I've been in touch with a firm of accountants with a view to taking on some subcontractor work from them (which is great), but they've asked for a CV and references. Is this normal in your experience? I don't mind giving them a background of my experience and skills, but I don't want a job so I don't see why they would need a CV? Also I'm still employed and my bosses don't know I'm branching out on my own so there's no way I'd give any references.
Any help here would be great! Thanks.
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All thoughts are my own and should not be used as professional advice.
I was asked for a CV by a potential client a few years back despite clearly responding to their ad for a self employed bookeeping bod! I stripped my usual CV (geared to the Corporate Finance marketplace where I had worked for 27+ years, albeit not for the last c 5 before applying for this role), managed to get it down to one page, thinking what a bit fat waste of my time. But that is what he asked for so that is what he got and was clearly my gateway to the next stage ie an interview. So glad I did though, he was an ex investment banker turned business angel. In the end I ended up with more than just that initial bookkeeping role.
Sometimes it pays to play the game.
Your referee doesnt need to be your existing employer, but that does depend on what other contacts you have made over the years.
Out of interest, how are you/they expecting the subcontracting to work on a practical level if you are full time at your usual place of work?
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Thanks Joanne, I'm thinking I'll just jump through the CV hoop, but I've been in the same job for over 12 years so I don't have anyone I could add as a referee unfortunately.
Regarding the working full time thing, I'm planning to manage in the short term until I get enough income to either quit work all together, or go part time employed/part time self employed. I'm prepared to be ridiculously busy, but it'll hopefully be worth it in the long run!
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All thoughts are my own and should not be used as professional advice.
Hi Casu, I didn't send a letter. I saw someone on Accountingweb posting that they were after a subcontractor and emailed them directly. I'm not sure if anything will come of it at the moment but fingers crossed.
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All thoughts are my own and should not be used as professional advice.
My first CIS client asked for my CV after I had responded to his ad for a Bookkeeper. CV was emailed, went to see him and agreed to work with him AND he is a delight to work for. My best client to date