If a job requires a reference, but I don't have one...

[Anonymous]

I have been a stay at home mom for 15 years. I still have kids at home (elementary age and older) and a husband whose work hours are long and require frequent travel, so I would like a very flexible job. We don't necessarily "NEED" the money, but it would be nice.

I've thought of doing substitute teaching for my county's school system, but looking at the application process, it seems I need 2 "professional references." My last job was 15 years ago. That company is no longer in business, and I can't even remember my immediate supervisor's last name (casual office--I called him by his first name). Even if I was still in contact with him-it's been 15 years; the work I did then is hardly relevant to how I could perform as substitute teacher now.

Any thoughts on how to proceed? I fear I would look stupid if I was to call up and ask. It seems that the majority of the initial application process is done online, and then once that has been completed to satisfaction, you go in for an interview/training...but the references portion is part of the initial application process.

FWIW, I have done a lot of volunteering in my kids' schools--so the teachers, principals, office secretaries, etc all know me.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I have done a lot of volunteering in my kids' schools--so the teachers, principals, office secretaries, etc all know me.

Then use them as your reference. As long as they are official and not Jane, your car pool buddy.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I have done a lot of volunteering in my kids' schools--so the teachers, principals, office secretaries, etc all know me.

There, you've answered your own question. Don't be intimidated by the word "professional." It is both over and misused.

[Anonymous]

PPs have given you good advice. I never list references on an application. Just put "references available upon request." Before you apply, call your contacts up and ask them to be references - have it all lined up and ready to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PPs have given you good advice. I never list references on an application. Just put "references available upon request." Before you apply, call your contacts up and ask them to be references - have it all lined up and ready to go.

Do you mean on an acutal application or on your resume? If you put this on an acutal job application you have been provided by the employer you are going to come across as a total PITA! On a resume there is really no need to say anything about references.

Agree with PP's, ask employees from the school who know you well from your volunteer work to serve as references.

[Anonymous]

None shall pass!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PPs have given you good advice. I never list references on an application. Just put "references available upon request." Before you apply, call your contacts up and ask them to be references - have it all lined up and ready to go.

What if you're applying to something and the description says "we need 3 references." Is it ok to still say you'll provide the references upon request? I am applying for something that is a bit "out there" in that it's different from my current field; I could be a good fit or they could look at my resume for 2 seconds and be uninterested so I find myself not wanting to give out names of references at my current work (for obvious reasons) or lining people up from former jobs and explain what this is and why I want it until/unless they at least want to get me into the first round. Is this a dealbreaker from an employer's perspective?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PPs have given you good advice. I never list references on an application. Just put "references available upon request." Before you apply, call your contacts up and ask them to be references - have it all lined up and ready to go.

What if you're applying to something and the description says "we need 3 references." Is it ok to still say you'll provide the references upon request? I am applying for something that is a bit "out there" in that it's different from my current field; I could be a good fit or they could look at my resume for 2 seconds and be uninterested so I find myself not wanting to give out names of references at my current work (for obvious reasons) or lining people up from former jobs and explain what this is and why I want it until/unless they at least want to get me into the first round. Is this a dealbreaker from an employer's perspective?

When your applying in schools (i.e. substitute teaching) they ask for references right away, then Human Resources use those references to send out an initial reference form. That's how they whittle down their applicants and make sure the person their hiring is a real person of integrity that will pass a background check. For more specific school applications the school themselves also talk to your references. You said you volunteer, so I would use those as your references and not put 'references available upon request' because they need them right away.

[Anonymous]

PP here...forgot to add when applying in schools if your application is in anyway incomplete (i.e. missing references) they will most likely toss your application. They tend get so many applications any little thing is a reason for dismissal.

[Anonymous]

OP, a professional reference is to help insure you are qualified to do the job. Anyone who has supervised you volunteering directly with kids in a classroom setting is a fine reference.

Another thing to consider is if you want to do any longer term subbing, like covering for a maternity leave. If that's the case, take some courses in education. Parenting doesn't qualify you to be a teacher. A daily sub doesn't really teach, but if you want to really teach, you should take courses in classroom management, pedagogy, and curriculum. These steps will make you a better candidate in a pretty saturated sub market.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PPs have given you good advice. I never list references on an application. Just put "references available upon request." Before you apply, call your contacts up and ask them to be references - have it all lined up and ready to go.

Baffled by this. The application is requesting references. Provide them. (Suggestion others have made about using professionals who know you for your volunteer work is fine).