Not having references

MissAdventure

I have previously had one job for 5+ years (which ended when the branch of the company I worked for closed). I then didn't work for a few years due to family commitments.

I am now job searching, and am generally struggling with references.

I don't have anything from the last couple of years I haven't been working. There is no one from my last job still in the company, although the HR department said they could give me a general reference from my records (ie dates working, reason I left, no. of sick days etc).

So generally I have been giving that one, and a character reference from a long standing friend.

I'm working on an application form right now : "Please give the details of three professional referees which cover at least the last 5 years of your employment, one of whom must be your present or last employer. Please note that open references or references from relatives or people writing solely in the capacity of friends will not be accepted. "

So what do I do? (or anyone with less than three jobs?).

Jobseeeker

Have you thought about volunteering? it might help with references problem and won't look like you've been away from employment for so long

for the application you're working on now, you won't be the only person applying who's not had 3 jobs, so just write that

ohreally

MissAdventure wrote: »

So what do I do?

Explain the situation to prospective employer.

Fluff15

I would just put your one reference, and in the other boxes just put 'no other employment'. I'd then do what Jobseeeker suggests and start volunteering as that will look good, and also give you a more recent reference. Depending on your situation, you might even be able to juggle more than one volunteering job at once. Unfortunately, not having more experience right now might mean they'll turn you down immediately, but don't give up! As long as you're being pro-active, something will come along.

(Also, I have a friend who lied on her CV to get her current job. She used my mum as a reference for one, and her friend (who was an assistant manager) said she would say she worked in her shop for x number of months if she was ever asked. Nothing came of either, so she was lucky and I'm not suggesting you do this, but just so you know!)

AutumnMist

What should someone do if their previous employer is no longer at their past address, and has moved? Can't give the new address because it is unknown.

fionajbanana

I have that problem as my previous 4 employers don't exist anymore and the couple of temp agencies I worked for don't exist. So that leaves me back to a job I left in 2002! No potential employer wants a reference from a company I left 11 years ago.

I have a couple of good friends who I worked with 6-7 years ago and still keep in touch and they will provide references when I do find a job I want to apply for.