Self employed or Freelance, Who do you use as referees?

[scratch]

I have been working freelance for 3 years and have had my own small biz for 4. Neither are going great just now and I am really starting to struggle financially so am looking for some extra work. Thing is I don't know who to put as references on my applications?

I cant put of the companies I worked freelance for as I was just a faceless name who did the work through another company for them. The company I worked for before I went freelance will write me a review but its now 4 years since I left so its not very recent, plus it would be the HR dept as my bosses have all left too.

Who would you guys go to, any ideas? thank you.

[missfituk]

Just tell them the truth - youve been self employed for the last X years and so dont have any references during that time, but can offer one from your employment prior to that time. Or you could offer a character reference from someone who knows you, although not necessarily professionally?

Or you could just make it up like I always did, pretending my mum was my ex employer cos she had a different surname.

[Adam2009]

Hi Scratch,

Do you have a portfolio you can include in lieu of the references?
I'm sure a prospective employeer would be more than happy with that, assuming it is something tangible.

Also perhaps include a covering letter explaining you have been self employeed hence the lack of refs, self employeed people tend to have a good work ethic and mentioning that may well benefit you.