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• Career Development

What To Do When You Have No References: 5 Expert Tips

10 min read

You’ve applied for some jobs and nailed a few interviews, giving you just the right amount of confidence you need to surge ever more forward on your job journey. One of the positions you went for is looking more and more likely. You loved the company vibe, you clicked with all of the interviewers, and the job description looked right up your street. You know you’ve got the skills and the qualities required for the role, so what on earth could go wrong? In the recruitment process, what’s the next obvious step in this scenario?

If the company is as keen on you as you are on them, the next stage is that the potential employer is probably going to ask you for references. References can make or break your job application at this point. But what do you do when you have no references? We have five expert tips for you.

What are references?

If you have no references for a job, it’s time to consider what can be done, but first, let’s nail down what we actually mean by references.

A reference is a written testimonial regarding your character and work capabilities. It’s normally compiled by someone from a previous place of work that was senior to you. 

It’s now regarded as old school to include the names and contact details of any references on your resume in 2023. It’s not even necessary to put “ References are available upon request ” at the end of your resume, as it’s only further down the line in the recruitment process that they’ll be required. Plus, potential employers will ask for references whether they’re “available upon request” or not.

Why do employers ask for references?

References are asked for because people in the know at the organization you’re about to join want to create a broader picture of you as a possible employee but also as a person in your own right.

References are requested for the following reasons:

To confirm your background

Some jobs apply a rigorous process, needing to prove your qualifications and identity by checking with references before moving on to the next step of the hiring process.

To verify your work history/education

Everyone knows that prospective employers often perform background checks to verify the validity of the information on your resume. They also use references as a means to confirm that you’re telling the truth about your history, experience, qualifications, achievements, and skills. 

Check to see if you’d be a good fit for the business

Contacting a reference will enlighten an employer as to how your qualifications and personality would fit into the workplace.

To discover your character

You’re only likely to provide details of references that you’ve built a rapport with, so their take on you will give a prospective employer a different slant of your work ethic and personality that they weren’t able to access during an interview.

Why you might have no references for a job

There are a few different reasons why you might have no references for a job. If you’re new to the workforce, you probably haven’t had time to establish work relationships that lead to being able to ask for a reference. Or maybe you’re new to the country, so your references are hard to contact, either because of a language barrier or time zone difficulties. Alternatively, you may have left under a cloud from your last place of employment and would never have anything to do with them again!

Let’s look at this in more detail.

You’re a recent graduate

If you’ve just graduated, your only experience of work is probably part-time/summer jobs or a short internship. That’s not much to go on but is fairly standard for entry-level positions. Here, your choice is to pick your professor, favorite teacher, or another academic contact. You could also choose someone as a character reference from outside a professional setting.

You’re freelance or self-employed

If you’ve been self-employed or worked freelance for a long time and then decided to become a staff member at a new company, you might feel challenged when seeking out a professional reference. Use a trusted client or vendor to vouch for you. It’s perfectly feasible to approach someone you’ve done business with to explain your expertise and work ethic.

You recently moved to a new country

If you’ve recently relocated, it might be difficult to find professional contacts for your first job. Panic not! It’s fine to use contacts, colleagues, or managers from where you were based before. Do make sure, though, that the potential employer can easily contact the references you provide and that the references can communicate in English or other appropriate language.

You aren’t part of any organizations or clubs

We all come across people we meet during our daily lives, forging relationships as we go. If you have a trusted contact who will speak positively about you, then you can use them as a reference. You don’t have to have known them for years or even interacted with them countless times.

Make a list of all the people you interact with besides family to gauge who would be the best choice.

Many people will ask, “Can you use friends as references?”. Generally, it’s not a good idea as friends are seen as biased and will give you a glowing review even without knowing much about your work ethic or career achievements.

If you need to choose someone as a character reference, try to pick someone who has seen you in a more serious or work-related capacity, such as working alongside you in a volunteering post or within an academic setting. 

What to do if you don’t have professional references

Whatever your reason is for having no references for a job, our team of career experts and former hiring managers can help you out when you need it the most with the following 5 tips.

1. Start by looking at your professional network

If you’re on LinkedIn, there’s a good chance your network includes past coworkers, former college professors, or people you currently work with. Look at your list of connections and identify those people who know you and would speak positively about you.

“As a career coach, I often advise my clients to think of non-traditional references such as educators, coworkers, and leaders from community involvement projects. Even if you have a supervisor who will give you a glowing review, it’s great to offer a few references that can offer a different perspective.”

If you’ve never held a job before, you obviously won’t have any connections who have supervised you at work. However, you might still be connected with one of your college professors who can speak highly about your skills and work ethic. If you’re a recent graduate, this is a perfectly valid option for a character reference.

If you have held a job before, you’re not limited to using your supervisor as a reference. Former or current colleagues are often great references, as they can talk about how you work as part of a team or perform similar job functions. Be careful about including current coworkers in a stealth job search, though; you don’t want to put them in an awkward position.

Check out these templates to ask your network to be a reference for you.

2. Have you done any internships, volunteer work, or freelancing?

Job seekers often overlook internships, volunteer work, and freelancing gigs when it comes to work experience. It all counts! Experiences where you learn and grow don’t have to be full-time, long-term, or even paid work. If you have these types of experience, you have supervisors, volunteer coordinators, or clients that you can reach out to for a recommendation.

Ideally, people in this category will be relevant and credible. For example, if you’re trying to land an entry-level marketing job and, as a college intern, you reported to the Marketing Manager, it’s a no-brainer to choose that person as a great reference option.

On the other hand, the neighbor you once did some yard work for won’t be quite as compelling a reference. Only use them for a personal reference as a last resort.

Here is what career expert, Felicia, advises:

“Hiring managers want to know how well you work AND how you work with others. Getting references from a variety of sources can solidify who you are in the hiring process.”

You want most of your references to focus on your professional attributes. However, you don’t have to rule out references that can speak about your other abilities, such as teamwork, organization, and hard/soft skills, that are mentioned on your resume.

3. Do employers really need references?

There are certain situations that don’t always require job references:

Jobs you were referred to

Certain entry-level positions

Companies with limited hiring resources

When you get recommended for a job by someone at the company, you can sometimes bypass the reference requirement as you’ve already been vouched for. Here is how to ask for a job referral , including templates to use for emails and LinkedIn messages.

Some companies hiring for entry-level jobs understand that entry-level candidates may not have any useful references. Sometimes you can identify these jobs by looking for a “no references required” note on the job description. Other times, you just won’t be asked for references at any point. In either case, it’s still a good idea to have a professional reference page available, just in case.

Finally, some companies simply don’t have the capacity to check references. It might be a start-up or a small business with just one person who covers all the hiring, HR, operations, and accounting responsibilities.

4. Ask people to recommend you on LinkedIn

The easiest way to get people to write you a recommendation on LinkedIn is to write them a great recommendation first! LinkedIn recommendations appear on your profile, both the ones you send and the ones you receive. You should reference specific group projects or skills to give your recommendation context (and credibility). Aim to write a few thoughtful recommendations for your coworkers or recent classmates and then follow up with a message asking for one in return.

Most potential employers will look at your online presence before inviting you for an interview, so LinkedIn is a great tool to leverage! LinkedIn recommendations are useful to employers because they give a greater insight into what other people think of you. That’s the basic idea of a professional reference, too! If you have several good recommendations on your LinkedIn, employers may be satisfied with that information alone and not waste time in seeking out any more. 

Check out the 5 top tips from our experts on how to apply for jobs online using your LinkedIn profile and your resume.

5. Answer questions proactively in your resume, cover letter, and during the interview

Although not guaranteed, having a well-written resume and cover letter could convince a hiring manager to offer you the job straight away. If you can wow them during the interview as well, asking for references may be redundant.

Go get that job!

Although it’s not easy for everyone to obtain professional references, utilize the tips above to help. If you find that it’s impossible to come up with references, submit your application anyway. Then be ready to explain why you can’t provide references (but only if the hiring manager asks first!).

Best of luck as you continue with your job search!

Take heart, even if you have no references for a job. As the article spells out, there are ways and means around this. Check out our free resume review and see where it takes you!

Recommended reading:

How Long Does it Take to Hear Back From a Job Application in 2023?

Professional References and The 4 Best People to Use

Does a Background Check Mean You're Getting Hired?

ZipJob Team

The ZipJob team is made up of professional writers located across the USA and Canada with backgrounds in HR, recruiting, career coaching, job placement, and professional writing.

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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It’s a common practice for employers to ask candidates applying for a job vacancy to provide professional references. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you have no relevant references to provide at all.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what to do in such a situation, as well as what employers are looking to learn about you when they ask for references.

Key Takeaways

There are three types of job references: professional, academic, and character.

If you don’t have job references, ask a classmate, teacher , client, or another non-family member to vouch for you.

Talk to your references before you give their contact information to a potential employer.

What Are Job References?

What to do when you don’t have any references for a job, who to list as a reference for a job, how to ask a contact to be your job reference, other important tips for when employers ask for your references, why employers ask for references, what to do when you don’t have any references for a job faqs.

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A job reference is a professional contact who has observed and can attest to your skills, experience, and personality. Candidates often include them on their job applications to vouch for them and improve their chances of getting an interview.

When asked for your references, you should provide their contact information and ideally a recommendation letter they prepared ahead of time. Professionals also typically obtain consent from their references before including them on their job applications.

If you’re currently looking for a job and you don’t have any job references, don’t panic.

Here are some common reasons for why you may not have any professional contacts, as well as how you can solve the problem:

The problem: You just graduated.

Many job-seekers who just graduated college or high school don’t have many professional contacts, as they have not yet spent much time in the workforce.

However, professional references don’t have to be people that you met at an actual job.

The solution:

If someone other than a family member has observed your positive personality traits and skills in practice, then feel free to list them as a reference. Common choices include professors, sports coaches, and fellow club members.

The problem: You’re self-employed.

If you’ve been self-employed for a long time, then most hiring managers will understand if you don’t have any supervisors or work colleagues to list as references.

An acceptable alternative is to speak with a trusted vendor or client and ask them if they’d be willing to vouch for your character and expertise.

The problem: You’re a student or recent graduate who isn’t involved in any clubs or organizations.

If extracurricular clubs or organizations weren’t your thing in high school or college, you won’t have contacts from there to use as a reference.

You don’t have to have worked with someone for months to ask them to be a reference. Your group project team members, lab partner , or anyone else outside of your family who has seen your work ethic and how you conduct yourself in academic or professional settings can make great references.

The problem: This is your first job in the U.S.

If you recently moved to the United States, it’s likely you don’t have many — if any — references in the country.

You can still use your references from the country where you were living before. You just may need to do a little more legwork to make sure your potential U.S. employers can easily get in contact and communicate with them.

The problem: You’ve left a job on bad terms.

Whether you were fired or you resigned in disgrace, it isn’t a good idea to go back and ask for a reference when bridges have been burned.

Ask another former employer to be your reference, or consider asking a coworker, client, or manager you did get along with at your previous workplace to be your reference.

If these options won’t work and a company insists on contacting your previous employer, be honest about how your relationship ended, being careful to not be disrespectful or cast blame on the other person.

It’s a common misconception among job-seekers that employers will only accept work contacts when they ask you to provide references.

However, the truth is they’ll typically accept a variety of different kinds of people as references, as long as they aren’t family members and have observed your character and abilities.

Here is a list of all the different types of acceptable references you could provide for a job:

Professional references. Professional references are contacts that you made while working at a previous job.

They should ideally be people who observed your work for at least a few months.

Here are some contacts that candidates commonly provide as references:

Former supervisor

Team leader

Hiring manager

Internal references (i.e. contacts from within your prospective company)

Something obvious that we should emphasize anyways is that you should avoid listing your current supervisor as your reference unless you’re close with them on a personal level and they already know that you’re looking for a new job.

Otherwise, you may get fired.

Academic references . Listing people that you know from your academic career is also acceptable when you’re asked to provide references, especially if you’re attending or just graduated from school.

Common options include:

Academic advisor

Lab instructor

Guidance counselor

Teacher’s assistant

Character reference. Character references are people who know you from outside of work or school and can attest to valuable personality traits you’ve demonstrated, such as leadership , work ethic, and clear communication.

Hiring managers do tend to value these types of references lower than professional ones, but they’re acceptable to include if you don’t have other options.

