Help! I Don't Have Any References for Job Applications

Picture this: you found the perfect job opening. You open the job application excited about the possibilities. You quickly look over the form, when suddenly your attention falls on a particular section. They require references. “Oh no”, you realize, “I don't have any references for job applications”.

What if we told you that you just need to redefine what references are? Keep reading to find out how to produce important references to help you land your ideal job.

You’re Not Alone

Unsure about navigating the job market with no references for jobs? Before starting to sweat at the thought of “I don't have any references for job applications”, take a deep breath. You’re not alone! Many professionals find themselves without work references for perfectly valid reasons. Here are some of them:

1. You’re New to the U.S.

Maybe you’ve embarked on a new, life-changing journey to the U.S. from elsewhere in the world. And while new beginnings are exciting, there’s a lot to navigate. Some employers want U.S. references, which is where you might fall short. However, don’t worry – that’s not always the case.

2. You’re Fresh Out of School

Are you an ambitious first-time job seeker in your teens or have you just graduated high school or college? You’ve probably been focusing on your academic pursuits so far. That’s why you might have little to no work experience, and no traditional work references. That’s OK, there are still ways to make it work! Plus, you have time on your side to build your reference list.

3. You’ve Been a Stay-at-Home Mum or Dad

Let’s set the record straight, raising tiny humans is a full-time gig. However, unfortunately, your kids can’t write you a character reference letter attesting to your excellent organizational, negotiation and time-management skills.

The problem? If you’ve been out of the workforce for long enough, your previous managers might even be retired at this point. So “I don't have any references for job applications” could be a real concern for you. Luckily, ex-bosses are not the only references you can provide.

4. You’ve Been Self-Employed

At some point in your career, you decided to fly solo and carve your own path with your entrepreneurial spirit. Now you’re back in the job market and wondering “what should I do when I don't have any references for job applications”. Whether you freelanced, created your own small business or something else, who are you going to ask for references if you were your own boss? Once again, that’s not going to be a problem at all.

Why Employers Seek References

There are already so many rounds of interviews and prescreening happening in recruitment processes. Adding reference requests might feel like an extra hoop to jump through. Yet, clearly understanding why they exist is the key to conquering them. Especially if you’re worried about having no references for jobs.

Employers ask for references for various reasons, but mainly to gain deeper insights into your character and work ethic. They want to understand if you’re compatible with their company culture. A reference is powerful because it provides a third-party glimpse into your professional conduct beyond what your resume and cover letter can convey.

It offers hiring managers assurance that you’ll be a valuable addition to the company. Plus, it shows you’re able to build strong relationships with the people who vouch for you. For this reason, while references might appear as a bothersome formality, they’re crucial to showcasing your potential and supporting your applications.

What to Do if You Think You Have No References for Jobs

When seeking work references, it's important to remember that there are always solutions available, regardless of your situation. Consider the following approaches and personalize them to fit your needs.

Foreign Work References May Count

If you’re concerned that you don't have any references for job applications in the U.S. after moving from abroad, relax. Your international work references can be a valid asset to your job search. No recruiter will turn you down for providing foreign contacts from legitimate companies.

However, make sure to request your references’ permission before listing them and specify their international location in the reference list. Mention the corresponding U.S. business hours of their country and add the international calling code to their phone contact as well.

Tap into Unconventional Sources

In the absence of traditional corporate work references, think outside the box. Who could qualify as a professional reference? Anyone that has experience working with you and can vouch for you fits the bill. Here are some specific relationships to references that you might have:

For Students or Graduates

If you’re new to the job market, leverage your professors, academic mentors, and guidance counselors. Were you involved in sport, volunteer activities, clubs, or other organizations? Go ahead and list your sport coaches, volunteer coordinators, course instructors, church ministers and even fellow club members.

No extra-curricular activities? No problem! Have you ever had a summer or part-time gig? Maybe you mowed lawns or babysat. Even your neighbors could give you great character references.

For Parents Rejoining the Workforce

No matter how long you’ve been a stay-at-home parent, don’t spend time thinking “I don't have any references for job applications”. You’ve worked before so, you have professional experience you got this! If you can’t trace your ex-managers, references from your ex-teammates or colleagues from different departments will work too, preferably someone higher than you in the hierarchy.

For Previously Self-Employed Professionals

Having been your own boss means your references can’t come from a superior or a manager. Instead, reach out to employees, project collaborators, satisfied clients, or other professionals you worked with to back you up.

How to Ensure You Never Have no References for Jobs Again

Build a strong list of work references through strategic networking and by investing in your work relationships, and you’ll never have to say “I don't have any references for job applications”. Here are some useful steps to create a robust reference system to support you:

1. Diversify Your Network

While working in any company, look for ways to connect with colleagues, supervisors, clients and even collaborators. The more people get to know you, the more authentic and objective references you can hope to get.

2. Keep Regular Communication Going

Getting to know people is not enough. You must also stay in touch. Share updates on your professional journey, achievements, and insights, and show curiosity for their career journey as well. Offering assistance and resources also helps to reinforce your relationships.

3. Attend Industry Events

Participate in workshops, conferences, and seminars in your industry to connect with peers, potential mentors and professionals who can help you progress in your career. You’ll be able to build more reference contacts, but also access more work opportunities overall.

4. Seek Mentorship

Identify experienced professionals who can provide guidance in your field and act as references. Be bold and tell them you’re interested in learning from them. Engage in regular conversations to foster mutual respect and show what you’re capable of. If you later need references they’ll likely be happy to help.

Join Monster for a Smoother Job-Hunting Experience

Once you understand how to reframe the idea that “I don't have any references for job applications“, get ready to unlock even more opportunities with help from Monster. Start by uploading your resume to obtain a free review. Our smart resume technology will assess it and provide you with helpful tips to improve it. So, you’ll get more attention from recruiters who will ask for your reference list.