What To Do When You Don’t Have Any References For A Job

If you’re in the process of job hunting but lack job references, there’s no need to panic.

Here are some common scenarios that might explain your lack of references, along with solutions:

The problem: You just graduated.

Many recent graduates find themselves without professional contacts due to limited time in the workforce.

The solution:

Consider listing individuals who have observed your skills outside of traditional employment, such as professors, coaches, or fellow students.
The problem: You’re self-employed.

If you’ve been self-employed, hiring managers may understand that you lack traditional references.

The solution:

Ask a trusted vendor or client if they would be willing to provide a reference based on their experience with you.
The problem: You’re a student or recent graduate not involved in extracurricular activities.

Not being part of clubs or organizations can limit your reference options.

The solution:

Even brief collaborations on group projects or academic assignments can qualify peers as references.
The problem: This is your first job in the U.S.

If you’ve recently relocated to the U.S., you may not have local references.

The solution:

References from your previous country can still be valuable; just ensure there’s a way for U.S. employers to contact them.
The problem: You left a job under negative circumstances.

It may not be appropriate to ask a previous employer for a reference if you parted on bad terms.

The solution:

Consider reaching out to another former employer or colleague with whom you had a positive working relationship.

Who to List as a Reference for a Job

Many job-seekers mistakenly believe that employers only accept references from professional contacts. However, employers often welcome a variety of references as long as they are not family members and can speak to your character and abilities.

Here’s a breakdown of acceptable reference types:

Professional references. These are contacts from your previous jobs who can speak to your work ethic and skills.

Common professional references include:
- Mentor
- Former supervisor
- Team leader
- Job coach
- Coworker
- Hiring manager
- Internal references from the prospective company
Remember to avoid listing your current supervisor unless you have a close relationship and they are aware of your job search.
Academic references. For students or recent graduates, academic references are perfectly acceptable.

Consider listing:
- Academic advisor
- Professor
- Classmate
- Lab instructor
- Principal
- Guidance counselor
- Teacher’s assistant
Character references. These references attest to your personality traits and work ethic outside of traditional work or academic settings.

Common character references include:
- Sports coach
- Community leader
- Minister
- Neighbor
- A colleague from volunteer work
- Anyone you’ve helped, such as through babysitting or moving

How to Ask a Contact to Be Your Job Reference

Follow these key steps before listing someone as your reference:

Connect with them personally. Before asking someone for a favor, check in on them. Being polite and considerate can influence their willingness to provide a reference.
Be direct and transparent. Clearly communicate what you’d like them to highlight when contacted and discuss the role you’re applying for.
Renew your connection. If your reference is someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, reintroduce yourself and remind them of your achievements.
Provide documentation. Share your resume or cover letter with your reference to help them prepare for any calls they may receive.
Show your appreciation. Thank your reference for their willingness to help you; a positive impression is key.

Other Important Tips for When Employers Ask for Your References

Consider these additional tips when asked for references:

Build and maintain a professional network. Cultivating a strong network can prevent future issues with references.
Avoid using “references available on request.” This phrase is outdated and takes up valuable space on your resume.
Answer questions proactively. A compelling resume or cover letter might make employers confident enough not to request references.
Provide a portfolio of work. Showcasing your actual work can serve as an alternative to references, especially for recent graduates.

Why Employers Ask for References

Employers request references for various reasons:

To verify your education and work history. References help confirm the accuracy of your resume.
To learn about your personality. Employers seek insights into your character that a resume alone cannot provide.
To check if you’re a good fit for the company. References can highlight whether you align with the company culture.
To learn about your background. References can provide additional context about your experience and skills.