Common contacts to list as character references include:

Sports coach

Community leader

A colleague from volunteer work

Anyone who you’ve helped (e.g. with babysitting or moving furniture)

There a few key steps you need to follow before listing someone as your reference for a job:

Connect with them on a personal level. If you’re going to ask someone to do a favor for you, you need to first call or send an email to check up on how they’re doing.

It’s critical to be as polite and thoughtful as possible. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it may impact whether they accept your request and how enthusiastically they sing your praises if the hiring manager happens to call you.

Be direct and transparent. Before you approach someone to be your reference , you should prepare exactly what you want them to discuss in case they’re called.

For example, if you delivered a project that you’re especially proud of when you worked at the same company as your reference, you may want to point to that specifically as something they should bring up.

If you’re vague about what you would like your reference to talk about, then they may be forgetful and seem unconfident in your abilities when asked about them on the phone.

You should also discuss the role that you’re applying for and the key duties. This way, your reference will know what skills and traits of yours to highlight.

Renew your connection. Your job references may not always be people that you’ve spoken to recently. In some cases, they may be contacts as distant in the past as your high school teacher from decades ago or a childhood friend.

In these cases, you should reconnect and remind them of who you are before asking them to be a reference.

It’s useful to remind them of an achievement you’re proud of, such as an 8th-grade science project.

Provide them with documentation. It’s a good idea to send your reference a copy of your resume or cover letter so they have something to study and fall back on if they hesitate during any phone calls with prospective hiring managers.

Show your appreciation. If your contact accepts your request to be your reference, you should thank them and leave them with a positive impression before they speak with any hiring manager.

Here are some other important things to consider when a job listing asks you to provide professional references:

Build and maintain a professional network . It’s incredibly important to build up a strong professional network so you can avoid needing to use an article like this again in the future.

Socializing at work and attending workshops or conferences are great ways to meet professionals working in your industry.

Avoid using “references available on request.” A disappointingly common mistake that candidates make when applying for a job is including the line “ references available on request ” on their resumes .

The practice was once common decades ago, but now looks outdated on a resume and makes a candidate look out-of-touch.

It’s also irrelevant, a waste of valuable space on a resume, and a weak way to leave your last impression as employers finish reading your resume.

Answer questions proactively using a strong resume and cover letter. It won’t always be the case, but an incredibly compelling resume or cover letter could convince an employer to interview you immediately.

If you can impress the hiring manager enough at the start, then asking you to provide references may end up being redundant.

Provide a portfolio of work. Instead of providing a contact who can vouch for your abilities, you may be able to demonstrate the same credentials by providing a copy of your actual work.

This is an especially acceptable alternative if you’re a recent college graduate .

Consider providing work such as:

Presentations

Journal articles

Employers often ask for references because they reveal many important details about candidates.

Some of the top reasons why they may ask to see your references include:

To verify your education and work history. Some candidates lie on their resumes and cover letters. If hiring managers can see that several people are vouching for your honesty, then that helps to ease these concerns.

To learn about your personality. It’s hard to assess a candidate’s character and work ethic from a resume alone.

References are typically colleagues who have worked with you for a decent amount of time, so employers look to their testimonies to learn more about a candidate’s personality.

To check if you’re a good fit for the company. Speaking of character, employees also want to make sure that you’re the specific type of person that would fit into their work environment and culture .

Asking references on what type of person a candidate is a great way to do that.

To learn about your background. Employers also value references because they often provide useful general details about a candidate. For example, a reference might mention that they worked with you at a sales position.

Even though the position you’re applying to might be an unrelated field, the hiring manager will note down the fact that you probably have excellent communication skills .

Can you get hired without references?

No, you can’t get hired without any references in most jobs. However, you shouldn’t panic, as there are various people you can use as a reference. Always remember that a reference doesn’t have to be your previous employer!

Instead, think about anyone you know who’s an Academic reference, Character reference, or Professional reference. Not sure what we mean? Here are some examples of each:

Academic References. Academic advisor, professor, classmate, lab instructor, principal, guidance counselor , teacher’s assistant.

Character References. Sports coach, community leader, minister, neighbor, a colleague from volunteer work, anyone who you’ve helped.

Professional References. Mentor, former supervisor , team leader, job coach, coworker, hiring manager, internal references.

Is it bad not to have references?

Yes, it’s bad not to have any references. Remember that most listings on the job market are somewhat too highly competitive. Therefore, if your application lacks references, while three other applicants have them, your resume might not be viewed by an employer.

Remember that it’s not that you don’t have references, just that you can’t think of any right now. Odds are you’ve had at least one teacher who would recommend you or a friend you’ve done some kind of project with.

Don’t worry about how “professional” your reference is if you don’t have much job experience. Instead, find someone who will be able to paint our character, skills, and qualifications in the most positive light.

What do you put for references when you have none?

When you have none, what you put for references is someone you’re close to who can vouch for your character and work ethic. Odds are you’ve worked with a friend on a school project, so even if you can’t think of anything else, that person will likely recommend you.

Other examples include asking that neighbor who’d lawn you mowed or a relative that you worked for. Teachers can also be great references. Just remember that even if you don’t think you know a reference, you likely just need to open your mind to who can be a reference.

Can a friend be a reference?

Yes, you can use friends as a reference. In fact, friends can be some of the best references you have because they have a deeper understanding of your character.

They can talk about a time you worked on a project together or if the two of you share any work experience. Plus, even if you’ve never worked with your friend, they can still uphold the positive aspects of your character.

For instance, let’s say you and your best friend went on a road trip last summer. The car became stuck in the mud, but your quick thinking and experience allowed you to develop a solution. Instead of having to pay tons of money for a tow truck, you were able to free the car.

Not only does this example show a determined character and problem-solving skills, but it would also be useful if you were applying to be a mail carrier or any job that involved vehicles. And, you got all that from a friend you’ve never even worked with professionally.

Do employers actually call references?

Yes, employers actually call references. Of course, this isn’t the case 100% of the time, but you should always choose your references, knowing that a potential employer will likely call them.

After all, employers call them to ensure they’re legitimate and see what said person would say about you over the phone. This will allow them to confirm the reference.

What do I do if my previous employer won’t give me a reference?

If your previous employer doesn’t give you a reference, try making a list of alternative references you can reach out to. Also, remember that even if your previous boss declines your request, it’s not necessarily because you alienated them. Often, companies can have policies against it, or your boss might simply be too busy.

However, even if you did have a bad relationship with your previous employer, you shouldn’t panic. Think about who you can ask to be your reference. Your top picks should know about your character, work ethic, or professional life. They should also be available to answer questions over the phone.

Once you have two or three people picked out, ask them if they’re willing to be your references. After all, having a positive reference is more important than having your previous employer as a reference.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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What to Do If You Don't Have Any References for a Job Application

In This Guide:

Why are references so important, anyway, what are some reasons that you may not have references, five people you can ask for a reference, tips to consider when you’re asking for references, example email of a job applicant with no references, key takeaways.

You have a brand-new, polished resume and cover letter for each of the roles that you’re applying for, and updated your personal website and LinkedIn. You’ve just had a phone interview and you feel you did well! There’s only one issue: you’ve just been asked to give three references and you don’t have any.

This is a common problem for those new to the business world. Whether you just entered a new field, are fresh out of university, or are making a significant change , you might not have any references from professionals within the field.

If that’s you, don’t fret. In this article, we will give you some tips to find references, including:

• Gaining a better understanding of why you need references.
• Understanding general reasons for a lack of references.
• Discovering how you can scour your professional and personal network for specific references.
• Tips to consider when asking for references.
• Some examples of how to communicate a lack of references to a hiring manager.

References simply allow a potential hiring manager to get to know you a little more from an outside source. Although they’re going to hear your story in an interview, it’s best to hear other voices that can lend some credence to the claims that you’re making. A good reference can help you get a job because it can show a recruiter that other people have put trust in you and you haven’t let them down.

Some jobs may require two or three professional references in order to showcase your competency in your previous roles. A hiring manager may reach out to those references specifically to discover if everything you told them about yourself in the interview was true. That’s why it’s important to never ’fudge’ the details and make stuff up during an interview.

There are two main types of references that you’ll come across – personal and professional. Personal references include any number of people that you have in your circle of friends and family members. Whether it’s your favorite high school teacher, a personal acquaintance who can be a character reference for you, or coworkers that you worked with years ago, a personal reference allows you to showcase a bit more about your personality and the soft skills that you bring to the table.

On the other end of the spectrum, professional references can speak about your competency in previous roles that fit the position you’re applying for. A professional reference can be a former boss, a colleague at a previous company that’s in the same field as the position you’re applying for, or it could be a university professor whom you worked closely with to develop your thesis which applies the feel that you’re in.

Professional references are the two-in-one type of reference, as they can allude to your soft skills or people skills, but also can tap into your abilities with hard skills that are required for the position you’re applying for. For example, if you are a chemical engineer straight out of university, you may wish to use a professor who guided you on your master’s thesis. That professor may have intimate knowledge of how you work and your abilities, but they also might have an intimate understanding of whether your skills make you an outstanding employee.

Most employers will be specifically looking for a reference from your current employer, as they’re the ones who know your up-to-date skills and abilities.

When you are new to a field, chances are you won’t have references that you can use from previous work experience in that field. If you are straight out of university or switching careers , there’s a good likelihood that you won’t have any professional references to reach out to.

But here’s the thing: employers are a lot more understanding than you may think. They may know that you have no previous roles in this field, and so maybe they are just willing to learn a bit more about you through personal references. Don’t be afraid to share with a recruiter that you’ve never worked in the field.

Below, you’ll find some reasons you might not have professional references for a job application:

• Applying for an entry-level position
• Recent college graduate
• Returning to the workforce after a gap
• Self-employed small business owner returning to the workforce
• Moved from another country and there is a language barrier between the new manager and the former employer.

Even if you have no experience within a field, you will likely still have opportunities to use other references. Most of the time, your new employer is just seeking to know a bit about your work ethic, personality, and any achievements that you’ve had in the past. As a result, you can use any number of references  from throughout your professional, work, and educational experience.

Your favorite high school teacher or college professor

If you’re new to the job market, including your favorite high school teacher or college professor may help you gain an entry-level position . Try to choose one that you have a personal or working relationship with, and this may be difficult if you went to school at a larger university or high school.

Also, try to narrow your choices by choosing what professor or teacher you want to reach out to. Try to find those that you worked with, either as a teacher’s assistant or who helped you complete a major assignment, like a master’s thesis or a doctoral thesis. These are the ones who have the best ability to speak to your character and work ethic.

Community Leader, volunteer coordinator, or religious leader

Did you know your volunteer experience can benefit you when applying for a position? You can include any volunteer experience on your resume to help showcase certain skills and abilities. In that same way, you can reach out to a volunteer coordinator or community leader to help provide a reference for you.

Did you lead a youth group or help in a church choir? If you volunteered through a religious organization, you can also reach out to the leader of the local religious organization.

The benefit of including a volunteer coordinator as one of your references is that they can help shed light on your community involvement. In addition, they can also provide a hiring manager with a glimpse of certain soft skills that you’ve gleaned through working with other volunteers and members of the community. These soft skills include communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Personal or professional coach

It’s always great to have someone volunteer to mentor you, show you the ropes and teach you the skills that you need to succeed in any business. If you received leadership training or advice from a seasoned professional, you can also include them as a reference. Even if it was an informal relationship, they can help to shed light on unique skills and knowledge you have.

A family member or friend who you’ve worked for

You can also consider reaching out to a family member or friend that you’ve worked for. Even if it’s in a completely different field than the job you’re applying for, they might be the best people to speak about your abilities and skills. Some employers may be a little hesitant about reaching out to a reference that's related to you. However, some will be curious to see the work that you’ve done in the skills you picked up along the way.

A former colleague or classmate

You may consider reaching out to a peer to ask for a reference. Although they may not be seen as authoritative as a former employer, a colleague or classmate can help shed light on personal details and provide you with a character reference. They may also provide an employer with an honest assessment of your growth.

Now that you’ve scoured through all of your professional and personal contacts and have a list of people to contact, you’ll need to reach out to them and ask for permission to use them. There are a few other things to keep in mind when you are reaching out to somebody for a reference.

Ask for permission

Never include somebody on your resume reference section who you haven’t asked for permission to use as a reference. Even if you reached out to them years ago for a reference for a separate position, let them know recently that you’re looking for a new job and that you’d like a reference. The worst thing you can do is to include somebody as a reference you haven’t contacted. They might give you a bad reference because you never asked them.

