If I don't have references for a job, how can I work around that? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by MossBear@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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I asked a job related question the other day on here and got some really helpful answers, so I was hoping you all could give me some further insight into this.

Basically, I have a chronic illness which means I spend most of my time at home and I'm largely disconnected from other people and don't really have anything in the way of references. I've owned my own business for the last several years selling products online, but that business has been declining for awhile and I'm looking into customer service type jobs that I could do from home.

If a company asks for references, how would I work around that?

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[-] KittenBiscuits@lemm.ee 8 points 1 year ago

Is your business rated on Google or Yelp? You could offer that to prospective employers because it reflects your customer service skills.

I've had to do hiring before, and I would not count a lack of references against you if you were upfront about being self employed. Heck, I'm trying to get my own business off the ground now. Being self employed for a decent length of time speaks volumes about your ability to be responsible.

[-] MossBear@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago

Unfortunately it's not. We've had plenty of extremely pleased customers over the years and received emails to that effect, but they aren't personal relationships. Would it be strange or treated as illegitimate to have an attachment with that sort of positive feedback?

[-] KittenBiscuits@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

I would only do it if the job posting requested references along with your application. If it's not mentioned, wait for them to ask you for references.

this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2023

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