"But...you must believe in yourself and your value in order to sell it to an employer! "

Oh so very true! YOU are the only one in the world that knows your true worth! Go out there and TELL THEM !!! Dwell on the positives! Tell them why you'd hire you!
I also agree about references. You'd have to be a big time loser not to be able to tell someone to say something good about you or pretend to be someone else.
I must say I've been wanting to hire someone for a while. Nights and weekends. Didn't put an ad up and was only half heartedly supported to get another body in. Low and behold, a former part timer/student came in to keep in touch with friends and off handedly said "I want to work here again!" I met with her briefly and got such a good vibe off her that I put paper work thru for her right away. Everyone she worked with previously has told me how fantastic she is so I'm very pleased. Usually, you just KNOW who's right.
Claudia