Prepare your reference

Now, I’m not suggesting that you ask your reference to lie or bend the truth. Instead, share some details on the job that you’re applying for, and give your reference ideas of things that you’ve done in the past with them so you can jog their memory and give them exactly what they need to provide you with a great reference.

Ask for contact information

One of the easiest mistakes to make when including somebody as a reference is to pass on old, not up-to-date contact information for reference to a potential hiring manager. A recruiter may become frustrated If they try to reach a former boss, but nobody returns their calls. You may be asked to get another reference or update the contact information, and this can make you look unprepared and unorganized.

Assess your references

While you’re speaking to a potential reference, be sure to assess whether they will be able to provide you with a valuable reference. For example, if you are speaking to a former boss who completely forgot about you or your role within their company, you may reconsider using them as a reference. If you can’t jog their memory, then get rid of them as a reference.

Scour your LinkedIn and social media for other references

 If you’ve made a list of references and are still falling short of the minimum three professional references, you may choose to look through your social media or LinkedIn. You may reach out to a former employer or a coworker who you used to work for. You don’t always have to use current employers as a reference.

Consider asking for reference letters

A reference letter,  or letter of recommendation as it is commonly known, is a brief letter that highlights a candidate's skills, abilities, and experience. A letter of recommendation can also showcase an applicant’s career growth and goals.

If you reach out to a potential reference and they don’t seem super keen on giving you one, you could ask for a reference letter instead.

One benefit of asking for a  letter of recommendation  is that you’re able to see exactly what your references are putting down about you. Essentially, there are no surprises with the letter of recommendation. These are also documents that you can keep for years and reuse them again and again.

If you’ve been terminated from a job for a valid reason, like being laid off, ask your employer for a reference letter as part of your severance package.

Subject: Reference Inquiry for Dianne Vandersaar  — Director of Human Resources

Dear Mr. McCormick,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere interest in the Director of Human Resources position at ABC Consulting and my eagerness to move forward in the hiring process. I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the role, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

I understand that reference checks are a standard part of the hiring process, and I want to be transparent with you about my current situation. As I am currently in a transition period and have not been in a traditional work environment recently, I don't have direct supervisors or colleagues who can serve as references.

However, I have taken proactive steps to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of my qualifications and potential contributions to your team. Instead of traditional professional references, I have included on my resume contact information for individuals who can speak to various aspects of my character, work ethic, and skills.

These references include a professional mentor who has guided my career development, a community leader from a volunteer project where I actively contributed, a colleague from a collaborative project, a personal development coach who has been instrumental in my growth, and a family friend who is well-acquainted with my professional attributes.

I believe that these individuals can provide valuable insights into my abilities and character, offering a well-rounded perspective despite the absence of traditional workplace references. I have informed them about your potential inquiry and have confidence in their ability to provide you with a comprehensive view of my qualifications.

If you have any specific preferences regarding the reference-check process or if there are additional materials you would like me to provide, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent hiring process, and I appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team.

Dianne Vandersaar

505-555-5555

What does this example do well?

It can be really difficult to admit to a potential hiring manager you don’t have any current references. The author of this example clearly and professionally states that they haven’t been in a traditional work experience in the past few years. However, they also share some older references to speak about their abilities and character. This can help an employer gain a better understanding of the applicant, and this explanation goes a long way toward building trust with an employer.

If you’re interested in learning all the finer nuances of crafting a letter to a recruiter speak with a career counselor  from Enhancv. They’ll point you in the right direction with how to ace your next interview and are also experts in resume writing and can help you to better understand the interview process.

• If you’ve been between work or are entering a new field, then you may not be able to list a current employer as a reference.
• Instead, you can reach out to a favorite university professor, a family member you’ve worked with or for, or even a volunteer coordinator for an organization you volunteered for.
• Reach out to your references, asking them for permission and giving them more information about the job you’re applying for.
• Consider asking for reference letters from potential references who may not feel comfortable or have the time to speak to someone on the phone.
• Be upfront with a recruiter if you don’t have any current references, as an employer will respect your honesty and candor.

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What to Do If You Don’t Have References for a Job

If you’re currently looking for a new job, you need to make sure that you have a strong resume and a good cover letter. The other thing that can help you land a new job is to have at least two references for prospective employers.

But what do you do if you don’t have any references?

Here’s what you need to do if you don’t have references for a job, as discussed by experts.

Pablo Listingart

Career Development Professional | Founder, ComIT

Presenting references can be a barrier to entry for many job seekers, especially in the post-pandemic corporate landscape. Internships were cut short, entry-level roles were shed, and many professionals in the earlier end of their career are stuck with a resume gap and nowhere to turn for in-depth references.

Luckily, many job seekers are in the same boat, and there are ways for candidates to supplement their references. Below are a few considerations for job seekers who might be short on their reference list.

Coaches, training professionals, or later-stage professionals are all great substitutes

Some roles have reference requirements—they ask that the reference comes from a previous employer, a professor, or another specified authority figure. However, that’s more challenging in the post-COVID era and creates a barrier that many recruiters aren’t fully aware of.

With more people taking their classes online, professors or proctors might not have the same personal relationship with the candidate. Similarly, at-home work or internship programs, or the lack of corporate opportunity through the pandemic, can make it more challenging to ask an employer to write a personalized recommendation.

If a job seeker finds themselves in this position, they might consider widening the scope beyond the specifications of the recruitment policy and asking for a recommendation from another source.

They can include a brief note on their resume or cover letter detailing their situation and offer some reasons why the chosen reference can speak to their capacity in a well-rounded way.

Coaches, training professionals, or later-stage professionals who might have assumed a mentorship position are all great substitutes if the candidate is unable to meet the specifications.

Engage in training programs

If references aren’t an option, even with a wider scope, candidates can supplement their resumes in other ways. Engaging in training programs is a great strategy—it shows recruiting teams that the candidate is interested in their skill or niche beyond what’s required of them.

Show up to the interview with a portfolio of relevant work

Showing up to the interview with a portfolio of relevant work—self-directed coded projects or examples of landing page design—is another great way to demonstrate initiative.

Taking that extra step will not only help a candidate stand out, but it will also accomplish what recruiters are looking for from the references, which indicates that the candidate is competent for the role.

Recruiters are human, too .

The most important thing is to be upfront in your job search and begin the process with clear, truthful, and effective communication. Candidates can explain the situation their in that makes it hard for them to obtain references.

They can use that opportunity to demonstrate the kind of soft skills that recruiters are looking for:

• articulation
• problem-solving

Recruiters understand that everyone is in a hard position after the past four quarters of COVID-management. More than anything, they want to find competent and motivated workers that can contribute to the company project.

With this goal in mind, candidates can find creative and effective ways to demonstrate their aptitude—with or without references.

Anne Campbell

Global HR Advisor | Recruiter | Client Liaison Manager, DigitalGrads

Use character or academic references in place of professional ones

If you don’t have any references to give your new employer as you’re going into your first ever job, don’t worry. It’s really common to use character or academic references in place of professional ones. So, reach out to your former teachers, lecturers, or even your neighbor if you have to!

Give your ex-manager’s details

Are you worried your ex-manager will give a bad reference ?

If you don’t have any references because you left your last workplace on bad terms, there should still be nothing to worry about. Give your ex-manager’s details over anyway. Your past employer has two duties when providing a reference:

• to be fair, accurate, and true
• to not be defamatory

References mustn’t be prepared maliciously or negligently.

This is something most employers should abide by because it can really cost them. You could claim for losses to your earnings if they lie and you lose the new job as a result, and your new employer can claim for their recruitment costs if the reference is misleadingly positive.

With this in mind, many employers prefer to keep references short and simple and only give the dates of your employment, salary, and job title.

Lauri Kinkar

CEO, Messente

You can provide character references who can speak about your character and morals

Hiring managers ask for references because they want to validate the information you’ve written in your CV and to know more about your character and work ethic. But what if you don’t have references for a job?

First, who qualifies as a professional reference ?

They are professional contacts who have experience working with you and can verify your experience and character. They can be your supervisors , former colleagues , and clients .

However, if you are new in the workforce or you haven’t worked for a company in a long time, you may not have someone to include as a reference. Here are tips on what to do if you don’t have references for a job:

• If you’re new in the workforce, you can ask your college professor to be your reference . Let your professor know what position you are applying for and tell them how eager you are to land the job.
• If you are self-employed and you recently decided to work in a company you don’t own, find a client who can speak positively of you .
• If you have not worked in a long time and you don’t have recent references, you can try finding your former colleagues on LinkedIn . Maybe you can connect with them and ask them to speak about you in a work capacity, even if you haven’t worked in the business for a while.
• In the absence of professional references, you can provide character references who can speak about your character and morals . Such persons include your neighbors, coach, or a coordinator in a volunteer work you’ve done.
• Explain why you can’t provide references and tell the hiring manager how much you want the job. You can ask for a chance to show him/her that you are the right person for the job. The hiring manager may put you on a probation period, and you should do your best to prove that you’re the right hiring choice.

Dimitris Tsapis

Head of HR, Coara

Prove that you have relevant transferable skills for the position that you are applying to

Catch the reader’s attention from the start; do not write basic and boring intros. In sales, if you get a good first touch, the whole thing has better chances of converting. You have to stand out from the rest of the applicants, so start with an attention-grabbing intro.

You can write a great no-experience resume by putting the focus on your education instead. Be sure to include:

• a personalized header
• your education (both standard and extracurricular)
• technical and soft skills

One can also include relevant internships, projects, and volunteer work.

Before writing the resume, do in-depth research—simply reading the job requirements and somewhat matching them does not make you stand out. When building up your resume, understand the company itself and what they are really looking for (beyond descriptions and requirements).

Tailor your resume to the specific position that you are interested in—don’t use a bland template. Then use this to make a tailored resume to the specific company and position. Having done good research also means you can connect with the HR manager (who will read your application) or the founder/CEO who will make the final decision.

It’s all about understanding that the goal of a resume is to get to the next step—the Interview. Usually, no one will hire somebody only by reading their resume.

Don’t overcomplicate things; instead:

• Prove that you have relevant transferable skills that are useful for the position that you are applying to
• Showcase prior relevant experience and achievements (it can be outside of your professional work experience)
• Write in an enthusiastic but self-respectful manner
• Show that you are the one they are looking for

As I said – The overall goal of writing a great resume is to get an interview. Therefore, you should include some type of a call to action that indicates your willingness and expectation to receive an interview. By doing so, you won’t come over as pushy but rather confident in your abilities to take the position.

Jagoda Wieczorek

HR Manager, ResumeLab

Ask your former work colleagues and teammates if they would be willing to vouch for you

Well, it’s essential that you get (at least) one. Rest assured that if your interview process goes well, your (potential) future employer will request at least one reference or most likely 2-3.

Ideally, at least one of them would come from your former supervisor. Things don’t always work out like that, though. If you have very limited experience or things did not go so well at the previous workplace, look elsewhere.

As a general rule of thumb, you don’t want to use family members or friends as your references. Obviously, they’ll be very biased and skewed in your favor, effectively rendering them useless. Instead, cast a wider net.

For starters, instead of the boss, ask your former (work) colleagues and teammates if they would be willing to vouch for you. Furthermore, especially for those still in universities and grad school, your professors are a viable and impressive option too.

Similarly, you should be definitely asking your supervisors or leaders of any clubs, organizations, or associations you’re a part of. This could range very widely from your weekly volunteering at the local shelter to asking the head of your local Toastmasters chapter for a recommendation.

As a final option, you can tap into your coaches, mentors, or religious leaders. Here the slope becomes slippery, but as long as you were initially strangers, they can attest to your work ethic and transferable skills; they can be a viable option too.

Therefore, with little creativity, everyone should be able to put together 2-3 solid references in a short period of time.

Chris Gadek

Vice President of Growth, AdQuick

If you are struggling to pull in a reference for a new job position, you have a few options.

Ask your peers or colleagues from work who know your work ethic

Expand on your current search. Many times, people say that they do not have references, but that is because they have a narrow idea of who to ask.

Although getting a reference from your manager or supervisor would be ideal, if you have peers or colleagues from work who know your work ethic, that would work perfectly fine.

You don’t need the utmost amazing references because, in reality, your resume should speak for itself.

