References - never worked before

VG31

I'm compiling my CV now as I'm trying to get a weekend job while in college. I've never worked before (only TY work experience) so I'm wondering who I should use as references?

A teacher seems like the only option but it's the summer now so it could be hard to contact them.

You usually need two references so who should the other one be? Another teacher? I don't play sport so it can't be a coach or something along those lines.

Also, should I let the people I list as references know I've listed them? Could I put 'references on request on my CV'? I've seen a lot of conflicting advice about this.

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

Stonedpilot

VG31 wrote: »

I'm compiling my CV now as I'm trying to get a weekend job while in college. I've never worked before (only TY work experience) so I'm wondering who I should use as references?

A teacher seems like the only option but it's the summer now so it could be hard to contact them.

You usually need two references so who should the other one be? Another teacher? I don't play sport so it can't be a coach or something along those lines.

Also, should I let the people I list as references know I've listed them?

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

Just Make em up get older friend to lie on the phone making you out to be a true grafter.
People lie and embellish all the time on their cvs. Anyone who tells you they dont usually has the biggest whoopers on their cv.

jos22

you should ask them first if it would be ok, if you used them as a reference, that way they would know that x person may be calling them, what it would be regarding and they would have time to have some statements about you prepared.
a school contact may be able email you a pdf of written reference on some headed paper too

if you not a member or have any involvement in any clubs, societies charities etc, teachers would be the main fall back option.
in the meantime you could also try calling into a local charity shop and ask if you could help out few hours a week and have them as a references then as well.

for first time jobs etc for likes of retail/call center etc, they would taken things like first time job into account, esp if you 17/18 age range.

if you got on well on your TY work exp, call back into them and ask if they would provide you with a reference too.

Turtwig

You already have one employment history to seek a reference from (assuming they'd give you a positive reference.) Then a character reference from a teacher, lecturer, school principal, significant community member or person of a organisation you were involved with, anyone who would have dealt with you multiple times in a professional or formal manner and thereby would have sufficient knowledge of you to provide a plausible reference.

DO NOT under any circumstances make stuff up or get someone to lie in your behalf. It's far easier to spot than you might think and it will seriously call into question your character. Best to say you have no references than to try to fake them.

Everyone has to enter employment from no state of references at some point of time. It's normal. If in doubt share your concerns with your potential employer. They'll likely have encountered situations similar to yours multiple times and will let you know what they require. (If anything at all.)

o Fiac

This post has been deleted.

Stonedpilot

ó Fíach wrote: »

I agree with Stonedpilot, I have not done it in many years, but when you are entering the job market it really is necessary to embellish a bit, just don't say you are qualified for something you are not or make it something unrealistic.

Nothing major
Little white lies not stuff like after you left the Beatles you became an Astronaut for Nasa and then went to Kenya to help out whilst setting up your own charity.

Embellish a little. Ie shelf stackers on Cv's are often visual merchandising specialists


Up to you OP what you do lie or dont but from experience people get folk to "spin" things a bit from references. Just make sure you and them know the same story!.

1hnr79jr65

You can get a character reference from doctor which are generally accepted.

Postgrad10

Ask someone who would know of your character from the community. Just not someone related to you. E.g. Did you volunteer at anything? Parish priest? Solicitor ? Principal of school? Even a primary school teacher ?

VG31

Turtwig wrote: »

You already have one employment history to seek a reference from (assuming they'd give you a positive reference.)

It was a pretty big place and they took quite a few TY students in so I doubt that they'd remember me.

Postgrad10 wrote: »

Ask someone who would know of your character from the community. Just not someone related to you. E.g. Did you volunteer at anything? Parish priest? Solicitor ? Principal of school? Even a primary school teacher ?

I probably would have picked my primary school principal but unfortunately she retired recently. I don't think using teachers who I had when I was under 10 is a good idea.

Postgrad10

You know employers will understand if you haven't got anyone else. Plenty of good ideas have been given to you. If you are not happy , take the initiative and go get some volunteer experience now.

GalwayGrrrrrl

It doesn't matter if your TY placement don't remember you- that's a positive thing! If you'd caused havoc and been asked to leave they'd remember you alright! Most references from big companies are basic e.g. Joe Bloggs worked here in x Department between dates of x and x. Put Ty placement first and secondary school teacher next. It's polite to ask first but teachers will be understanding as it's the school holidays. Good luck with the job hunting.