How would you handle a lack of Job References?

[Locut0s]

So I'm FINALLY starting to look for work. Right now I'm looking at cashier and stocking jobs and the like. I've applied online at Walmart, Safeway and Futureshop (electronics retailer) and plan a few others. I have what I think is a very professional looking resume considering how little experience I have. It's served me in the past. There are a few gaps and holes in it but for the level of job I'm applying for there are no deal breakers or anything.

The trouble I have is a lack of references. I really have none. None of the jobs I applied for asked for any but come interview time they may. I know sometimes these "bottom of the barrel" type jobs don't even really care about references either, but I should have some anyway. When I worked in 7-11 sometimes all they cared about was getting a warm body on the till, lol. Thing is it's been some years since I last worked, been in school off and on since, and I've lost contact with most of the people I worked with before. I had an excellent manager at 7-11 4 years ago who thought very highly of me, I can probably still use him. I've called him a few times before asking for references, feels a little awkward only contacting him for help. Anyway that only makes one person.

What would you do in such a situation? Do people still use personal references? They seem kind of pointless.

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. What about teachers? n/t

[Locut0s]

2. Hmm not a bad idea. I'll think about that...

Only one teacher I can think of who I really got to know recently. About a year back, really nice guy. I could email him and explain my situation.

Thanks.

[mnhtnbb]

3. If you have volunteered your time anywhere--for anything--use the person

who was your contact for that.

[PasadenaTrudy]

4. Parent's friends? n/t

[chknltl]

5. Not exactly what you are asking for but...

...you have quite a few beautiful landscape photos in your gallery. I would definitely list photography as a major hobby on your resume and include the link. If I was looking over resumes and saw that link I would see you as someone who spends quality time outdoors with a keen attention to detail.

[LeftofObama]

6. Like another poster said, I would use friends and relatives.

The potential employer doesn't have to know they are friends and relatives, and you could say you worked for them on a contractual basis.

[loli phabay]

7. problem is it would be a lie, if the prospective employer contacts them it would come out

unless you expect them to lie as well. would not go with this idea.

[loli phabay]

8. what you may have to do is really go to the bottom of the barrel

work the worst job ever, do it well for a time and then use it to get references and to show good work habits and then move up the job ladder that way. even if it means doing work for free, just to get you on that first rung and those first references.

[Fearless]

9. I work as a restaurant manager

And we frequently hire people at entry level positions, so this might apply. When looking at applications I look for red flags: very short job turn over rates, unexplained gaps in employment (generally of a medium length because short time gaps are reasonable and long time gaps generally suggest life events such as a birth, move, or marriage), obvious spelling and grammar mistakes, unprofessional email addresses given in contact info, etc.

I also look for good signs such as: community service work, military honorable discharge, signs that the resume was tailored to the job and not just a carbon copy, awards or merits won, etc.

To be clear, all of these factors help paint a picture of who the person could be, not who they necessarily are. If I'm going to take the time out of my (very) busy day to interview someone, I better see a lot of potential.

If you get an interview, then you have to wow me. You need to know what I'm looking for and how you fit into that job. Key factors I'm looking for in the service industry are: friendliness, reliability, willingness to learn, teamwork, and positive attitude. In the interview, the worst thing you can be is generic. I will hire someone who gives thoughtful answers over someone who gives standard answers every time. Because of time constraints, I would much rather hire the first person I interview than interview a series of people. If you get a call for an entry level position, I will hire you unless you bomb the interview. I can't stress enough how little time I actually have during my day, to sit down with someone for 15-20 minutes is a luxury. Give concise, confident answers, and know what you're talking about.

Hope that helps a little.

EDIT TO ADD: I rarely actually call references. The fact that they're there add a slight bit of credibility. Not having them are not a deal-breaker. Quite honestly, I work more than 50hrs a week and if I have even 15 minutes a day to look at resumes (in times where I desperately need positions filled) that's a lot. Oddly enough, calling and inquiring about a position will also rarely improve chances. I'm generally so busy that having to take the call is frustrating (and I give the same generic response that I'm "looking into all resumes and I'll call you back if interested" to everyone, and probably don't have time to write down your name). One thing that does make an impact is handing in an application in person (instead of email). If I can attach a resume to a presentable, well-mannered, friendly face, I'm much more likely to schedule an interview (providing there are no glaring red flags in the resume).

[Tobin S.]

10. Great post

I've never been in the position of hiring people, so seeing your perspective is valuable to me because there's a good chance I'll be looking for a job in the future.

[Fearless]

11. Best of luck with whatever path you take.