Revamp your resume

With that said, revamp your resume—this is the most important thing you can do if you don’t have references. Being able to sell yourself solely from your resume makes it so much easier to catch the job.

Let it speak for itself and promise your employer that you can impress with the skills you possess on your own.

Alan Harder

Mortgage Broker, AlanHarder.ca

Find someone who can attest to your abilities and qualifications

Employers want to learn more about you before considering you for a position on their team. Once your resume has intrigued their interest, you might be asked to include one or more references.

If you don’t have any formal references, you will usually find someone who can attest to your abilities and qualifications. Professional and personal references for a work application are people who can vouch for your character , skills , and experience .

When someone serves as a reference for you, they provide a letter of recommendation or contact information so that hiring managers may inquire about your background, skills, and character.

On your resume, there is no need to provide a reference.

Once an employer is interested in learning more about you as a potential employee, they may request one or more references. To demonstrate your preparedness, have a list of references ready to give the employer as soon as they inquire.

If you’re a recent graduate, you’re not likely to have a list of former employers to use as references. Your only work experience can be a summer job or a part-time job , whether you just graduated from high school or college.

Find an academic contact or a close character reference outside of a professional environment

Find an academic contact or a close character reference outside of a professional environment if you’re applying for a job and the employer requests references.

When you begin your first career step, ask your favorite professor or coach if they can serve as a reference. Describe the role you’re applying for and why you’re interested in it. They’ll most likely be delighted to assist you by writing a letter or sharing their contact details with your potential employer.

Jacques Buffet

Career Expert, Zety

It’s no secret that most employers will want to get to know you better before extending a job offer. To do it, companies will ask you to provide one or multiple professional references that will vouch for you. But if you don’t have references available at your fingertips yet, don’t despair.

Reach out to your professors and ask them if they could be your references

If you’re a recent grad, you can provide an academic contact that’s outside of a professional setting. Reach out to your favorite professors and ask them if they could be your references to help you jumpstart your career.

Ask one of your trusted clients to speak on your behalf as a reference

If you do have some experience under your belt, but you don’t have any references because you’ve been self-employed, ask one of your trusted clients to speak on your behalf as a reference.

Satya Parija

Co-Founder & CMO, DoctorSpring

People in your social circle with professional backgrounds are good substitutes

Academic references and people in your social circle with professional backgrounds are frequently good substitutes for professional references. Former professors and teachers will be able to vouch for your work ethic while teaching you, which can demonstrate relevant skills you possess to employers, while people in your social circle will be able to vouch for your character.

If these aren’t within your realm of possibility, explain why you can’t provide any references to back up your character and skills. Perhaps you haven’t been at a job long enough to form bonds with coworkers, or something happened in your previous workplace that was so bad that your former boss wouldn’t recommend you.

Whatever the case may be, admit your mistakes in previous jobs without shifting blame or making excuses, and make it clear that you’re moving forward with a plan to become a better employee in the future.

Brian Dechesare

Founder, Breaking Into Wall Street

If you’re struggling to find any references, it’s time to start networking

For job searchers with no relevant job experience, it’s time to dig deep and find some excellent personal or academic references.

• Did you have a professor you hit it off with at school?
• Or a manager in an unrelated field that can vouch for your excellent soft skills?

Soft skills are interchangeable among different fields, so they’re a great place to focus for most newbies.

If you’re struggling to find any references at all, it’s time to start networking. The easiest way to reach out is through a professional digital network, like LinkedIn . Many established professionals are glad to offer some advice and friendship – be kind, not pushy in your ask.

If a relationship develops naturally, you can ask for a reference. Use your best judgment here.

For a character reference, you can ask just about anyone who knows you well. Think of a close friend’s parent, an old coach, or a trusted neighbor. Try to choose someone well-spoken who will be able to articulate your skills and values best.

Arthur Iinuma

President, ISBX

Ask your group leaders

If you have no formal job references, you can look outside the work environment for possible candidates. Think about any groups you were active in. This could be:

• a church choir
• the boy scouts
• a voluntary organization

If you made a good impression in this group, reach out to the leader and ask them for a reference. Although they may not be able to speak about your professional skills, they can still attest to your character and work ethic , which can be just as important.

Prepare your portfolio

Employers want to know what you’re capable of, so if you have a portfolio of your work, this can make up for the fact that you have no references. Research what kind of work your target company requires and showcase your most relevant samples.

If your work is non-visual, create case studies that show you would approach a project. To really impress your employer, present your portfolio online using a DIY website builder.

Cath Garcia

HR Manager, Skill Success

Find people outside your workplace to vouch for your performance and personality

It is always helpful that you have prepared a list of several professional contacts to back you up on your application. References on a resume provide proof and evidence of your value as an employee. Employers can authenticate your professional history and background information for them to know if you are a good fit for the position and the company.

But what if you do not have a list of references for a job?

First, you should find someone who is qualified as your professional reference. These are people who have experienced working with you. They can either be colleagues, former employers, vendors, and clients.

You can also find people outside your workplace to vouch for your performance and personality, e.g., teachers and community groupmate . You should ask their permission to make them your professional reference.

It is an unethical practice to put anyone in your professional reference without their knowledge.

There are many things to consider in choosing who you will include in your reference list. Pick people or professionals who know how you work and who can expound your expertise, skills, and knowledge. They should be capable of speaking nice things about you.

Brittany Dolin

Co-Founder, Pocketbook Agency

The truth is, even if you think you don’t have references for a job, you probably do.

Perhaps you could be in a situation where you feel like you do not have references that relate specifically to the job you’re going for, but this does not necessarily mean that there are no people who would speak well in your favor.

Strategize and think about who would speak highly of you and in what regard

Whether you’ve just gotten out of school and do not have much work experience or whether you are switching career paths, take the time to strategize and think about who would speak highly of you and in what regard. Once you have that sorted out, this can be helpful for when you actually ask these people to serve as your references.

For instance, if you are asking your English college professor to be a reference when you apply for a personal assistant position, you can explain that the job requires strong communication skills. Make sure to express enthusiasm and gratitude when you make the ask so that the reference will feel good about fulfilling the request.

If you do not ask confidently because you are already worried that this reference would be too unrelated to the target job, the reference may sense your doubts and, subsequently, he or she may not feel as hopeful in serving as your reference.

Remember that positivity is contagious. Even without references that relate exactly to whatever job you’re going for, you can make it work with clever strategy, a resourceful mindset, and an optimistic attitude.

Dorota Lysienia

Community Manager, LiveCareer

Focus on transferable skills

My tip for job-seekers who don’t have references for a job is to focus on their transferable skills. The key lies in identifying your unique abilities useful for different positions. If you’re thinking of changing industries, give specific examples of how the skills you gained at your previous jobs can be applied to the new role.

By doing so, you will show your potential employer that you’re motivated to transfer what you’ve learned in your previous jobs to a new position.

Also, make sure to list any additional initiatives you undertook to benefit you in the recruitment process. Did you take part in a course or workshop to gain new skills and knowledge? It’s a good idea to list it in your resume and discuss it in more detail in your cover letter or later in an interview.

Use networking to strengthen your application documents

Last but not least, don’t underestimate the power of networking and valuable connections. Use networking to strengthen your application documents and get ahead of your competition.

Due to the pandemic and remote work, most of the things related to job search and recruitment have been moved online. As employers often don’t get a chance to see you in person, any additional recommendations from their employees or business partners greatly impact your hiring chances.

Related: The 7 Best Skills for Remote Work and How to Add Them to Your Resume

Nicole Graham

Lifestyle/Relationship Coach, Womenio

Get people to write you a great LinkedIn recommendation

The simplest way of getting people to write you a great LinkedIn recommendation is to write them one first. Both the ones you send and the ones you receive are visible on your LinkedIn profile.

Related: LinkedIn Headline Advice & Examples for Job Seekers

To put your recommendation in context, you should mention specific group projects or skills. Write a few thoughtful recommendations for coworkers or recent classmates, then send a message asking for one in return.

Most employers will conduct an online search before inviting you for an interview, so LinkedIn is an excellent resource to use. Employers value LinkedIn recommendations because they provide insight into what others think of you. That is also the basic concept of a professional reference!

Employers may be satisfied with the information on your LinkedIn profile and not seek out more if you have several good recommendations.

Content Strategist, MyPerfectResume

You can get references from a teacher, mentor, sports coach, or leader in your community

If you’re applying to your first job and you don’t know what to include under “references,” first know that leaving this space blank can do more harm than adding at least one name, even if it’s not from a previous employer.

Through your references, recruiters can find out more about your past experiences, work ethic, skills, your personality, and they ultimately want to know if you would be a good fit for the company.

So if you don’t have any work experience, think of people that can vouch for you in similar areas a former employer would. You can get references from a teacher, mentor, sports coach, or leader in your community.

Make sure the references highlight the most relevant skills to the job you are applying for and align to the requirements stated in the job description.

Director of Operations, MyCorporation.com

Ask a manager from an internship you completed

I think it is incredibly important to have at least two to three individuals that can act as your references before applying for a job. Before conducting a thorough job search or starting a job hunt, go through your contacts to see who may be able to act as your references.

Talk to them beforehand to ensure that they are able to speak on your behalf and know to anticipate a call from a potential recruiter or HR rep. The references themselves may be anyone from previous coworkers to former bosses.

If you do not have previous employers, consider asking a manager from an internship you completed, the lead from volunteer work that you do, or even a client from a side hustle you run to be your reference.

Once you have a few solid references handy, you’ll feel more prepared about going into the job hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can i build a strong professional network to get references in the future.

Building a strong professional network takes time and effort. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

LinkedIn:  Create and maintain a current LinkedIn profile, and engage with your contacts and industry groups.

Industry events:  Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to meet like-minded professionals and expand your network.

Alumni Associations:  Reach out to your school’s alumni association to connect with former classmates and professionals in your field.

Informational interviews:  Request informational interviews with professionals in your field to learn more about their roles and make new contacts.

Can I use a letter of recommendation instead of a job reference?

While a letter of recommendation can be valuable, it is usually not a direct substitute for a job reference. Employers often prefer to speak directly with your references to ask specific questions, clarify details, and get a more up-to-date assessment of your skills and performance.

However, you can provide a letter of recommendation in addition to your references, especially if it is from a relevant and reputable source.

In some cases where you lack professional references, a strong letter of recommendation can help strengthen your application.

Always check with your potential employers to see what they prefer regarding references and letters of recommendation.

What if my former employer has a policy against providing references?

Some companies have strict policies that prohibit their employees from providing references. If this is the case, consider the following alternatives:

Human Resources verification:  Ask your former employer’s HR department for a written statement confirming your dates of employment and job title.

Colleagues who have left the company:  Reach out to former colleagues who have left the company and are not bound by the same policy.

Alternative professional references:  Look for other professional contacts from internships, freelance work, or volunteer activities that can serve as references.

How can I ask someone to be my reference?

When you ask someone to be your reference, ensure you ask them in advance and give them enough time to prepare. You can ask them if they are willing to provide a job reference and if they have time to discuss your work experience and skills.

After getting their approval, you should present them with your resume, cover letter, and job description to inform them about the position you are applying for.

When asking for a job reference, keep the following in mind: – Timing:  Give your potential reference at least two weeks to prepare. – Method of contact:  You can contact them by phone, email, or in person. – Thank them:  After your potential reference has made a recommendation, be sure to thank them for their time and effort.

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What to Do If You Don’t Have Job References

Navigating the job market can be challenging, especially when potential employers request references as part of the hiring process. For some job seekers, providing references may not be feasible due to various reasons, such as limited work experience, confidentiality issues, or loss of contact with former colleagues.

This article will explore practical strategies to overcome the obstacle of not having job references, helping you to showcase your skills, build your professional network, and ultimately land your desired job.

Table of Contents

What to Do If You Don’t Have References

If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have job references, don’t worry; there are still several steps you can take to strengthen your candidacy and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Focus on your resume and cover letter: Ensure that your resume and cover letter are well-crafted, showcasing your skills, experiences, and achievements. Highlight relevant accomplishments, volunteer work, or internships that can speak to your qualifications and work ethic.

Use LinkedIn: A well-maintained LinkedIn profile can serve as a professional reference in itself. Request recommendations from former colleagues, classmates, or supervisors on the platform, and use the “Featured” section to showcase any work samples, projects, or achievements that demonstrate your abilities.

