I'm struggling to put down references for my job search

[JobSearchStress]

I was not economically active for a good few years as I was a SAHM. However, I have been working for a large company for the past 3 and a half years. I struggled to find work initially as I had no references as I was a SAHM and before that lived overseas.

So, 3.5 years working for a large company. Yippee do dah, I have a good stint there, you'd think I'd be sorted for references right?

Except, I am not. My co. has a very standard central HR who will computer generate a letter saying you worked there. I could ask my line manager, except I have had 5 in 3 years and the most current one, well I wouldn't want to ask them as they don't know me, and they are not staying.

I am applying for jobs, but the application forms are all stipulating 5 years of references, min 2 references, line manager etc. no friends or family and character references must be of someone who can countersign a passport.

So, totally screwed as I want to leave my current job.

Any ideas? I am stressed about this. I feel stuck.

In my industry the references are only contacted if you are offered the job. So I'd just put down your HR department. The other one would be a personal reference, do you know anyone you've been in touch with regularly during your time as a SAHP- someone from the kids school or something?

I can put down my HR department.

I can get personal references from either my work colleagues or someone I have known for a very long time (a friend).

I am just sick of hitting a brick wall with no bloody solid references.

I have a really good opportunity via a recruitment agency but their reference policy seems to be very rigid.