Many job applications ask for references, but not everyone has them ready. Finding people who can vouch for your skills and character can feel challenging, especially if you are new to the workforce, changing careers, or reentering after some time away.
Knowing what to do if you don’t have references for a job application can save you stress and help you move forward with your job search. These steps can open doors even if your network is small or you are starting from scratch.
1) Ask former professors or academic advisors for references
If someone does not have any job references, they can reach out to professors or academic advisors from school. Teachers and advisors are often willing to speak about a student’s work ethic, reliability, and character. This is a common first step for new job seekers or anyone lacking work experience. Many employers accept academic references, especially if the applicant is entering the workforce for the first time.
It is important to ask professors or advisors who know the person well, such as those who taught a class they did well in or who supervised college projects. Applicants should clearly explain the job they are applying for and why they need a reference. RoboApply’s email CRM tool can be used to keep track of requests and follow up with professors easily.
When contacting a professor or advisor, the request may look like this:
Subject: Reference Request for Job Application
Dear Professor Smith,
I hope this message finds you well. I am applying for an entry-level position and am seeking a professional reference. I enjoyed your Biology 101 class and appreciated your feedback on my lab work. Would you be able to provide a reference commenting on my work ethic and contributions? I am happy to send more details about the job. Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
Taylor Johnson
Using references from academic staff is a practical way to fill out a reference list and helps employers learn more about the candidate’s skills and character. For more ideas, see how students and first-time job seekers often use academic contacts as references in articles like this one on using academic references.
2) Request character references from volunteer supervisors
If you don’t have past job supervisors or coworkers to list as references, volunteer supervisors are a good option. They can talk about your reliability, attitude, and how well you worked with others during volunteer projects.
Many employers accept character references from volunteer experiences, especially if you are a recent graduate or have little job experience. This shows that you are active, responsible, and have a good reputation with people you have helped.
When asking a volunteer supervisor, explain your goals and the job you are applying for. Make it easy for them by providing the job description and any key points you want highlighted.
Here is an example of how to request a character reference from a volunteer supervisor:
Hi [Supervisor Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I enjoyed working with you at [Organization Name] and learned a lot during my time as a volunteer.
I am applying for a job at [Company Name], and they require a reference. Would you be willing to provide a character reference based on my work with you? I am especially hoping you could comment on my reliability and teamwork.
Please let me know if you need any more information.
Thank you so much, [Your Name]
RoboApply recommends saving your references in one place so they’re easy to update and reuse for different applications. With RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard and email CRM, users can easily organize reference requests and follow-ups. This makes staying on top of your applications much simpler.
For more advice and tips, check out how others have handled job applications without references and what kind of references employers will accept.
3) Use mentors from internships as professional references
Mentors from internships make strong references because they have seen a job seeker’s skills and work ethic in a real workplace. Even if the internship was unpaid or short-term, a mentor can usually speak about reliability, teamwork, and performance. Many employers value these insights just as much as traditional supervisors.
Candidates can list a mentor from an internship on their reference sheet or mention them in their application. They should check in with their mentor in advance and ask for permission to use their contact details. A quick email or message can help confirm the mentor is willing and ready to speak on their behalf.
When reaching out to a mentor, it’s helpful to provide a short update about the job search. Sharing a resume or a list of skills to highlight can make the mentor’s job easier and help keep feedback specific and positive.
Using tools like RoboApply can help keep all reference contact info organized and make sure it’s easy to provide when an employer asks. RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard is especially useful for managing these details in one secure place. For more practical advice, check out these tips for using alternative references if traditional ones are not available.
4) Get endorsements from clients if self-employed
Self-employed professionals can ask past or current clients for endorsements. These client testimonials help show that others trust and value their work, which can make a strong impression on employers. Listing specific client feedback demonstrates reliability, skill, and professionalism in a real-world setting.
Anyone who freelanced, consulted, or ran their own business can use client endorsements instead of traditional references. These endorsements can be collected as short written statements or emails. RoboApply makes it easy to organize these endorsements alongside resumes and cover letters so everything is ready to use for any application.
When asking for an endorsement, a short message works best. Keep it simple and be clear about why you’re asking. Here is an example message to send to a client:
Hi [Client Name],
I’m applying for a new position and would appreciate a short endorsement about our work together. A brief note about your experience working with me and the results I delivered would be very helpful. Thank you for your time and feedback.