Learn more: How to Write an Effective Linkedin Summary

Network: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, or participate in online forums to build connections within your field. Networking can lead to informal references or introductions to potential employers.

Offer alternative references: If you cannot provide professional references, consider offering personal or character references from individuals who can speak to your abilities, work ethic, and character. These may include professors, mentors, coaches, or community leaders.

Volunteer or intern: Volunteering or interning can help you gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and establish connections with people who can later serve as references.

Seek freelance or project-based work: Engaging in freelance work or short-term projects can help build your portfolio and provide you with satisfied clients who can vouch for your capabilities.

Be honest with potential employers: If you genuinely don’t have any references, explain your situation to the hiring manager or interviewer. Describe the steps you have taken to compensate for the lack of references, such as building your portfolio, volunteering, or engaging in professional development activities.

Enhance your interview skills: Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions and showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Strong interview performance can sometimes outweigh the need for references.

Continue professional development: Pursue certifications, attend workshops, or enroll in relevant courses to enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to your career.

Be patient and persistent: Building a network and establishing references may take time. Stay persistent in your job search, continue networking, and actively work on strengthening your professional connections.

In summary, not having references doesn’t mean your job search is doomed. By focusing on your strengths, proactively building your network, and seeking alternative ways to showcase your capabilities, you can still make a strong case for your candidacy and secure the job you desire.

Do You Really Need References?

The necessity of references in a job search can vary depending on the industry, the employer, and the specific role you are applying for. While references can be valuable for several reasons, they may not always be a strict requirement. Here are some points to consider when determining if you really need references :

• Industry norms: Some industries or positions place more importance on references than others. For example, positions in academia, healthcare, or finance may require more stringent reference checks due to the nature of the work and potential liabilities.
• Employer preferences: Some employers rely heavily on references to gain insights into a candidate’s work ethic, character, and job performance. Others may place more emphasis on the candidate’s resume, cover letter, and interview performance.
• Job level: Entry-level positions may be more lenient with reference requirements, whereas managerial or executive roles might require references to validate the candidate’s leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Background checks: In some cases, employers may conduct background checks or verify employment history through other means, reducing the need for traditional references.
• Legal requirements: Certain jobs, such as those involving security clearances or working with vulnerable populations, may legally require references as part of the hiring process.
• Network connections: If you have a connection within the company or a mutual connection with the hiring manager, the need for formal references may be reduced, as your connection can vouch for your qualifications and character.

While it is always a good idea to have references available if requested , you may find that not all employers or positions require them. In cases where references are not explicitly needed, it’s essential to focus on other aspects of your job application, such as your resume, cover letter, and interview skills, to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Do Employers Actually Contact References?

Yes, many employers do contact references as part of their hiring process. According to a recent report by SHRM , as many as 87% of employers check references.

However, the extent to which they verify references can vary depending on the company, industry, and role. Employers may contact references to gain insights into a candidate’s work ethic, job performance, and interpersonal skills, helping them make more informed hiring decisions. It is always a good idea to have a list of reliable references available and to notify them in advance that they may be contacted by potential employers.

What Can I Put for References If I Don’t Have Any?

If you don’t have any professional references, consider alternative options that can still vouch for your character, work ethic, or abilities. These may include:

• Academic references: Professors, teachers, or academic advisors who can speak to your performance in an educational setting and your potential as an employee.
• Personal or character references: Non-work-related contacts, such as mentors, coaches, community leaders, or long-time friends, who can attest to your character, skills, and reliability.
• Volunteer supervisors: Individuals who have supervised you in volunteer roles or community service activities, highlighting your dedication and commitment.
• Internship supervisors: If you have completed internships or temporary work assignments, ask your supervisors from those experiences to serve as references.
• Freelance clients: If you have done any freelance or project-based work, satisfied clients can vouch for your skills and work quality.

When using alternative references, ensure that they can speak to relevant skills or qualities that align with the position you’re applying for, and always ask for their permission before listing them as references .

Is It OK to Not Provide References?

It is generally recommended to provide references if requested by a potential employer, as they can help verify your qualifications, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. However, if you genuinely cannot provide any references due to a lack of work experience, confidentiality issues, or lost contacts, it is acceptable to be honest with the employer about your situation.

In such cases, focus on strengthening other aspects of your job application, such as your resume, cover letter, and interview skills, and consider offering alternative references or showcasing your abilities through work samples or projects. Employers may be understanding and flexible, as long as you can demonstrate your qualifications and commitment to the role in other ways.

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• Career Blog

Expert Advice for When You Don’t Have References in 2024

As a job seeker, not having references can be a major obstacle in landing your dream job. Many employers require candidates to provide references as a way to validate their skills, experience, and character. However, what do you do when you don’t have any references to provide?

In this article, we will explore the problem of not having references and why they are important in the job search process. We will also provide expert advice on how to tackle this challenge and increase your chances of success. The overall theme of this article is Expert Advice for When You Don’t Have References.

Defining the problem of not having references

There are many reasons why you may not have references. You may be a recent graduate or a first-time job seeker who hasn’t had the opportunity to build a network of professional contacts yet. You may have taken a break from your career, and your former colleagues and supervisors have moved on to different companies. Or, you may have had a falling out with your past employers or coworkers.

Whatever the reason, not having references can put you at a disadvantage when competing for jobs. Without references, hiring managers may question your qualifications or view you as a risky candidate. This can make it difficult to get your foot in the door or secure an interview, no matter how strong your resume, cover letter, or portfolio may be.

Importance of references in job search

References are a critical component of the job search process. They provide insight into your professional abilities, work ethic, and interpersonal skills from someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity. References can vouch for your qualifications, character, and potential for success in a new role.

For employers, references are a way to verify the information provided by candidates and assess their fit for the job. They can also give hiring managers a sense of how well you work with others, communicate, and solve problems. A lack of references can make it difficult for employers to assess your suitability for a role, and can increase their level of risk in hiring you.

Objectives of the article

The objectives of this article are to:

• Provide an understanding of why references are important in the job search process
• Offer expert advice on how to overcome the challenge of not having references
• Share practical tips on how to build a professional network and develop references for future job searches
• Highlight alternative ways to demonstrate your skills and qualifications to potential employers
• Empower job seekers to stand out from the competition and secure their dream job, even without traditional references.

In the following sections, we will explore each of these objectives in detail and provide actionable steps for success.

Why You May Not Have References

If you find yourself with no references, this section will outline some common reasons why this may be the case, as well as strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Common reasons for not having references

Lack of work experience: This is perhaps the most common reason why someone may not have any references. If you are just starting out in your career or have limited work experience, you may not have had the opportunity to build relationships with former colleagues or supervisors.

Short-term or contract positions: If you have primarily worked in short-term or contract positions, you may not have had the opportunity to develop strong professional relationships with your co-workers or supervisors.

Negative work experiences: If you left a job on bad terms or had a challenging working relationship with a former colleague, you may not feel comfortable asking them to serve as a reference.

Personal circumstances: Sometimes, personal circumstances such as moving to a new city or taking a break from work to raise a family can limit the amount of professional relationships you have built.

Strategies for overcoming challenges

Look to other sources for references: If you do not have any former colleagues or supervisors who can serve as references, consider other sources such as professors you worked closely with during school, volunteer coordinators or leaders you have worked with, or even clients you have worked with as a freelancer or contractor.

Build new professional relationships: Even if you have not had the opportunity to develop strong professional relationships in the past, it is never too late to start. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and actively seek out mentorship opportunities to build new relationships that may serve as references in the future.

Be honest about your situation: If you are asked for references during a job search, it is better to be honest about your situation rather than provide references who may not be able to provide a strong endorsement. Explain the reasons why you do not have references and offer alternative sources for verification of your skills and experience.

Focus on other aspects of your application: If you do not have references, focus on other aspects of your application such as your resume, cover letter, and interview skills to demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the position.

Not having references can be a challenge, but it is not the end of the world. By understanding common reasons why this may be the case and developing strategies for overcoming these challenges, you can still present yourself as a strong candidate for job opportunities.

Crafting Your Professional Persona

A strong professional brand can help job seekers stand out from the competition and make a great first impression on potential employers. This section will cover strategies for building a personal brand both online and offline, as well as tips for creating a professional resume and cover letter.

The Importance of Building a Strong Professional Brand

In today’s competitive job market, having a strong professional brand is essential for job seekers. Your professional brand should showcase your unique skills, accomplishments, and personality, while also highlighting your professional experience.

Building a strong professional brand can also help you establish yourself as an industry expert and make networking easier. Employers and colleagues are more likely to take notice of those who have a strong online presence and are actively engaged in their field.

Strategies for Building a Personal Brand Online and Offline

To build a strong personal brand, it’s important to be active both online and offline. Some strategies for building your personal brand include:

• Creating a professional website or blog to highlight your experience and skills.
• Building a strong presence on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter, and actively engaging with industry professionals.
• Attending industry conferences and networking events to meet new people and learn new skills.
• Participating in online discussions and forums related to your field.

Tips for Creating a Professional Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are essential components of your job search, and should effectively showcase your skills and experience. Here are some tips for creating a professional resume and cover letter:

• Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
• Use strong action verbs and quantifiable metrics to describe your accomplishments.
• Make sure your resume is easy to read and visually appealing.
• Write a strong cover letter that highlights your qualifications and passion for the job.
• Personalize your cover letter for each job application, using specific examples and addressing the company’s needs and goals.

Building a strong personal brand and creating a professional resume and cover letter are essential for job seekers who may not have many references. By highlighting your unique skills and experience, you can make a great impression on potential employers and stand out in a competitive job market.

Leveraging Online Networks

In today’s digital age, leveraging online networks can be just as important as traditional networking. As a job seeker without references, it’s essential to understand and maximize the potential of social media platforms and professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Here’s how you can make the most of online networking:

Understanding and leveraging social media platforms

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok can be excellent tools for networking. You can connect with people who work in your industry or have similar interests and build relationships with them. Share your career goals and aspirations, and ask for advice or recommendations. Additionally, using relevant hashtags on your posts can help you reach a wider audience.

Strategies for networking virtually

Virtual networking requires more than just creating a social media account. To network effectively, you need to consistently engage with your connections. Join groups and communities related to your industry, attend relevant webinars and networking events, participate in online conversations, and offer value to others by sharing useful content or tips.

Utilizing professional networking sites like LinkedIn

LinkedIn is often the go-to professional networking site for job seekers. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date, including a professional-looking headshot and a compelling headline. Use keywords related to your industry to make it easier for recruiters to find you. Follow companies and join groups related to your field to make new connections and stay up-to-date with industry news.

Tips for contacting potential references on social media

If you don’t have any traditional references, you can still use social media to find potential references. Search for people who work or have worked in your desired field and reach out to them for advice or guidance. Once you’ve built a relationship, you can ask if they would be willing to serve as a reference for you. Remember to be polite and respectful and keep your message concise and to the point.

Online networking can be an essential tool for job seekers without references. Be sure to take advantage of social media platforms, engage with your connections, and utilize professional networking sites like LinkedIn to build relationships and establish yourself in your industry. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can find potential references that can help you land your dream job.

Seeking Out Relevant Work Experience

When it comes to finding work experience relevant to your field, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of success. Below are some tips that can help you build up your resume and gain valuable experience:

Strategies for finding relevant work experience for your field

• Networking:  Connect with professionals in your field through industry events or online platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with them and ask for advice or opportunities to shadow them. They may be able to recommend you for an opening or provide you with a referral.
• Job boards:  Search job boards for internships or entry-level positions that align with your career aspirations. Even if you don’t have all of the required experience, don’t let that discourage you from applying. Many employers are willing to train candidates who show potential.
• Cold-emailing:  This involves sending a professional, personalized email to relevant employers expressing your interest in their company and asking if they have any available opportunities. While it may not always lead to a job offer, it can help you establish connections and learn more about the industry.

Tips for taking on freelance or volunteer work

• Self-promotion:  Create a professional website or social media account to showcase your skills and work samples. Market yourself to clients or organizations as someone who can provide value in their specific area of need.
• Networking (again!):  Attend networking events or conferences to meet potential clients or organizations. Be upfront about your lack of experience, but highlight your transferable skills and eagerness to learn.
• Collaboration:  Seek out opportunities to collaborate with other freelancers, small businesses, or nonprofits. This can help you build a portfolio and gain experience, while also forming relationships that could lead to future work opportunities.

