How to Get Over Lack of References for Jobs
References are useful on job applications because they give employers an opportunity to speak with people who can vouch for your credentials. However, if you have a rocky past with employers or you don't have much employment history to speak of, you may not be sure how to address references when you are applying for a new position. Don't let a weak work history stand in the way of getting the job you want.
Other People Are Reading
-
Play Up Education
-
Put your education in the forefront. Use a strong academic background to fill gaps. List your most recent degree or certification received and work backward. Describe any coursework that would make you especially qualified for the position. If possible, offer references from your academic career such as professors and advisers.
Provide Supplementary Information
-
When it comes to applying for a job, honesty is always the best policy. If you are worried about how a spotty job history or lack of references will look on your resume, you can provide a sheet of supplementary information that clarifies some of these concerns. For example, you could explain how you lost contact with former employers, were sick and unable to work for some time, starting a new career without any reference history or whatever your personal case may be. This way your employer will have some background information on your lack of references before a job interview.
-
Personal References
-
You may not have standout work references, but you can use personal references. Have a list of three to five people who can vouch for your abilities. These could be friends, co-workers or teachers. Do not include family members, though.
Fake References
-
If you are worried about a lack of references, it can be tempting to fill in the blanks with a list of fake references. Some websites even provide a service to write fake letters of recommendations or otherwise communicate with future employers. While it might be alluring, do not provide fake references on your resume, application or during the job interview. Lying to potential employers is the quickest way to seem untrustworthy.
-
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