Best,
[Your Name]
For the endorsement you receive, include it in your application exactly as written, like this:
“[Your Name] completed our web redesign project on time and with great attention to detail. Communication was always clear, and results exceeded expectations. Highly recommended.” — [Client Name], [Company Name]
This method is practical for people who have mostly client-based experience. For more help collecting, organizing, and adding client endorsements to job applications, RoboApply’s suite can handle messaging, storage, and quick formatting for easy copy-paste use. For more details on using client endorsements as references, see this guide on how self-employed professionals handle references.
5) Include supervisors from part-time or temporary jobs
If an applicant does not have long-term professional experience, supervisors from part-time or temporary jobs can serve as references. These supervisors can comment on reliability, work habits, and attitude, which are valuable qualities for hiring managers. Even short-term roles or seasonal jobs count, as supervisors are often asked to provide feedback for job applications.
Examples of roles include working in retail, food service, summer camps, internships, or freelance projects. Someone who managed, coached, or oversaw tasks during these jobs qualifies. Applicants should choose supervisors who saw their work directly and who can comment positively on their performance.
For anyone unsure about formatting references, RoboApply’s AI resume builder can help generate reference lists and wording that fit professional norms. For more guidance on working with references from part-time and temporary jobs, this article provides practical ideas.
A few easy steps can help when asking a supervisor from a part-time job to be a reference: reach out politely, explain the purpose, confirm they are comfortable speaking about work performance, and keep them updated about the job search. This approach builds a list of references employers will recognize and respect.
6) Ask leaders from community or fundraising roles
When traditional work references are not available, leaders from community or fundraising roles can serve as strong references. These might include volunteer coordinators, team leaders at nonprofits, or anyone who has supervised or worked directly with the applicant in a non-employment setting. Many hiring managers recognize the value of these recommendations, especially when they reflect responsibility, initiative, or collaboration.
Reaching out to individuals who lead community projects, local charities, or fundraising events is a practical option. These leaders can usually speak to skills like organization, communication, problem-solving, and dependability. If the applicant has served as a volunteer, committee member, or even helped with event planning, these are all suitable scenarios for obtaining a reference.
When asking, the applicant should be specific about what is needed and provide context about the job application. A brief description of the job requirements helps the referrer focus on the most relevant qualities. Tools like RoboApply’s email CRM can help keep track of requests for references, follow-ups, and responses for an efficient process that stays organized.
For more ideas on connecting with nonprofit or fundraising leaders, see these best practices for leaders in fundraising and specific tips for nonprofit leaders. This approach can also highlight involvement and engagement in the community, which is often highly regarded by employers.
7) Seek references from coaches or extracurricular advisors
Coaches, club leaders, and extracurricular advisors can be strong references when applying for jobs, especially for those without past work experience. These individuals often know a person’s teamwork, leadership, and dedication. Employers respect references who can speak about reliability, hard work, and communication outside the classroom or office.
Students and recent graduates can ask a coach or advisor who knows them well to be a reference. This shows the employer a wide range of character and soft skills. Those who participated in sports, debate team, music club, or volunteer work can use their adult leaders as valid references.
When contacting these individuals, be clear and respectful. Explain why you need a reference and how their words could help. Many are willing to support a former team member or club participant.
RoboApply helps users keep these references organized and makes it easier to add them to resumes and applications. With RoboApply’s resume builder and tracking tools, users can manage contact details, track reference feedback, and even find tips for speaking to new references.
For more about turning non-work figures into job references, read practical tips at Monster’s advice on first job references without work experience.
8) Use colleagues from freelance projects
Colleagues or clients from freelance work can be strong references when you do not have traditional job contacts. If a project went well and you maintained a professional relationship, these people can speak about your work ethic, reliability, communication, and the results you delivered. Most hiring managers accept these references when they come from real, relevant work experiences.
When listing a freelance colleague or client, always ask for their permission first. Make sure they feel comfortable sharing details about your collaboration, and that their comments will be positive. Provide them with helpful reminders about your role, key responsibilities, and any standout achievements to help them give detailed feedback.
Using tools like RoboApply can help organize and present these references. For example, RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard and resume builder make it easy to keep reference contacts in one place and add them to resumes or applications as needed. This saves time and helps you stay ready for job opportunities.