The benefits of internships and apprenticeships

Internships and apprenticeships are structured work experiences that provide you with mentoring, professional development, and skills training. While they may not offer immediate financial gain, they can provide long-term benefits, such as:

• Networking:  Internships and apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to connect with established professionals in your field, learn from their experiences, and get feedback on your performance.
• Experience:  These programs allow you to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, which can help you develop new skills and apply classroom knowledge to practical situations.
• Resume building:  Internships and apprenticeships can be a great way to build up your resume, making you a more competitive job candidate once you complete the program.
• Potential for job offers:  Many employers use internships and apprenticeships as a way to evaluate potential long-term employees. If you perform well and make a positive impression, you may be offered a full-time position at the end of your program.

Tapping into Your Academic Network

One of the best ways to gain references when you’re lacking professional experience is by tapping into your academic network. This includes leveraging relationships with professors and academic advisors, building relationships with alumni and industry professionals, and using academic projects and research as a reference point.

Leveraging Relationships with Professors and Academic Advisors

Professors and academic advisors are valuable resources for gaining references. They have a keen insight into your academic abilities, your work ethic, and your potential as a professional. It’s important to nurture these relationships and stay in touch even after graduation. You can reach out to them for advice, ask for letters of recommendation, or even for introductions to industry professionals.

Building Relationships with Alumni and Industry Professionals

Alumni and industry professionals can also provide valuable references. They know what it takes to succeed in the field and can offer valuable insights into the industry. Building relationships takes time, but it can be done through networking events, informational interviews, and social media groups. Don’t be afraid to reach out and make connections.

Using Academic Projects and Research as a Reference Point

Academic projects and research can also be used as a reference point. These projects demonstrate your skills, creativity, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively. They can be used as a portfolio of sorts and showcased to potential employers. Demonstrating real-world applications of academic research can also help employers see how you can contribute to their businesses.

When you don’t have professional references, tapping into your academic network can provide valuable resources for building your career. Leveraging relationships with professors and academic advisors, building relationships with alumni and industry professionals, and using academic projects and research as a reference point are all effective strategies for gaining references and getting noticed by potential employers. Remember, it takes time and effort, but building a solid network can pay big dividends in your career.

Identifying Transferable Skills

When you don’t have traditional references to rely on, it’s important to identify your transferable skills. These skills are those that you’ve gained through past experiences, whether they be from work, volunteering, or personal pursuits, and can be applied to new situations.

To start identifying your transferable skills, consider the scenarios in which you’ve demonstrated them. For example, perhaps you’ve managed projects in your previous job, but now you’re applying for a role outside of project management. In this case, you can identify transferable skills such as time management, communication, and leadership that could be applicable to the new role.

Another way to turn your past experiences into assets is to consider the specific tasks and responsibilities you’ve had. Think about what skills were necessary to complete these tasks successfully. For example, if you’ve planned events, you likely have skills in organization, coordination, and problem-solving that could be transferable to other roles.

Finally, when you’re trying to use past work and life experiences as references, it’s important to frame them in a way that highlights the transferable skills you’ve gained. Avoid simply listing job duties or responsibilities, instead focusing on the specific skills and accomplishments that could apply to the role you’re applying for.

By identifying your transferable skills, you can make the most of your past experiences and create valuable references for your job search.

Building Relationships with Potential References

As a professional, building strong relationships with potential references is an essential part of your career development. Whether you are job hunting or building your reputation in your field, having people who can speak well of you can make all the difference.

There are several steps you can take to develop strong relationships with potential references, including:

Networking:  Attend conferences, events, and other networking opportunities related to your field. Meeting new people and staying in touch with colleagues and peers can help you build a network of potential references.

Connect on LinkedIn:  LinkedIn is a powerful platform for networking and building professional relationships. Connecting with people in your industry and engaging with their content can help you establish rapport and stay on their radar.

Collaborate on projects:  Collaborating on projects with colleagues or peers is an excellent way to build relationships and showcase your skills. Working together to achieve a common goal can help establish trust and respect.

When assessing the suitability of potential references, it is essential to consider who can speak well of your professional abilities and character. A potential reference should be someone who knows you well, has worked with you closely, and can comment on your strengths and accomplishments.

When requesting references from former colleagues, clients, and mentors, it is essential to approach the process with professionalism and tact. Here are some tips to help you make the request:

Start with a conversation:  Before making any formal request, have a conversation with your potential reference to gauge their willingness to help. Explain your situation and ask if they feel comfortable providing a reference.

Offer context and guidance:  When making the formal request, provide context about the job or opportunity you are applying for and any specific skills or experience the position requires. Providing this information can help your reference speak to your strengths and suitability.

Be appreciative:  Thank your reference for their time and effort in providing a reference. Consider offering a small gesture of thanks, such as treating them to lunch or sending a small gift.

Building relationships with potential references can help establish your professional reputation and open doors to new opportunities. Assessing the suitability of potential references and making requests with professionalism and tact can help you gain valuable support from those who know you and your work best.

Preparing for Reference Checks

When applying for a new job, having strong references can often make the difference in securing an offer. But what if you don’t have any references? Don’t worry – there are still ways to come across as a confident and capable candidate.

Creating a Reference List

If you don’t have past job references, you can still consider other options such as professors, coaches, or volunteer coordinators. Make a list of potential references, including their full name, email address, phone number, and relationship to you. It’s always a good idea to prioritize those with whom you’ve worked most closely, and who can speak best to your relevant skills and experience.

Providing Context to your Employer

It’s important to inform your potential employer that they will not be able to contact your previous employer for a reference check, and provide context as to why. This could be because you were in a short-term contract, freelancing, or simply because you don’t have any previous work experience. It’s important to convey this in a professional manner, making sure to assure your potential employer that you are more than willing to provide alternative references who can speak to your character and skillset.

Tips for Managing your References and Keeping in Touch

Once you’ve identified your references, it’s important to keep in touch with them regularly. You want to remain fresh in their minds, and ensure that they’re not caught off guard if they receive a call inquiring about your work history.

Offering to be a reference for them, or simply staying in touch and letting them know how your job search is coming along, are great ways to stay on their radar.

It’s also important to provide them with as much information as they need. Make sure they know which jobs you are applying for, what your skills are, and what the hiring manager might be looking for in a candidate.

While it’s ideal to have strong references in your job search, it’s not always a requirement. By creating a strong reference list, providing context to your potential employer, and managing your references and keeping in touch, you can prove yourself to be a capable and professional candidate – even without references.

Mending Broken Relationships with Former Employers

Maintaining positive relationships with former employers is crucial for any professional looking to advance their career. These individuals can serve as valuable references, mentors, or even potential clients in the future.

However, sometimes relationships with former employers can become strained due to misunderstandings or miscommunications. Salvaging these relationships can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some strategies to help mend broken relationships:

Strategies for salvaging damaged relationships:

Practice empathy: Try to understand the other person’s perspective and put yourself in their shoes. This can help you see things from a different angle and promote understanding.

Communicate effectively: If there was a breakdown in communication, make an effort to clarify any misunderstandings and address any concerns.

Express remorse: If you made any mistakes or missteps, apologize sincerely and take ownership of your actions.

Highlight shared goals or interests: If you share common values, goals, or interests with your former employer, emphasize these similarities to build a sense of camaraderie.

Offer to help: If appropriate, offer your assistance in any way you can. This can demonstrate your commitment to the relationship and help rebuild trust.

Steps to take to make amends and rebuild trust:

Reach out: Start by sending a polite email, message or call expressing your desire to reconnect.

Acknowledge the past: Address any past issues or disagreements that may have caused the relationship to deteriorate.

Express your intent to repair the relationship: Communicate your desire to rebuild trust and maintain a positive relationship moving forward.

Offer a solution: If there is anything you can do to make things right, offer a solution or compromise.

Follow through: Once you have made amends, ensure you follow through on any promises or commitments you have made. Consistent follow-through can help demonstrate your trustworthiness and reinforce the positive relationship.

It is crucial to maintain positive relationships with former employers to maximize your professional opportunities. However, if relationships become strained, finding ways to mend the relationship is key. By practicing empathy, effective communication, expressing remorse, highlighting common goals, and offering assistance, you can salvage damaged relationships. Taking the time to reach out, acknowledge past issues, express your intent to repair the relationship, offer solutions and follow through can help rebuild trust and create a foundation for a positive relationship moving forward.

Staying Positive and Resilient Through the Process

The job search process can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when you don’t have references to rely on. As a job seeker, it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude and mental health, so you can stay motivated and focused on your goals. In this section, we’ll provide you with expert advice on coping with the stress of the job search process, maintaining a positive attitude, and staying resilient through the ups and downs of your job search journey.

Coping with the Stress of the Job Search Process

Job searching can be a challenging and stressful experience that can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It’s essential to take care of yourself and manage your stress levels during the job search process.

Here are some tips for coping with the stress of the job search process:

• Take breaks:  It’s essential to take breaks to avoid burnout and recharge your energy. Taking a walk, listening to music, or practicing meditation are great ways to relax and lower your stress levels.
• Stay organized:  Keeping track of your job applications, networking events, and interviews can be overwhelming. Use a calendar or planner to stay organized and focused.
• Practice self-care:  Take care of your mental and physical health by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthy. Self-care can help you stay positive and motivated during your job search journey.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude and Mental Health

A positive attitude and mental health can make a significant difference in how you approach your job search process. While it’s essential to stay realistic about your job search, staying positive and optimistic can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Here are some tips on maintaining a positive attitude and mental health during your job search:

• Celebrate small wins:  Whether it’s landing an interview or receiving positive feedback from a networking event, celebrate your small wins. Celebrating your achievements can boost your confidence and help you stay motivated.
• Surround yourself with positivity:  Surround yourself with positive people who support your job search journey. Negative or unsupportive individuals can drain your energy and decrease your motivation.
• Visualize your success:  Visualizing your success can help you stay focused and motivated on your goals. Imagine yourself in your ideal job, or think about the benefits of landing a job that aligns with your values and interests.

Tips for Staying Motivated and Focused on Your Goals

Staying motivated and focused on your job search goals can be challenging, especially when you face rejection or silence from potential employers. However, keeping your goals in mind and focusing on your accomplishments can help you stay motivated and resilient during your job search.

Here are some tips for staying motivated and focused on your job search goals:

• Set achievable goals:  Set realistic and achievable goals for your job search process.

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• Job References

How to Get a Job Without Any References

Last Updated: September 30, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Colleen Campbell, PhD . Dr. Colleen Campbell is the Founder and CEO of The Ignite Your Potential Centers, Career and Life Coaching based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Colleen received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Sofia University and has been career coaching since 2008. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 608,319 times.

Many potential employers request that you provide them with one or more references who can speak to your professional skills and abilities. However, depending on your past work experience (or lack thereof), obtaining such references can be difficult. The lack of references might not always hinder you from your job search, or from applying to some of the jobs that interest you. Instead, you could try to get the job you want without the professional references some employers may ask for.

Using Alternative Reference Sources to Get the Job

• Reports, presentations, papers, essays, journal articles, analyses, etc. can all demonstrate your skills and abilities.
• Be sure to redact any confidential or proprietary information in the documents.

• In addition to evaluations, you can also try: letters of recognition, thank you letters from clients, testimonials from clients or fellow employees, and awards you’ve won.

• Corporate references are becoming harder to obtain, even if you left your former employer for legitimate reasons. Many employers are concerned about lawsuits from providing either positive or negative references for former employees.
• Personal professional references are references directly from another person, and not connected to the employer. However, the person can be someone you previously worked for or with, as long as they’re providing the reference from themselves and not from their employer.
• Personal professional references need to ensure that they are speaking from their own personal experience working with you, and are not speaking as a representative of their employer.

• If you are being terminated from an employer for valid reasons (e.g. layoffs, cut backs, etc.) you should ask for a written reference letter as part of your severance agreement. This is especially helpful if the company is being reorganized or sold and contacting them will be difficult in the future.

• References of this type can come from a former supervisor (especially if the organization is small) or from the Human Resources (HR) department. Since your potential employer is not asking personal questions about you, the person confirming your employment doesn’t have to know you. They simply need to be able to confirm you used to work there for a specific period of time.

• A personal reference can be from someone who knows you, but has never worked with you in a professional environment. For example, they could be a friend, a classmate, a teammate, a coach, a teacher, etc.

