Would like to leave retail and no 2nd reference to call for.

briskbeats

Wanting to leave the world of retail work. Two things that are putting me off:
. No idea where to look
. No 2nd reference.

The latter, I found out when I tried to apply for a job online - 2 years ago and required two references. Problem is all my employment between current job (worked there since Autumn 2008) and my first post uni job, the companies don't exist anymore. Don't want to use that employer as a reference as had a difficult time with them as they made false claims on their job description v what the job actually entailed. Had some personal referees - two have died and one I don't have any contact details. Even those who knew her don't where she is now as not on any social media platforms.

The lack of a 2nd reference and the covid pandemic have put me off looking for work until now.

If a potential employer wants a 2nd reference, what shall I do? 

[Deleted User]

Look for work either in Foodservice, Call Centre, Hospitality or Courier Customer Service.
All these places are incredibly busy and can be quite stressful to work in so have a high churn where references may be overlooked.

Whilst it was never going to be a go-er, I know of a courier company, prepared to pay more then NMW for a next day start, saying we're not a call centre, no targets here except service to be kept up and promotion possible, but we have to record the calls due to the threats customers make!. (there is a driver shortage causing problems).

As long as you can prove where you've come from/are most recent, that would be the immediate concern.
I think you'll just have to explain to the companies you don't have a second reference and see what they suggest.
(I would say totally different if you were trying to crack into a career of caring or be around vulnerable people.)

I did partake in a mid-life change of career discussion recently, where volunteering was suggested a good way to go, just thinking it might also help you with an additional reference?