I’ve applied for jobs a few times and this has always been a problem. Now that I’ve been out of college for a while it’s even more of a problem. I don’t have anyone from college that would even remember me. I can’t use my current coworkers because I don’t want my current employer to know I’m leaving until I have a new job lined up. I don’t keep in touch with old coworkers. I don’t do anything outside of work as far as volunteering or anything. I know I’m not supposed to use friends or family. Who is even left after that? The only people I have the contact info for are friends, family, and my current boss.
What field are you in that they’ve never asked for references? I’ve had to provide references for a range of jobs, from warehouse assembly line work to medical research
I’m in software and I’ve never been asked
Not op but I’m in manufacturing (aerospace) and didn’t provide references to my last two employers. I could have provided them if asked but I was never asked, and I didn’t offer. I was background checked by a third party though, which included some basic resume verification.
Electrical industry (electrician/maintenance/inspection/etc) here and I’ve never been asked. Probably depends on your area and how desperately they’re hiring.
Weird. I’m pretty close; I’m applying for a HVAC service tech job and they definitely ask for references.
I work in broadcast TV and have never been asked for references, nor have I asked for references for anybody I’ve hired. I was also told we’re basically only allowed to confirm someone worked for us if we get called for a reference. We’re not supposed to comment on their performance.