Applying for work online. What do I do about "no references?"

[Foxhound3857]

Now that I have my Drivers License (and food handlers card), I'm putting in job applications online for most of my local stores, namely Walmart, Target, and Costco. I'm having a problem actually completing the applications though. They're asking for at least two references from previous employers as a required field to fill out, but the problem is that I don't actually have any references.

It's not that I don't get along or stay in contact with people, it's just that I've never actually had a job before, so I don't know anybody. This is the first time in my life that I'm seeking employment. I've done a little construction work for my dads company but I cannot use a relative as a reference.

So I really don't know what to do. I can't get past this step of any of my three applications unless I provide references, but I have none to provide. What should I do?

P.S: I plan to apply for a job at Gamestop in person, so I'll have the leeway of explaining my situation to the manager there, but in this case, I'm at a brick wall.

 

[richmond282]

Have you ever done any volunteer work? Babysat? Anything??? If you truly don't have any references at all, I'd just list personal references and then explain at an interview. Usually they don't contact references until after an interview.

 

[Foxhound3857]

Have you ever done any volunteer work? Babysat? Anything??? If you truly don't have any references at all, I'd just list personal references and then explain at an interview. Usually they don't contact references until after an interview.

Personal references? You mean like my friends (one of them works for Charter Cable), or my father (I do construction work for him sometimes)?

 

[minnie mum]

No not your friends. Personal references (or character references as they used to be called) should come from a grownup in a position where they can have formed an opinion of the type of person you are. Someone like a teacher or principal if you are still in school or have recently graduated. Your pastor. If you volunteer with an organization, then one of the leaders in that group. If you played sports, then a coach or instructor.

 

[disneychrista]

Is there anyone that you work with/for when you were working with your dad?

 

[okeydokey]

If you have volunteered with any organization or , held a leadership position in any club or extra curricular activity, the person in charge can write a reference. Youth group leader in church perhaps?

 

[cluvsdisney]

Is there a teacher you can ask?

 

[kimblebee]

Definitely don't use your dad, even though you worked for him.

 

[Allison]

If I remember correctly, you are 26 right? Isn't there someone you have interacted with over the years that could be a reference for you? Have you been in school? Done any volunteering? Any interactions outside your family?

 

[Foxhound3857]

If I remember correctly, you are 26 right? Isn't there someone you have interacted with over the years that could be a reference for you? Have you been in school? Done any volunteering? Any interactions outside your family?

Sadly, I've lived under a rock most of my life. There's only one person that I've kept in touch with over the years, and that's my friend from high school.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I always used a teacher when I was in need of a reference. How about a distant relative that knows you but doesn't have the same last name?

References are not just for employment, but they are for your character as well. When you got your driver's license, did you have an instructor? If so, call and ask them.

Other options: High School teachers that may remember you> Councilors? Clergymen. How about anyone at your dad's worksite that you may have worked with? That's a good place to start.

Then, friends. Or even anyone you interact with daily. Pharmacist? Newspaper delivery person?

 

[descovy]

Beyond that... You need to go to the store to apply. Don't just do it online.

I work at Target. The online application is for management level. If you are applying for cashier, sales floor, it will do you no good. You have to go to the store.

Good news is you most often get your 1st interview after you fill out your application. So dress nice and dazzle them then!

 

[Aliceacc]

Is there anyone at your dad's company who is not a relative who could serve as a professional reference, at least until you can explain at an interview?

 

[HM]

I also think you should skip doing the online applications. That looks lazy.
Go in and be a "go-getter". Pick up a paper application and fill it out and then turn it in in person when the manager is there (find out his/her schedule when you pick up the application). If they are actually hiring, they may interview you right then.

 

[mom2rtk]

You've apparently been out of school for a while. If you tell us what you've been doing since then, maybe we can give you more suggestions.

 

[disneychrista]

It is hard to skip the online application when many larger compaies only do them now. Walmart even if you go in store you are still doing it on a computer.

 

[scrapquitler]

Now that I have my Drivers License (and food handlers card), I'm putting in job applications online for most of my local stores, namely Walmart, Target, and Costco. I'm having a problem actually completing the applications though. They're asking for at least two references from previous employers as a required field to fill out, but the problem is that I don't actually have any references.

It's not that I don't get along or stay in contact with people, it's just that I've never actually had a job before, so I don't know anybody. This is the first time in my life that I'm seeking employment. I've done a little construction work for my dads company but I cannot use a relative as a reference.

So I really don't know what to do. I can't get past this step of any of my three applications unless I provide references, but I have none to provide. What should I do?

P.S: I plan to apply for a job at Gamestop in person, so I'll have the leeway of explaining my situation to the manager there, but in this case, I'm at a brick wall.

Is there someone that works for Dad's company who is NOT a relative that you can use?

Did you ever do any volunteer work or community service? Someone from one of those organizations could be a reference and vouch for the fact that you are organized, hard working, take initiative, etc.

Do you belong to some kind of organization that you participated in (church, garden club, your childs Cubs Scout pack)? Someone from there can be a reference if you were on a committee or something.

 

[Deb in IA]

Sadly, I've lived under a rock most of my life.

I think this is pretty telling.

You should probably get some volunteer activities and work in some entry level jobs (fast food, grocery, etc) and start building up some of those important contacts.

 

[disneychrista]

work in some entry level jobs (fast food, grocery, etc) and start building up some of those important contacts.

Sounds like that is what she is trying to do, Walmart, Costco, Target, GameStop etc are entry level jobs. They are still going to want references, especially if you do not have previous job history. A 16yo with no job history is one thing a 26yo with no job history is going to be harder to overcome.

 

[Coonhound]

Sounds like that is what she is trying to do, Walmart, Costco, Target, GameStop etc are entry level jobs. They are still going to want references, especially if you do not have previous job history. A 16yo with no job history is one thing a 26yo with no job history is going to be harder to overcome.

But it's great that you're getting out there and trying! You can do this I don't really have any advice but I just wanted to encourage the OP. Don't give up