Who do I ask to be a reference when I have no work experience?
I've got my resume ready, created a LinkedIn profile and am ready to get my first job as a high school student looking for a summer internship. Who do you recommend I should ask? #summer-jobs #recruiter #work-experience #references #student-interns #job-application
7 answers
Genevieve Cawthorn
Genevieve’s Answer
Providing references can be hard when you don't have any work experience. If you don't have work references, the next best thing is academic references. Try asking any teachers you have a good relationship with, did well in their class, etc. If you volunteer or are involved with any groups or organizations, ask leaders from those groups or organizations.
Alan’s Answer
Hi Olivea,
Genevieve offers great recommendations and to add on that, if you have a mentor or a coach from a sports team, they can also be good references. They can speak to your leadership, teamwork, and soft skill abilities.
I hope this helps,
Neha Jha’s Answer
Meghna’s Answer
As you start this new journey and do not have a professional experience, you can consider working with your teachers/counselors/coaches to provide references. As you get closer to the reference check stage, be sure to inform the references that someone will be contacting them so there is not any delay. Good luck!