Will many employers consider you without references?

James_B.

kingslayer wrote: »

I can see how the skills are good for me, but yes it would be better help directly instead. If i wanted a job to fall in my lap i wouldn't be applying for jobs and volunteering my time.

But you said that it seems "pointless" to do the volunteering work that raises money.

I've looked back at some of your posts, and you seem to have a problem that you really should speak to someone about. You seem utterly unwilling to commit to anything, even if it is only an idea, and unwilling to put in the proper groundwork to ever improve your lot. You seem to have been doing your current role a matter of weeks, yet have already decided that it is pointless.

theoretica

mattcanary wrote: »

I agree with him to be honest - how can he know what the volunteers or paid staff there are really like after a week or two?

I imagine he would give a reference - but probably a very short one and if the reference says kingslayer has volunteered here for two weeks it will mean less to the employers than if it said two months or two years.

WantToBeSE

I have just employed someone who didn't have a work reference, but had a character reference.
It was her neighbour who has known her for 8 years, was able to tell me a little about her etc.


As long as someone could explain why they couldn't provide a work reference, I would take each on their own merit.

[Deleted User]

A landlord has given me reference in the past
Plus the Jobcentre will want to help you with references kingslayer, it's in their interests, some employers will refuse to accept but worth a good try in my opinion


Not a volunteer job I went for, but here is a charity in the opening ad alone they offer reference - so lucky being able to volunteer whenever you like OP, I'm envious
http://www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jobs/volunteer-admin-assistant---ipswich/343355?tsId=1
xx

Elfbert

Is there a supervisor or anyone else you've got to know at the charity shop? You could just ask them to do it, and claim to be your 'line manager' or something.

Some references from very big firms - the supermarkets etc., are only letters from HR confirming you did indeed work there and weren't sacked, basically! The people who issue them have never met you. That's why you tend to have two references - most recent job and then someone who knows you.

Bonfire_Bride

Sorry if i've missed this but what were you doing prior to working in the charity shop?

Depends what industry you want to work in...if it's in a position of trust...handling money etc, then they would probably need a reference.

My current employer wanted 6 years of references - if there were any gaps in employment, they would use a character reference for this. This may be an idea?

patman99

One good way to get a reference worth it's weight in gold by volunteering is to volunteer as a Scout or Guide Leader.

There are verious positions from Assistant Section Leader through to County Commisioner. The choice is yours and you get training on top.

When I found myself with the need to get 2 references for a job, I used my last job and (as the long-term job I had before was for a firm who became uncontactable) I used my 15 years as a SL. It got me the job.

Marshmallow82

You need to pick something and stick to it!

Volunteering at the charity shop could lead to a paid job there or a good reference for a job in retail

[Deleted User]

You could look at the volunteering as something that is not altruistic. So you are not doing this to help others, but to help YOU. If you look at it this way then it is worth doing.

To get a great reference, not just a reference, you need to show enthusiasm and bring as much as you can to the job.

- Start off by asking someone to mentor you. Get them to map out a learning plan and work though it with them. Look at cash handing, stock control etc. See if there are any online courses that can back up your new knowledge.

- Find projects to do and suggest them. Can you try and increase sales, paint the changing rooms, alter and improve the layout, set up emails templates, a facebook page etc? Plan, document and be in charge of each project and then go through your learning outcomes from each project with your mentor. Document what you did for interviews and cvs

It may just be a noddy job to you, but you can get a lot out of this if you are starting from nowhere. Only you can improve your own skills. Working on projects should also make things more interesting during the time you are at work.

the_donchichio

mattcanary wrote: »

I agree with him to be honest - how can he know what the volunteers or paid staff there are really like after a week or two?

After two weeks, you could have a vague idea if someone is either incompetent, hardworking, motivated, punctual, good communicator/listener and friendly...surely they deserve a reference after two or three weeks of getting paid nothing