[Ganondorf]

I am an extremely introverted person, so I do not really talk to people much. As a consequence, I do not really know anyone well enough for them to give me a reference. I have not had many employers ask me for references though, but I am not sure how bad it is to tell them I do not have have any. When they ask me, I say something like, “Outside of family, I don’t know anyone well enough to ask them to provide me with a reference.” The employer usually just says something vague like, “Okay.” How bad is that? Is it hurting my chances of getting the job? This is for entry-level positions straight out of college by the way, so I am hoping my lack of references does not matter as much as it would for higher level positions.

[JohnWayneIsGod]

Fuzyfro89 has good advice about getting current references. Get creative and think of at least two people.

Long-term, you need to conquer your introverted ways. I'm not particularly social myself (my wife hates that about me), but I make it a point to talk to my co-workers and I even talk with contractors who are in the office. As you work, you need to have multiple people who are willing to be your reference. You don't need to be best pals with them because as long as they know who you are and are slightly familiar with your work, then they are a potential reference.

Another piece of advice I'd like to give for the long-term is to find a mentor. Maybe you have one already, but don't realize it. Every young person should have a mentor who can give advice and who can also act as a reference. You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who are eager to share their years of wisdom with others.

FAR - 80

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.

-John Wayne

[Missy]

I am intrigued when I recognize a username and like to look at their message history. I'll be brutally honest, you've got a lot of situations working against you right now. NONE of them are insurmountable by a long shot but you are absolutely going to have to step out of your comfort zone, if not in expanding your travel radius you're going to have to figure out who you can use as a reference.

You have to understand, from an employers perspective, someone who has basically made themselves a shut in for the last 10 years doesn't give you many reasons to believe they can be an asset to your company. I believe you would be an asset to them, but you will likely have to work much harder than the average recent grad or someone who's been in the workforce since undergrad.

Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

Finance manager/HR manager

 

 

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

Funny, I just interviewed for a job. Went through 3 phone screenings, a 3 part test/assessment and interviewed with 6 people.

Got the job offer and start pretty soon and not once have they asked me for references.

[Skynet]

You should ALWAYS have some sort of references. It doesn't need to be an immediate Supervisor or a Manager. It should be a least someone is a Management Position who can vouch for you.

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World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
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World Domination Plan

Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
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Phase IV : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
Phase V : TBA

[Author]

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