What to Do If You Don't Have Any References?

We’ve all been there—you're applying for a job, school, or a program, and the question who to use as a reference when you have none comes up.

What if you don't have a professional network, previous employers, or academic contacts to call on? It can be a daunting situation, but rest assured, there are still plenty of individuals who can serve as valuable references.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what to do if you don't have references, offering practical alternatives that can help you present yourself confidently and stand out.

What are professional references?

These are specialists who can vouch for your skills, qualifications, and character based on their experience working with you in a professional or academic setting.

These references are typically people who have observed your work ethic, capabilities, and achievements. They can include former employers, colleagues, supervisors, mentors, or even clients.

Recommendation contacts are commonly requested during job applications, promotions, or other opportunities to help organizations assess your capacities and reliability.

Why you may have no references for a job?

There are several reasons why someone might have no job references, and it’s more common than you might think. Below are some of the key reasons.

1. Limited experience

If you’re just starting your career, changing fields, or have only had short-term or entry-level jobs, you might not have had time to form the kind of relationships with colleagues or supervisors.

Freelance

When you're self-employed, it can be difficult to provide recommendations because these roles often lack a formal supervisor or manager.

Here’s why:

• Absence of direct supervision. As a freelancer, you typically work independently.
• Client-focused position. While clients may appreciate the job, they might not always feel comfortable providing an official testimonial.
• Changing relationships. Clients might see your work as transactional, making them less likely to offer a personal endorsement.

Tight-lipped former employers

These can pose a challenge when you're seeking references, as some companies have strict guidelines about what they can disclose about staff.

Work environments

These settings often lack the structure and formality of traditional workplaces.

Here’s why this can be an issue:

1. Absence of defined roles. In family-run businesses, volunteer positions, or temporary gigs, there might not be clear supervisors or colleagues who can speak to your contributions.
2. Personal relationships. The people you’ve worked with likely know you on a personal level, making it difficult for them to provide a reference that focuses on your skills, ethic, and performance.
3. Limited scope of experience. Informal roles often involve fewer responsibilities, which can make it harder for others to give detailed feedback about your abilities.
4. Perceived informality. Some employers might view references from non-professional environments as less credible, especially if the relationship wasn’t centered around corporate structures.

Recent career change

Transition can present difficulties, particularly if your past occupations were in a different field.

How to find references for a job?

Professors

• College or university professors
• Academic advisors or counselors
• Teaching assistants
• Research project supervisors
• Course instructors or trainers

Example of a recommendation letter with no references:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to highly recommend Jessica Thompson, who was a student in my "Advanced Writing and Composition" class during the Fall 2024 semester. Having worked closely with Jessica throughout the course, I am confident in her abilities, work ethic, and potential to succeed in any professional environment.

Jessica is an exceptional student who demonstrated outstanding analytical and writing skills. She regularly submitted essays that showcased not only her ability to synthesize complex information but also her creative approach to solving writing challenges. In addition to her academic strengths, Jessica consistently contributed valuable insights to class discussions, often providing unique perspectives.

What sets Jessica apart is her remarkable commitment to excellence and her proactive approach to learning. She often sought feedback to refine her writing and improve her work, and her ability to adapt and implement constructive criticism was impressive.

Jessica also demonstrated excellent teamwork and leadership in group assignments. She took on a leadership role in her team, organizing meetings, delegating tasks, and ensuring that deadlines were met. Her ability to work collaboratively with others, while maintaining a positive and motivating attitude, was a standout quality in our class.

I have no doubt that Jessica will bring the same level of dedication, professionalism, and creativity to her future career. She is a motivated, self-driven individual with a strong sense of responsibility, and I believe she will excel in any position she pursues.

Please feel free to contact me at swilliams@berkeley.edu or (510) 555-1234 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Jessica will make a positive impact wherever she goes.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sarah Williams

Mentors

• Personal or career coaches (in or out of your industry)
• Life advisors
• Professional development mentors

Example of who to use as a reference when you have none:

Use template Download PDF

Volunteer work

• Coordinators or supervisors
• Fellow volunteers who worked closely with you
• Nonprofit organization leaders or managers
• Event organizers you helped with
• Committee members

What if you don't have references for a job letter sample:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am pleased to provide a reference for James Carter, who has been an active volunteer with Hope for All Community Center. In his time with our organization, James has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

James first joined our team as a coordinator for our events, and from the outset, he showed an eagerness to make a meaningful impact. His ability to organize and execute events, such as our annual food drive and local neighborhood clean-ups, has been outstanding. James is particularly skilled at managing logistics and ensuring that all participants are engaged and motivated.

One of James's most impressive qualities is his ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. He is a natural communicator and has a unique ability to connect with others, making him a key asset to our team. Whether working with fellow volunteers or interacting with the community members, James has shown a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.