A strong reference from freelance work might look like this:
Reference Contact:
Name: Leah Park
Client at WebSolutions Design
Phone: (555) 123-7890
Email: leah.park@email.com
Relationship: Client for three website projects, 2023–2025
Can confirm project quality, deadlines, and communication skills
You can learn more about the benefits of listing freelance clients as references at ResumeKit’s blog and find additional suggestions for alternative references on ResumeHead and Indeed.
9) Request references from professional networking contacts
Professional networking contacts can be a good source for job references, especially if someone does not have formal work experience or past managers to list. These contacts might include people met through online networking sites, industry events, volunteering, or community groups. Anyone who has seen the person’s skills, work ethic, or contributions can give a reference.
Start by reaching out to contacts with a polite and specific request. Explain the job being applied for and ask if they feel comfortable giving a reference based on shared work, projects, or volunteer activities. If possible, remind the contact of relevant interactions or achievements they could mention.
RoboApply recommends customizing messages to each contact. Here’s a sample message someone could use:
Hi [Contact Name],
I hope you are well. I’m applying for [Job Title] at [Company Name], and I am seeking references for my application. Given our experience working together on [project, team, or event], would you feel comfortable acting as a reference for me? I’d be happy to provide details about the position and what they are looking for. Thank you for considering my request.
Using RoboApply’s interview coaching or CRM tools can also help users organize their outreach and track responses efficiently. For more ways to find professional references, this guide explains various options and strategies.
10) Offer personal references who can vouch for your skills
If professional references are not available, personal references can help. A personal reference is someone who knows your work ethic, skills, or character outside of a job setting. This can include teachers, mentors, coaches, volunteer supervisors, or even people you’ve worked with on community projects.
When listing personal references, pick people who can speak honestly about your skills and reliability. Make sure they are comfortable being contacted and can explain how they know you.
Tell your potential employer up front that these are personal references. Be clear about your relationship and what skills or traits they can vouch for. This shows honesty and helps set the right expectations.
Here is an example of how to list a personal reference on your application:
Name: Lisa Carter
Relationship: Volunteer Supervisor at City Food Bank
Phone: (555) 123-8976
Email: lisa.carter@email.com
Details: Supervised my volunteer work for two years, can speak to my teamwork, responsibility, and ability to handle stressful situations.
Using RoboApply can help format and organize your references clearly. It also checks for grammar and combines your references with your resume, which saves time and helps you stay organized. For more on giving personal references, visit this guide on UpJourney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Job seekers often worry about missing references during the job search. There are practical steps to improve your chances, from finding alternative references to using specific strategies for different career situations.
How can I obtain references for a job application if I’ve never been employed?
If someone has never worked before, they can ask former teachers, academic advisors, or volunteer supervisors to serve as references. These people can speak about skills, reliability, and character. RoboApply recommends adding details about coursework, projects, or volunteer programs to help these references describe your strengths.
Can I apply for a job without having any professional references available?
Yes, many companies will still let applicants apply without professional references, especially for entry-level or part-time work. It’s best to be honest about the lack of references and, if possible, provide character references or contacts from school or volunteer experiences. RoboApply’s resume grammar checker can also help you present your other qualifications clearly.
What are some strategies for long-term unemployed individuals needing to provide references?
Long-term unemployed job seekers should reconnect with previous colleagues, clients, or mentors from internships even if the experience is old. Volunteering or short-term contract work can also help build fresh references. RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard can help store, organize, and follow up with these new contacts.
What alternatives can I offer to an employer if I can’t provide traditional job references?
Alternative references might include volunteer supervisors, clients from freelance work, or leaders from community organizations. RoboApply recommends providing written endorsements or letters from these connections to support your application. This demonstrates credibility even without traditional job references.
How do I explain the absence of references during a job interview?
Be direct and honest about your situation. Explain, for example, that you are new to the workforce, self-employed, or that privacy concerns prevent you from sharing past employer details. Offer character references or letters as alternatives if possible. RoboApply’s interview coaching assistant can help you practice and refine this explanation.
Are there specific jobs that don’t require references, and how can I identify them?
Some entry-level, retail, or temporary roles may not ask for references. These jobs often advertise “no experience necessary” or do not require professional references at all. RoboApply’s ATS resume score optimizer can help tailor applications for roles where references matter less, increasing the chance of moving forward in the hiring process. For more details, see helpful tips on jobs that do not always require references.
