so I always tried to steer my references toward noting my writing/editing abilities. If I were you, I'd take advantage of this opportunity to toot your own horn and then have your former employer sign off on it. Don't hold back - give yourself a glowing review!

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

Hi Suzanne~

Tammi is absolutely correct. You've never had to write your own performance review? You are lucky! At any rate, write a couple of sentences highlighting the value the client received from working with you. Send it off to them for their edits/approval and you'll be on your way. This also works when someone give you verbal feedback - ask if you can type it up as a testimonial and send to them to review. This is the most effective way of getting testimonials from your busy executives.

Warmly,

Lorri

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Lorri Morin, CPVA
www.virtualsynergy.net

Hi Suzanne:

Goodness...I should have created another screen name LOL "misssjean" sounds funny to me *shrugs*

Okay, I have actually had to do my own reference letter for an eye doctor who was too busy seeing patients and such. I formatted it on my letterhead and had him review it. He made a few edits - I revised - and he signed it! It wasn't too bad and besides it's another way to make me feel better about my services and even myself LOL

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

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Aspiring VA - Jean
http://network.govirtualwithjean.com

Working in HR, I often wondered if applicants wrote their own reference letters...LOL. I think it's a great opportunity for you to highlight some of the things you want your clients to know about you.

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VirtuallyDee

I've often used snippets from emails clients have sent where they make positive comments on some work I've done for them. Then I compile a reference or testimonial based on what they've actually said and had them review and approve it. It works great!

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Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

Thanks for the responses.

I guess I was looking at this the wrong way...instead of looking at this as yet another task I have to add to my ever-growing to-do list and eventually do...I should be looking at it as the positive opportunity that it is.

Thanks for the different perspective! You guys are great!!

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Suzanne
ASC