Long-term Unemployed and no References? 7 Solutions

This post explains what to do if you are long-term unemployed and have no references. Getting a job can be challenging if you have been out of work for a long time. One issue is the need to present references from previous employers. Below, you can find easy solutions for this problem.

1. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and ease yourself into working. You commit to something as a volunteer but have more freedom than a paid worker. This makes volunteering great for people wanting to get used to working (again).

Another benefit of volunteering is that you can ask the organisation for a reference. Plus, you also gain experience. According to a US survey, 82% of hiring managers will choose someone with volunteering experience over someone without.

2. Do an Internship

Most paid internships require a reference. Yet, if you work unpaid, you can often get in without one. Then, you can ask the company for a reference.

Internships also enable you to gain experiences that will help you when job hunting. Nearly 91% of employers prefer a potential employee with prior work experience. Or better, the company might offer you a job.

3. Ask People Who Know You on a Professional Basis

You do not need an employer to give you a reference. Anyone who knows you professionally can write you a professional reference. This could be a:

• Teacher
• Lecturer
• Course instructor
• Tutor
• Coach

If you don’t have an employer, consider signing up for classes or courses. You can ask your teacher or instructor to give you a reference. You get bonus points if your class or course relates to the field you want to work in.

4. Get a Character Reference

Provide a character reference if you can’t get professional references. Anyone can give you a character reference, including your friends. But ideally, you should ask someone less biased, for example:

• A church or religious leader
• People you babysat for
• Neighbours you have helped
• Former work colleagues or classmates

5. Be Honest

If you cannot provide a reference, be honest. You may not get the job, but asking is better than not trying. You have nothing to lose.

Some employers will hire you without references. Explain why you cannot provide a reference. If you have no work experience, you should tell them. If you have been unemployed long-term, you should tell your employer why.

6. Work as a Freelancer

You do not need to provide references if you work as a freelancer. Instead, you can build a customer base and network with colleagues. They can provide professional references if you want to become employed again.

However, you might make enough money as a freelancer to no longer need employment.

7. Start Your Own Business

Another way to make money without references is to start your own business. If you are unemployed, you probably have time to research side hustles and business ideas. For example, you could try making money on YouTube without showing your face.

It may take some time for a business to become profitable. Once it does, you don’t have to return to employment; you can employ others. Ask your clients for a reference if you want to be employed again.

Be Vigilant of Scams

If you need money, you may be more vulnerable to scams than others. Scammers are well-versed in understanding the psychology of people in need of cash. Be wary of get-rich-quick schemes. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Long-term Unemployed and no References: Solutions Summary

If you cannot provide references, try the following solutions:

• Volunteer
• Do an internship
• Ask people who know you on a professional basis
• Get a character reference
• Be honest
• Work as a freelancer
• Start your own business

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