I have no references - should I bother applying?

[Mumtogremlins]

I'm looking to get a job after a long time at home with the children. But I have no one I can put down as references on an application form. My previous companies have either closed down or everyone has left, as it was so long ago. Should I even bother applying? How do I get round it?

You should definitely put down the companies where everyone has left, they can still confirm your employment.

Could you volunteer somewhere for a while?

My last employer was a recruitment agency (closed), a high street retailer (doesn't exist), I can put a couple of others down but it's nearly 20 years ago now and they would only be able to say I worked there, no proper reference. I have looked into volunteering and unpaid interns - they ask for references too!

Can anyone provide a character reference for? Do you know any nurses/drs/police/church types?

Still put the companies that still exist down. Some references are literally just confirming dates of employment and sick time. Nothing else.

Wing it, it's not your fault companies closed!!

^as in not your fault they can't provide a reference.

You can apply, but I think you will struggle unless you can at least get a character reference. Have you done anything else? Helped out at school or playgroup? Organised any events?

Volunteer work, work experience, or a tutors reference from a related course are well worth doing.

Yes you should, my son had no references after a bout of mental illness where he lived at home with me but still managed to get a great job with the council. He impressed them in the interview and they decided to give him a chance. Hes been working there 5 years now.

It's all very well saying put down a previous company but the forms often ask for a person's name and relationship to you i.e., line manager. What would you put there?

Could you do some volunteering for a few months? Also source a good character reference.

"I have looked into volunteering and unpaid interns - they ask for references too!"

um... ime, many volunteer groups would bite your hand off, and many won't ask for refs. Email your nearest school PTA. Find a mother & toddler group that could use someone to regularly make the teas & coffees. Talk to HomeStart. See what your nearest community woodland group needs. Talk to the Cinnamon Trust about walking someone's dog. Or see if you can foster for Cat Prot. League. Cub Scouts will want to vet you formally but otherwise take every minute you have spare. And so on.

I was in a similar situation, and put down my next-door neighbour who I've known for decades, a very highly qualified friend, and my dc's primary school teacher as I volunteered there for a while.

If you've been out of the job market for ages, then they won't expect recent references from an employer, they will be fine with personal/character references.

I have 4 DCs so haven't got round to doing much as I've always had at least one little one with me. Also had a very sick child for the past few years so not had time to do anything. I did manage to squeeze in a short OU course a few years ago so will try and dig out the tutors details. I don't know anyone in church/police etc. The interns/volunteering I've been looking at are in the same area I want to get a job, and quite sought after, hence the need for references.

I was worried about this when I started for looking jobs again but I used this website called DYWAJ (one of those CV uploading things!) and explained to them my situation. They were able to find me interviews despite this, meaning I was able to find the job I'm currently in! Maybe give it a try - no harm I suppose