References - professional and personal.. (alternative, employer, job, company)

[TroElli]

I'm relocating this summer from Atlanta to Omaha, and will start sending out my resume shortly. I know that my current employer of 5 years will give me a stellar reference. However, my previous employer of 7 years has been bought out and I'm not positive the current staff can even verify I worked there, let alone say anything about my performance.

I wonder if it's appropriate to ask one or two of my current clients to write me a letter of recommendation, since I have great working relationships with them and they can talk knowledgably about my job performance and company representation?? Would something like that come off as over the top or showing off, or would it help highlight attributes I'd bring to a job??

What about written references from co-workers or personal friends?? Are those ever appropriate?? Something to bring to an interview, with your resume hardcopy maybe?? It's been just long enough that I'm not sure what the rules are anymore. Any input would be appreciated.

[thatguy1]

Originally Posted by TroElli

I'm relocating this summer from Atlanta to Omaha, and will start sending out my resume shortly. I know that my current employer of 5 years will give me a stellar reference. However, my previous employer of 7 years has been bought out and I'm not positive the current staff can even verify I worked there, let alone say anything about my performance.

I wonder if it's appropriate to ask one or two of my current clients to write me a letter of recommendation, since I have great working relationships with them and they can talk knowledgably about my job performance and company representation?? Would something like that come off as over the top or showing off, or would it help highlight attributes I'd bring to a job??

What about written references from co-workers or personal friends?? Are those ever appropriate?? Something to bring to an interview, with your resume hardcopy maybe?? It's been just long enough that I'm not sure what the rules are anymore. Any input would be appreciated.

That wouldn't be over the top at all. You want to convey a certain message to your potential employer and client satisfaction is as good as it gets. Use everything you have, everyone else going for that job will be.

It may be uncomfortable for you to ask current clients for a recommendation, but it's better than the alternative.