Can I use a short-term client as a reference?

April 30, 2013 6:28 PM

I have a job interview. I recently did some freelance editing which is pertinent to the job I am interviewing for. It is my only freelance gig thus far. The freelance gig only lasted a month, but ended on good terms with an indication I'd be contacted when more work is needed. The work for this client will never be more than very part time, so a full-time job should not be seen as competition for my time (though he could always see it that way anyway). Can/should I use this client as a reference? How do I approach this client if I can use him as a reference?

My only other official editing work experience is an internship, and their company policy forbids my supervisors there from giving references. The company only allows contact with HR, and only to verify that I was employed there. This is unfortunate, because I did very good work during my internship and am still in friendly contact with my two former supervisors.

I assume this question has been asked and answered multiple times, but I've searched askmefi and google, and because "client" and "reference" apparently apply to all things computer, answers to this question were buried beyond my search skills.

posted by tllaya to Work & Money (6 answers total)

The best way to find out if this is ok is to ask the client.

Do not surprise reference somebody. Ever.
posted by bilabial at 6:38 PM on April 30, 2013 [1 favorite]

What is the point of doing jobs like this if you aren't allowed to use them as references because then Someone Might Know...

Also, isn't this the point of freelance arrangements? That you're not on the hook to someone forever, and that if you're unavailable for future work (or the client doesn't have any future work for you), no harm no foul?

I agree with bilabial, though -- it's always good to tell people if you're using them as references. I would probably just say, "I've been putting my name in the hat for some full time editing positions, and I'd like to use you as a reference." Possibly also say "this position wouldn't preclude me doing more work for you in the future, by the way," if you think it's warranted.
posted by Sara C. at 7:09 PM on April 30, 2013

Response by poster: Sorry - I should have made clear that it's the time period that most concerns me. I struggle mightily with social cues - I have no instinct for them at all and just have to memorize the rules as they are pointed out to me. I wanted to ask here before I asked the client because I didn't want to commit some giant "one month isn't a long enough business relationship" faux pas that everyone else already knows. I'm concerned that one month isn't enough for the client to be comfortable giving a reference, and I'm concerned that one month isn't enough for my potential employer to care about that reference. I just have no idea what the standards here are, or if this is one of those nebulous social situations. But yes, I would never surprise reference someone. That rule I've learned by observation, thankfully.
posted by tllaya at 8:01 PM on April 30, 2013

Best answer: One month is plenty. I've done a week of work for people and asked if they'd be a reference. Whether the employer cares isn't relevant because if they want a certain level of familiarity, they'll let you know rather than silently hating your references and assigning them great importance.
posted by michaelh at 10:56 PM on April 30, 2013

A good reference is one that is willing to talk about the great work you did while you worked for them. No more, no less. Could be a one-month freelancing gig, could be a professor you had one class with.
posted by Etrigan at 4:27 AM on May 1, 2013

Basically, yes, you can absolutely use any work you did as a reference. Of course, you should ask the former client first, before providing them as a reference. You can, of course, simply use the job as an experience point without using them as a reference.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:20 AM on May 1, 2013