Seeking Out References Any Way You Can

• Also consider former clients you may have had, if you worked in a job in which you served clients.
• Your first thought may be that you don’t want to bother former managers or co-workers, but remember that it’s for a very good reason. If they do not understand the importance of references (not uncommon) or cannot be bothered (very common) or have no guidance to help regarding references - persist. Perhaps a heartfelt call or visit may help to override this.
• If you’re able to find a former supervisor or co-worker, and they’re really busy, you could write the reference letter yourself and just ask them to edit and sign it.

• If you know there’s going to be a big gap between leaving your current job and looking for a new job (because you’re going back to school for a few years, or you’re going to stay home with your kids, etc.), ask for a reference letter. However, keep in mind that written references are not normally considered sufficient.

• Networks can include: friends, co-workers, fellow volunteers, clients, supervisors, religious leaders, fellow students, teachers/professors, business contacts, and more.
• Think about who you'd call for advice, who you'd go to for support, who knows what’s going on in your field, who already knows someone you want to be introduced to, who can teach you something useful, and who can back-up your great ideas. All of these people should be a part of your network.
• Keep in touch with the people in your network as often as you can. For example, keep track of them on LinkedIn and congratulate them on promotions and other major life events. Or make sure to send them a card for their birthday or the holidays every year.

• Volunteer work that you’ve performed for a religious or social group can also be used as both experience and a potential reference.

• Ask your teacher or professor before you leave school. You are not likely to be the first student to ask them for a reference.
• Consider asking your teacher or professor for a reference letter as well. As you can imagine, they’re going to have a lot of future students. Writing down the great things about you when they remember them will be helpful for them in the future.

Getting the Job You Want Without References

• Put all your effort into the job search, application, and interview process and try not to worry about your reference situation.
• When a potential employer finally asks for references, discuss your various options with them. If you’ve impressed them to this point, they’ll work with you to find an alternative to a professional reference.

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a resume for academic or research jobs. A CV is normally much longer and much more detailed than a typical resume. Don’t submit a CV for a job that doesn’t require one. Due to its length, a hiring manager will not likely have time to read it and may overlook you altogether.
• Resumes, like cover letters, can be customized to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you include an objective or goal statement at the top of your resume, you may want to alter it depending on what type of job you’re applying to.
• In today’s computer-based world, make sure your resume is formatted in a way that can easily be scanned. Many large organizations have recruiting systems that scan resumes and enter the information from your resume into a database. Having your resume in their database increases your chances of getting a job.
• Try to keep your resume to 2 pages, especially if you’re just starting your career.

• The words ”References Available Upon Request” can take up much needed space on your resume and ends up just stating the obvious.

• You should write a different cover letter for each and every job you apply for. While you can re-use certain parts of a cover letter for more than one job, each letter should be customized for the job you’re applying to.
• Be sure to use keywords from the job posting in your cover letter. Many employers use a cover letter to determine how well you read the job posting, how well you understood the organization, and how well you understood what they were looking for in an employee.
• Make sure the formatting (e.g. font, margins, etc.) on your cover letter matches your resume.

• The best place to start your research is the company’s website. If it’s a publicly-traded company you should be able to download the company’s annual and quarterly reports from their website. You can also read recent press releases to determine what the company feels is important for the public to know.
• This is a great chance for you to use your network. Ask people from your network what they know about the company or the position. If you know someone who has worked at the company before, ask them about the organizational culture and hiring process.

• You can find many standard interview questions online with a quick Google search.
• Practice with another person who will give you honest feedback about your answers, posture, style, manner, etc.
• Practice speaking without adding fillers like ‘um’ or ‘like.'
• Bring notes and questions to the interview with you. And don’t be afraid to take notes during the interview.
• Make sure you know where you need to go for the interview, especially if you’ve never been there before. Visit the location in advance if needed.
• Plan to arrive at the interview location early. You don’t have to go in and announce you’ve arrived really early, but by being early you ensure you’re not late.

• Even if the company has a casual dress code, avoid clothing such as: ripped jeans, shirts with offensive language or an unusual company logo, shorts, tank tops, really short skirts, and other items that may appear unprofessional.

• If career services are not part of your severance packages, consider asking for them to be included.

• Many college career centres also host networking events and career fairs on campus to help students find summer employment and full-time work.

Sample Cover Letter, Interview Tips, and Help Finding References

Expert Q&A

• Be aware - Some non-professional jobs may not let you bypass a reference form, requiring you to input for submission. Try calling and asking a manager can you bring in letters of recommendation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Always make sure you have permission from your reference(s) to provide their contact information to potential employers. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• It is always a good idea to give your references a heads-up if and when you give them as a reference in a job application. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/experts/no-reference-no-problem-if-you-know-what-to-do/article21441790/
• ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/02/23/the-truth-about-job-references/#50dace083a2d
• ↑ https://fortune.com/2012/04/12/will-a-lack-of-references-cost-you-a-job-offer/
• ↑ http://www.cvtips.com/resumes-and-cvs/what-to-do-if-you-dont-have-any-references.html
• ↑ https://collegegrad.com/jobsearch/successful-job-offer-negotiation/dont-burn-those-bridges
• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/10/04/10-common-and-corrosive-job-reference-mistakes
• ↑ http://www.wa.gov/esd/guides/jobsearch/strategy/interview_effective.htm
• ↑ http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/career-assessment/make-the-most-of-career-counseling/article.aspx

About This Article

If you don't have any references to get a job with, try reaching out to a former colleague or teacher for a character reference. You can also get a reference for any volunteer work you’ve done in the past. If you can’t get any character references, apply for the job with the best resume and cover letter you can write, since many employers don’t follow through with references anyway. If they do request references, politely explain that you don’t have any and offer a portfolio of previous reports, presentations, and essays instead to demonstrate your capability. For more tips from our Careers co-author, including how to write an exceptional job application, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Massachusetts man who received first-ever pig kidney transplant dies at 62

By Riley Rourke

Updated on: May 11, 2024 / 11:17 PM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON - The Massachusetts man who received the first pig kidney transplant in the world has died.

Rick Slayman, 62, from Weymouth, received the kidney from Massachusetts General Hospital on  March 21.  He was discharged from the hospital two weeks later to continue his recovery at home.

No indication it was a result of transplant, MGH says

The kidney was genetically altered to remove pig genes and add in human ones that would help improve its capability. 

Massachusetts General Hospital announced Slayman's passing on Saturday, around two months after he received the transplant.  The hospital also emphasized there is no indication his death was a result of the transplant.

"The Mass General transplant team is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman. We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant. Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Slayman's family and loved ones as they remember an extraordinary person whose generosity and kindness touched all who knew him," Massachusetts General Hospital said in a statement.

"Provide hope for thousands of people"

Slayman had been living with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes for several years. He received a human kidney transplant in 2018, but five years later, it began to fail. 

In a statement, Slayman's family remembered him as an inspiration for many worldwide.

"Millions of people worldwide have come to know Rick's story. We felt – and still feel – comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant. To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humor who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers," Slayman's family said in a statement.

"After his transplant, Rick said that one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive. Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever. His legacy will be one that inspires patients, researchers, and health care professionals everywhere," Slayman's family said. 

The family also asked for privacy in the wake of Slayman's passing.

• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Weymouth News

Riley Rourke is a freelance journalist based in Boston. She graduated cum laude from Emerson College with a degree in Journalism in 2023. She has previously worked for Emerson's student organizations: WEBN, and the Emerson Channel.

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Should umpires use Pitchcom? Twins' Carlos Correa floats idea ahead of possible arrival of ABS system

As pitchers continue to gain velocity, the plate ump's job is getting harder.

Ball-strike calls are one of baseball's most reliable sources of consternation for players, managers, and fans alike. Perceptions aside, big-league umpires generally do a very good job of making accurate calls. However, home-plater arbiters do not get every call correct, and as pitchers continue to gain velocity and sharp late movement on their offerings and catchers keep working on their framing skills in an effort to deceive the umpire, the job of determining whether a given pitch is in or out of the strike zone is more challenging than ever. Perhaps it's too challenging. 

From the start of the 2023 season through the current date (i.e., when the league-wide average fastball velocity reached 94 mph for the first time on record), plate umpires have gotten 92.7% of ball-strike calls correct. By the sounds of it, that's a lofty enough figure, but the reality is that a large number of called balls and strikes are obvious decisions, very plainly in or out of the zone even to the untrained eye. Now consider: 

• According to TruMedia data, plate umps on pitches classified as "on the corners" have had a called-ball-strike accuracy rate of 58.5% since the start of the 2023 season. 
• When a pitch is on the corner and there are two strikes on the hitter, that accuracy rate falls to 45.9%. 

To restate that last one for fitting emphasis, a pitch on the margins that the batter takes with two strikes is probably going to be called incorrectly by the umpire. And what about when we throw leverage into the mix? In high-leverage situations or clutch situations, umpires get calls on the corners with two strikes correct just 43.2% of the time. It's easy to understand, given the stakes of those moments, why such missed calls are lodged in the head of the hitter or pitcher and affect their perceptions of umpire competence. To be fair, these percentages are not adjusted, and "on the corners" constitutes a narrow sliver of the zone. In full context, getting close to half the calls correct is really something of an achievement, given how pitches move these days. Still, there's a bottom line correct-incorrect nature to it, and that must be acknowledged.  

In a nod to all these realities, the automated ball-strike (ABS) system is presently in use at the Triple-A and High-A levels of the minor leagues, and the expectation is that some form of ABS system will eventually make its way to the highest level, perhaps via a challenge-based apparatus. That, however, is not a certainty given the vested interests in MLB and how different their viewpoints might be about the prudence and viability of an ABS system. So what happens in the meantime?

Very probably nothing happens in the meantime, meaning that the human eye will continue to be responsible for such crucial judgments. On Friday, however, Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa , frustrated by ball-strike decisions during his team's loss to the Guardians , gave voice to an idea to provide a bridge to the (possible) eventual arrival of the ABS system in the majors. Via Tom Withers of the Associated Press, Correa said : 

"I feel like pitchers are too nasty right now for umpires to see. I feel like if the umpires knew what was coming and they had a Pitchcom (communication device) they would make calls so much better. "It's really hard for them to just be able to call pitches, especially the way the catchers are framing nowadays. If they had a device where it says slider and they are anticipating the slider and they know where it has to start and land for it to be a strike, then we would get so many calls. "But the fact that they are over there blind, it's really hard. I just think their job is too hard for me to be harsh on them. Sometimes I get calls, sometimes I don't and you move on."

Pitchcom is the audio device through which catchers and pitchers relay pitch calls during a plate appearance. The purpose is to eliminate the need for old-school hand signals by the catcher and thus reduce the possibility of sign-stealing by the opposition. As Correa suggests, home-plate umpires could listen in and theoretically prime themselves for what's coming from a mental and perhaps visual standpoint. For what it's worth, Correa is not the first to float such an idea. The genesis of the "umpires get Pitchcom earpieces" idea appears to be a 2023 episode of the Effectively Wild podcast on FanGraphs . 

Would this help matters measurably, as Correa believes? Or would it make no real difference in the umpires' capacity to call contemporary pitches correctly? Or would knowing the pitch type ahead of time in some ways bias the umpire in one direction or the other? As with any new idea or innovation, the risk of unintended consequences is real. 

Perhaps the idea merits serious consideration from the relevant league powers and the umpires themselves. Of course, it's the latter who would have the best idea as to whether Pitchcom access could improve matters. To repeat, though, the status quo will likely hold until the league makes the jump to an ABS system. That means more frustrations and, to hear the numbers tell it, more blown calls in crucial moments. 

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What happened in the NFL Draft first round: Full recap, picks by team, grades and trades

Six QBs, plenty of offense in the NFL Draft's first round

NOTE: For updates from the third day of the NFL Draft, go here.

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft began with a quarterback and ended with a wide receiver. Fitting for a night that was all about the offenses.

With their first No. 1 pick in 77 years, the Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams, hoping to finally find their franchise QB. Williams set off a record run of six quarterbacks over the first 12 picks, including Jayden Daniels (Commanders, No. 2), Drake Maye (Patriots, No. 3), Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons, No. 8), J.J. McCarthy (Vikings, No. 10) and Bo Nix (Broncos, No. 12).

A record 23 offensive players were taken over 32 picks, including seven wide receivers. The first defender did not come off the board until No. 25.

