Don't have any good references... what to do??

Let's just say that my past employment history hasn't been stellar. Each one of my previous positions have lasted under 2 years, and were mostly let go due to performance issues.

I am now interview for a new position, but don't know how to resolve the reference issue. Any advice would be awesome!

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Contact your former employers. Try to discuss with them what kind of reference they might give.

Lay your cards on the table. Tell them you realize you may not have performed to their expectations, but it's in the past and you still need to work. You are no longer their problem. Any halfway decent human being won't have anything against a person trying to get a job, though, unfortunately, it's a cruel world full of vindictive people.

You don't necessarily have to contact the boss. Contact a friendly supervisor or coworker. Ask them to be your references. Even better, try to get a letter of reference from the supervisor.

Smart employers realize they can expose themselves to trouble by giving negative references. For that reason many of them confine their reference responses to starting and ending dates of employment, and, sometimes, pay confirmation.

Finally, your interviewer may notice you've had frequent job changes. You must tell the truth, but don't ramble. Answer only what is asked. Be brief and factual with your responses. Do not volunteer information. Do not badmouth your ex-employers. Some experts recommend adding statements that each termination was a learning experience.

Thanks that really helps!

Mariah in San Francisco, California said: Let's just say that my past employment history hasn't been stellar. Each one of my previous positions have lasted under 2 years, and were mostly let go due to performance issues.

I am now interview for a new position, but don't know how to resolve the reference issue. Any advice would be awesome!

Do you have friends from companies you've worked for that would speak as a reference for you?

I don't know what industry you are in but what I've found and colleagues & friends atest is 2 years in high tech is normal track record.

Employers are extremely gun shy, picky and have negative listening skills in this tough market. Paint yourself in a very postive light.

sandra in San Francisco, California said: Do you have friends from companies you've worked for that would speak as a reference for you?

I don't know what industry you are in but what I've found and colleagues & friends atest is 2 years in high tech is normal track record.

Employers are extremely gun shy, picky and have negative listening skills in this tough market. Paint yourself in a very postive light.

Yes I have a few coworkers who can vouch for me. The problem is many times they will ask for supervisor or manager references, and that is when I'm in trouble!

sandra in San Francisco, California said: Do you have friends from companies you've worked for that would speak as a reference for you?

I don't know what industry you are in but what I've found and colleagues & friends atest is 2 years in high tech is normal track record.

Employers are extremely gun shy, picky and have negative listening skills in this tough market. Paint yourself in a very postive light.

And yes I have primarily been in the high tech industry for the past few years.

If you deal with clients or customers, you can use them for a reference.

Focus on your duties at your last job. Say very positive things about your previous employers. Start doing consulting work or even pro bono work to develop good references.

I was at university but did not work to my full potential and did not complete my course. I am now applying to a different university to study the same course. What can I do as I cannot think of anyone who is likely to give me a very good reference.
Please can you give me advice. Thank you

abs1 in Sheffield, United Kingdom said: I was at university but did not work to my full potential and did not complete my course. I am now applying to a different university to study the same course. What can I do as I cannot think of anyone who is likely to give me a very good reference.
Please can you give me advice. Thank you

Bribe people.

Use friends, family friends, ex-co-workers. If they want a supervisor use an assistant manager that liked you. Not easy out there now with this ridiculous, absurd economy. Thanks, Wall Street! A-holes!