References, with no work experience.

jc2008

I am in the process of applying for jobs this summer. I am a 2nd year college student, however the only work experience I have ever had is 2 weeks of sitting outside the Leaving Cert exam hall in 2009

Previously, I worked weekends in my uncle's pub sorting out empty bottles outside for two years (literally about an hour on Saturday and an hour on Sunday) - this was cash in hand so I'm not sure that it 'counts' and have thus only included the exam attendant thing on the CV as work experience (it seemed slightly preferable to no work experience).

I have been asked to attend an interview for a summer admin job in a large company in 3 weeks. This is going to sound bad, but, my CV says "References available on request" when in actual fact, I have no references available.

When is one typically asked for references? Is it after the interview, if they are interested? Or during? I've applied for a number of jobs (most which haven't gotten to the interview stage, sadly) and haven't been asked yet!

Could I get my college course director to be a reference? He doesn't know me in person (or anyone in my course, as far as I know) but I imagine he'd have access to my grades (which are good so far!).
I'm not even sure how I'd ask for a reference? Is an email appropriate? Also, do these jobs require letters of recommendation or just simply contact details of this person, as they might ring him?

Is it customary to send a copy of my CV (and possibly linkedin profile?) when asking for a reference?

Thanks - sorry, I'm completely new to this!

Atlantis50

Your job as a State Examination Supervisor’s Assistant would be relevant experience for an admin job. I wasn't one, but from what I remember about guys who did it in my school this is what you may have done:
‘During June of 2009 I was an assistant to the State Examinations Supervisor during exams in my school. This job consisted of ensuring correct exam papers were distributed, monitoring and recording the comings and goings of students in and out of the exam hall and assisting the Supervisor with various clerical tasks (specify). Skills acquired: Attention to detail, excellent timekeeping, clerical skills…).’ You get the idea. Ideally you could use the Supervisor as a referee if this is possible (do you know her name? [the principal of your school may know how to contact her], do you think she'd remember you?). I suppose you could use your college course director as a last resort if you explain the situation to him. Email him and ask if he would be a referee and you would be glad to meet him to discuss this if he wishes. Another option for a referee would be the principal of your school.

The stage at which they ask for references can vary so just sort out your references asap so you don't have to be worrying about that. It is not customary to send your CV to a potential reference.

Not sure whether or not you should include the bar work as there could be complications due to you not having a P45. Other posters may know more about this.

Mrs OBumble

You don't need references (written statements that no one believes).

You do need contact details of your referees (people who will vouch for you).

Of course your uncle is one - you worked for him, no matter what the payroll circumstances were.

You should ask the course director, the answer may depend on their policies.

Do you play sport - is there a coach who would vouch for you? Have you done an voluntary work - is there someone in the organisation who would vouch for you? Do you know anyone with some standing in your neighbourhood who would speak for you? Even your old school principal, or a teacher you got on particularly well with?

jc2008

Thank you both for the answers, I did read them I've just been hectic over the past few days with exams I didn't get a chance to update the thread.

The course director replied and said that it was no problem, he would be a reference if asked.

I then got a phonecall from a firm saying I had an interview in 2 days time (!) - this interview went very well, and they have taken me on! They actually didn't ask for references in the end (so far) strangely. I start in two weeks.

I don't have an official contract or anything yet though, no 'proof' to say I'm employed - I expect that they will send this in the post?