In addition to his organizational and communication skills, James has demonstrated reliability and initiative. He is always punctual, takes responsibility for his tasks, and is quick to offer assistance wherever needed.

Please feel free to contact me at emma.clarke@hopeforall.org or (323) 555-9876 if you have any further questions or need additional information. I highly recommend James Carter without reservation.

Sincerely,

Emma Clarke

Volunteer Coordinator

Customers

• Freelance clients
• Customers from consulting work
• Service users you helped
• Project managers or leads you’ve worked with as a contractor

Example of what to do if you don't have references:

Use template Download PDF

Informal jobs

• Supervisors or managers from part-time or casual roles
• Colleagues in a family business or small team environment
• Co-workers from internships or short-term gigs
• People you worked with on a temporary or seasonal basis

Example of a reference:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am pleased to provide a reference for Michael Davidson, who worked with me at Roberts Landscaping Services over the past year. While our working relationship was informal, Michael proved to be a highly reliable and dedicated worker. I have no hesitation in recommending him for future employment opportunities.

Michael was responsible for a variety of tasks during his time with us, including maintaining garden beds, trimming shrubs, and performing general landscaping duties. His work ethic and attention to detail were immediately apparent. Michael consistently arrived on time, worked efficiently, and ensured that every job was completed to a high standard.

One of Michael's standout qualities was his ability to learn quickly. Despite the informal nature of the role, he consistently showed a willingness to take on new tasks and responsibilities. Whether it was learning how to operate new equipment or applying different landscaping techniques, Michael always embraced the challenge.

In addition to his technical skills, Michael was an excellent team player. He worked well with other staff members and clients, always maintaining a friendly and respectful attitude. His professionalism, even in an informal work environment, helped foster a positive atmosphere on the job site.

Michael’s reliability and strong work ethic made him a valuable asset to our team. While the job may not have been formal, I would happily recommend him for future opportunities. I am confident that he will bring the same level of dedication and commitment to any role he takes on.

Please feel free to contact me at john.roberts@robertslandscaping.com or (512) 555-3487 if you need additional information. I am sure Michael will prove to be a valuable addition to any organization.

Sincerely,

John Roberts

Personal

• Close friends (who know your work ethic and reliability)
• Neighbors who can speak to your character
• Acquaintances from social or professional networks
• People you’ve worked with in non-professional settings (like community groups)
• Members of clubs, societies, or groups you’ve been involved in

Job references example when you haven't worked in years:

Use template Download PDF

Extracurricular activities

• Coaches from sports or athletic activities
• Leaders of youth groups, scouting programs
• Supervisors from clubs or hobbies (such as debate team, theater, etc.)
• Team captains

Reference letter example:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to highly recommend Rachel Martinez, who has been a dedicated member of the Westside High School Soccer Team. As her coach, I have had the privilege of witnessing her exceptional athletic ability, leadership, and commitment both on and off the field.

Rachel is a hardworking and focused individual who consistently demonstrates a high level of discipline and determination. She approaches every practice and game with a positive attitude and a relentless drive to improve her skills. As a player, she is not only skilled and strategic but also highly supportive of her teammates, often offering encouragement and guidance to others.

In addition to her athletic abilities, Rachel has shown tremendous leadership skills. She was appointed as one of the team captains this season, and her ability to motivate and lead her peers has been invaluable. She regularly organizes team meetings, helps develop game strategies, and ensures that all players are working together to achieve our goals.

Rachel's time management skills have also been impressive. Juggling her academic responsibilities with her commitment to the soccer team, she consistently maintained high grades while participating in weekly practices, games, and events.

Rachel has proven herself to be a reliable, responsible, and passionate individual who consistently brings her best effort to everything she does. I have no doubt that she will excel in any future endeavors, whether in athletics, academics, or her professional life.

Please feel free to contact me at david.hernandez@westsidehighschool.edu or (713) 555-2456 if you have any further questions. I highly recommend Rachel Martinez for any opportunity she pursues, as I am confident she will make a positive impact wherever she goes.

Sincerely,

Coach David Hernandez

Head Coach

FAQ

What are jobs without references?

These are positions where the employer does not require recommendations or confirmation from previous employers, colleagues, or mentors. These roles typically focus more on the applicant’s skills, experience, or ability to perform specific tasks.

Do all jobs require references?

No, some entry-level, temporary roles, or freelance gigs may not ask for them at all.

Can I get a job without references if the employers want them?

It may be more challenging, but it’s not impossible. If you lack traditional references, explain why, and provide alternative ways to demonstrate your qualifications.

Who to use as a reference when you have none - conclusion

Navigating the job search without professional references can feel daunting, but it’s entirely possible to succeed by being creative and resourceful.

Focus on what you can offer—your expertise, enthusiasm, and determination. By being proactive and explaining your situation honestly, you can demonstrate that you're a strong candidate.

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