The full first-round results:

• Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
• Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
• New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
• Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
• Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
• New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
• Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
• Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
• Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
• Minnesota Vikings (from N.Y. Jets): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
• New York Jets (from Minnesota): Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
• Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
• Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
• New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
• Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
• Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
• Minnesota Vikings (from Jacksonville): Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
• Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
• Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
• Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
• Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
• Jacksonville Jaguars (from Minnesota through Cleveland and Houston): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
• Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
• Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
• Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
• Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo): Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
• Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
• Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
• San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
• Carolina Panthers (from Buffalo through Kansas City): Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Find the best deals on tickets to see your favorite teams.

Best players available entering Day 2

(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)

Here are the top 10 players available after Round 1:

• Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson (No. 23 overall)
• Iowa CB Cooper DeJean (No. 27)
• Illinois DT Johnny Newton (No. 28)
• Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (No. 30)
• Georgia WR Ladd McConkey (No. 31)
• Western Michigan edge Marshawn Kneeland (No. 32)
• Texas WR Adonai Mitchell (No. 33)
• West Virginia C Zach Frazier (No. 34)
• Michigan DT Kris Jenkins (No. 36)
• Florida State WR Keon Coleman (No. 37)

Best available players remaining in 2024 NFL Draft: Cooper DeJean, Johnny Newton and more

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Which colleges have produced the most first-round picks?

LSU, Alabama and Washington each had three first-round picks tonight, while Penn State, Georgia and Texas had two.

The updated list of the most first-round picks in the modern NFL Draft era since 1967:

• Ohio State 78
• Florida State 47
• Notre Dame 46
• Michigan 44
• Tennessee 41
• Penn State 39
• Oklahoma 39

Behind the Penix pick

Why would Atlanta use their eighth pick in the draft on a QB?

The team believes they won’t have a top pick with Kirk Cousins under center the next few years, and now is the time to get a great one.

Xavier Legette's fantasy comp is …

DK Metcalf ceiling with Rashid Shaheed floor. That gives you an idea of his potential, and Xavier Legette can add value in the return game. The Panthers haven't seen Terrace Marshall develop the way they want, and Jonathan Mingo struggled more than expected and might already be down the depth chart. Legette can step in as the No. 3 behind Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen, or even push Thielen in 2024 for the No. 2 role. He'll also help Bryce Young improve, though, Young needs to take a big step forward for all of the receivers to hold value. I could see Legette posting Josh Reynolds numbers (40-608-5) as a rookie, which makes him a WR5, but he has future WR3 potential, as early as 2025.

Conference breakdown for the first round: SEC 11; Pac-12 8; ACC 4; Big Ten 4; Big 12 3; MAC 1; Independent 1

Positional breakdown: OL 9; WR: 7; QB 6; Edge: 5, CB: 3; DT: 1; TE: 1; RB 0; LB: 0; Safety: 0; ST: 0.

How Xavier Legette fits in Carolina

The Panthers move up one spot, entering the first round to snag help for Bryce Young in the form of big South Carolina X-receiver Xavier Legette. A 6-1, 222-pounder with 4.39 speed and a 40-inch vertical, Legette is a powerful blend of speed and explosion who looks and runs a lot like Seattle star DK Metcalf.

There are concerns, however. He made 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns last year. In his previous four years of college, Legette made 42 catches. He’s 23 and not a consistent route runner. Legette is a credible deep threat who will provide help as a returner, but there were better receivers here for Carolina in my opinion. Texas' Adonai Mitchell and Georgia's Ladd McConkey are two that come to mind.

Fantasy rushing production gets first-round upgrade without running backs

One of the main takeaways of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is that no running backs were selected.

From a fantasy football perspective, this may seem like a downgrade for the ground game, but the reality is that nine of the first 29 picks of this draft were offensive linemen. In addition, Jayden Daniels is cut from a similar rushing quarterback mode as Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts and thus adds another potential dual-threat QB1 candidate.

Combine that with the heavy emphasis on upgrading offensive lines and it shows that NFL teams are still likely to continue the recent transition towards leaning on the ground game more and more often. Fantasy managers should keep this in mind when building teams, as RB values have increased recently due to this and are still likely to ascend.

Round 1, Pick 32: Panthers draft South Carolina WR Xavier Legette

(Photo: Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers drafted South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette with the No. 32 pick after a trade with the Buffalo Bills.

The Athletic NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler on Legette: A four-year starter at South Carolina, Legette was an inside/outside receiver in offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains’ scheme (64.6 percent wide, 34.0 percent slot in 2023). A quarterback out of necessity as a senior in high school, he was raw when he joined the Gamecocks and didn’t break out until his fifth season (he and Malik Nabers were the only two SEC players to average more than 100 yards receiving per game in 2023).

Legette is at his best on runway routes (verticals, posts, crossers) or sweeps and end-arounds that get his long-striding acceleration going. He doesn’t consistently shake tight man coverage, but he will use his size to play strong through contact.

Overall, Legette needs to continue developing his route proficiency and tempo, but his film gives off DK Metcalf vibes, and he has the explosive speed and physicality to be a matchup weapon. He should be an immediate contributor on special teams before competing for starting reps outside.

Fantasy implications: Ricky Pearsall raises questions for San Francisco

The trade speculation — Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel — will start, and if one is moved, Ricky Pearsall can be a WR4 as a rookie with numbers similar to Darius Slayton (50-770-4). Honestly, the touchdown mark is low in this offense, but again, that's if Aiyuk or Samuel is gone. As it stands with both on the roster, Pearsall is a 2025 and beyond value. He's buried, as we haven't even mentioned the volume for Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. Pearsall likely won't be more than a WR5/6 with around 35-40 receptions and 500+ yards, as the roster currently stands.

2024 NFL Draft and fantasy football: Winners, losers, every skill position pick, Caleb Williams and more

Grading Ricky Pearsall to 49ers at No. 31

This feels like either a reach or an insurance policy in case Brandon Aiyuk ends up getting dealt. Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall will make some tough catches and could wind up running plenty of interior routes alongside tight end George Kittle.

A five-year veteran with three seasons at Arizona State and his final two at Florida, Pearsall (6-1, 189) has built a reputation for his toughness and ability to haul in difficult catches. Last year with the Gators, Pearsall caught 65 balls for 965 yards (14.8 yards per catch) and four scores. As a junior, Pearsall averaged 20.0 yards per catch (33-661) with five scores. At the combine, Pearsall ran a 4.41-second 40 and had a 42-inch vertical jump.

NFL Draft 2024 grades for all 32 picks in Round 1: Williams an A, Penix earns a C

Trade! Bills move down again

The Buffalo Bills will not pick in the first round.

The Carolina Panthers — who did not have a pick entering the night — have moved up a pick to No. 32.

The Bills received pick Nos. 33 and 141 for Nos. 32 and 200.

Round 1, Pick 31: 49ers draft Florida WR Ricky Pearsall

(Photo: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 pick.

The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler on Pearsall: A two-year starter at Florida, Pearsall was schemed across the formation in head coach Billy Napier’s offense, doing most of his work (62.0 percent) from the slot. After three seasons at Arizona State, including time spent learning from Brandon Aiyuk in 2019, he moved on to Gainesville in 2022 and had a career season in ‘23, leading the Gators in receiving.

With his play speed and footwork, Pearsall earned the nickname “Slick Rick,” because of the rhythmic movements he uses to shake free in his routes or make a defender miss in the quick game. Though he can be outmuscled at times versus press or at the top of routes, he has Velcro hands and never shies from attacking throws that lead him into impending contact.

Overall, Pearsall wasn’t a home-run hitter on tape, but he is a reliable receiving option with the route quickness and ball skills to quickly become a favorite target for an NFL quarterback. He has the skill set and toughness to work inside or outside and return punts at the next level.

Nate Wiggins was the top-ranked corner on the Football GM Podcast, ahead of Quinyon Mitchell. He lands in Baltimore, which is a very good place for defensive players to land.

Round 1, Pick 30: Ravens draft Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

Getty Images

The Baltimore Ravens selected Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins with the 30th pick.

The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler on Wiggins: A two-year starter at Clemson, Wiggins was an outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin’s scheme. An ascending player throughout his time with the Tigers, he combined for 25 passes defended in 23 games over the last two seasons and allowed just 43.9 percent completions when targeted in 2023. (Two of his three career interceptions came against Drake Maye).

Wiggins moves with quiet, controlled feet/hips to seamlessly transition out of breaks and accelerate to top gear (allowed only one catch of 20-plus yards on 41 targets in 2023). Though he needs to improve his consistency as a run defender, he shows tremendous effort in pursuit and had two chase-down forced fumbles that saved touchdowns in 2023 (Miami and North Carolina).

Overall, Wiggins’ slight frame and suspect play strength are legitimate concerns, but he is a fast and fluid athlete with the cover awareness and on-ball production to be a starting perimeter corner in the NFL. He projects as a longtime NFL starter with tools like those of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Grading Tyler Guyton to Cowboys at No. 29

Dallas had a big hole at two spots — center and right tackle — and the Cowboys opted to fill the hole on the outside with Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton. It’s an upside move with Guyton, who could start at right tackle and perhaps flip to left tackle within time. Or, if he reaches his potential, he could form a solid tandem with Tyler Smith.

Still raw and developing, Guyton earned 15 career starts at TCU and Oklahoma before declaring for the draft. He started 13 games at right tackle and one at left tackle for the Sooners, while opening one game at tight end for TCU. Guyton (6-7 ½, 322) has the requisite body for an NFL tackle with 34 1/8-inch arms. It might take him some time, but his upside is immense,

Best available players at end of first round

With three picks to go in the first round, here are Dane Brugler's 10 best available players :

• Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson

2. Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

3. Iowa CB Cooper DeJean

4. Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton

5. Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

6. Georgia WR Ladd McConkey

7. Western Michigan edge Marshawn Kneeland

8. Texas WR Adonai Mitchell

9. West Virginia C Zach Frazier

10. Florida State WR Keon Coleman

Round 1, Pick 29: Cowboys draft Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton

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The Dallas Cowboys selected Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton with the No. 29 pick.

The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler on Guyton: A two-year starter at Oklahoma, Guyton was the starting right tackle in former offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s inside-zone, gap-focused scheme. A basketball-focused athlete much of his life, he moved to the offensive line while at TCU and later developed into a starter for the Sooners, protecting Dillon Gabriel’s blindside at right tackle.

A nimble big man, Guyton stays square to pass rushers with balanced lateral steps to easily redirect, and he does a great job working into open space with remarkable range (NFL scout: “The OU coaches just marvel at him. They call him different than everyone else they’ve had.”). He stays controlled with his punch to be a sticky blocker, although his accuracy and fit entry are underdeveloped, and his overall timing is not yet a strength to his game.

Overall, Guyton is a work in progress in several areas and a steep learning curve should be expected for his rookie season, but he has the athletic tools and fundamental skills to develop into a high-level offensive tackle. He has the talent to play left or right tackle, although his comfort level is clearly on the right side. As long as he stays motivated and healthy, he will continue on an upward trajectory.

What Xavier Worthy brings to Kansas City

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Patrick Mahomes has yet to meet a player he can overthrow. We’ll see if Xavier Worthy gives him a run for his money. The Chiefs moved up from 32 to 28 to snag the fastest player in the draft in the form of the former Texas receiver. Worthy set the combine record with a 4.21 40-yard dash earlier this spring and will enter Kansas City’s offense with electric speed from the get-go.

This feels like a very good fit for Kansas City’s offense and for Mahomes in general, as Worthy is very dynamic with the ball in his hands. However, he’s also very small at just 165 pounds. Whether or not he’ll be able to hold up with a high catch volume deep into a season is a fair question. He can be inconsistent with his hands and his play strength will limit some of what he can do a the next level. It’s fair to wonder if Worthy was a first-rounder in this draft, especially with some of the talent on the board. But also tough to hate the fit.

Xavier Worthy's fantasy impact

I know what you're thinking. "The new Chiefs wideout is going to be amazing!" And I get it, especially as my comp for Worthy was DeSean Jackson, especially in his early days when he returned kicks as well. With the Chiefs having inconsistency at the position and Rashee Rice with a suspension looming, Worthy definitely has potential -- just be cautious not to overrate him as fantasy has done with many a wideout in the past. Nevertheless, Worthy has the ability to be their new No. 1, and that's even once Rice returns. Worthy posting a rookie line of 60-for-800 (or more) with a handful of touchdowns is within reach, and that makes him at least a WR4, not to mention the additional value if you score return yards.