What do you do when you want a job but have no references at all?

[Deleted member 651465]

I'm an employer in this sector (own a digital agency with 25 staff) and we don't bother taking up references. We don't even ask for them any more, as they aren't worth the paper they are written on.

Make sure you have a good amount of demonstrateable work - if you don't have commercial experience then personal projects, as long as they are to a good standard are fine.

For us, 70% of the interview is cultural fit and values. We might take a punt on the right person with the right attitude, aptitude and no experience, but would never employ someone with a perfect portfolio but who wouldn't fit in with the rest of the team.

Excellent post

OP, you may want to think about knocking together more for your portfolio and then revisiting that feedback from your temporary job. Who knows, improving your customer service skills and social skills with a bit of coaching may be all you need.

Get yourself registered with some agencies and see what sort of fish bite.

 

[helpimcrap]

This.

Any reputable employer will check your references and some will run a background check.

My last employer did on a few people and once they found a discrepancy they fired the person that day and it would give them a bad reference for lying.

If any of your neighbours are professionals (police/NHS etc) get to know them and ask them if they could give you a reference possibly?

Or do volunteer work as a last resort depending on what you want to do as it might give a good view of your personality as money is not important to you personally but success is?

 

[Spuddy]

Do some volunteering whilst you complete your studies.

 

[Pestilence]

I know it seems like that should be the case but it really isn't.

But would you want to take the gamble? It's never worth it... plenty of places will literally fire you on the spot if they try to chase up false references and catch you out.

 

[Uther]

The last three firms I worked at are now housing estates. How is an employer going to check those references ten years later?

 

[Rroff]

I'm an employer in this sector (own a digital agency with 25 staff) and we don't bother taking up references. We don't even ask for them any more, as they aren't worth the paper they are written on.

Make sure you have a good amount of demonstrateable work - if you don't have commercial experience then personal projects, as long as they are to a good standard are fine.

For us, 70% of the interview is cultural fit and values. We might take a punt on the right person with the right attitude, aptitude and no experience, but would never employ someone with a perfect portfolio but who wouldn't fit in with the rest of the team.

Indeed - I've found that most people who seem like they'd fit in generally are atleast reasonably competent (or better) even if not always the top pick of the bunch.