How important are references when interviewing for a job?

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    Topic
  • #195552
    Ganondorf
    Participant

    I am an extremely introverted person, so I do not really talk to people much. As a consequence, I do not really know anyone well enough for them to give me a reference. I have not had many employers ask me for references though, but I am not sure how bad it is to tell them I do not have have any. When they ask me, I say something like, “Outside of family, I don’t know anyone well enough to ask them to provide me with a reference.” The employer usually just says something vague like, “Okay.” How bad is that? Is it hurting my chances of getting the job? This is for entry-level positions straight out of college by the way, so I am hoping my lack of references does not matter as much as it would for higher level positions.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 19 total)
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  • #682639
    vvSPAZvv
    Participant

    References can be a determining factor if you do not have a strong interview or your resume is lacking. Do you have any professors from college that would be willing to speak on behalf of you? You could always suggest them.

    It may or may not hurt you depending on where you are applying and what the position entails. If the position requires a lot of teamwork and communication skills (ie: assurance or advisory), that response may hurt you.

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    #682640
    Ganondorf
    Participant

    I was not friendly with any of my professors. I would say hello to them if they said hello to me first, but I never actually struck up an actual conversation with any of them. I was the type of student who would always sit in the back row and never say anything hoping that I would disappear and not be noticed. My grades were good. I had a 3.4 GPA in my accounting courses. I just really do not like socializing.

    As for what positions I am applying for, I am applying for AP/AR and junior staff accountant roles in private industry. I am staying away from public because I do not think that would fit my introverted nature at all.

    #682641
    Missy
    Participant

    I think you are overestimating what they are looking for from references. Nobody needs to know you well enough to speak on your behalf, they only want from the references do you do what you're asked to do, when you're asked to do it, without making the people around you miserable. It is literally a 3 minute call, not an in depth conversation about your personality

    References likely matter more at this point in your career. If someone is further along in their career and has extensive experiences references are less relevant because the fact you held onto your last job for 14 years tells them you're someone worth having on board.

    I certainly wouldn't ever TELL an employer you have no references. Frankly yes that will hurt you. If the professors can say you turned in your work on time, and never gave them grief, that's all you need.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

    Finance manager/HR manager

     

     

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

    #682642
    242126
    Participant

    Any friends you can use for reference? A reference does not necessarily have to be a coworker, old boss, professor etc….

    #682643
    Ganondorf
    Participant

    @mla11692

    Thanks for the info, but honestly I would be surprised if any of my professors even remember my name. I could imagine the employer calling them up and the professor being like, “Who?”

    @24126

    No, I have no friends. Yes, I really am that introverted.

    #682644
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    That is the worst answer to that question possible. Even if references are not important to that company and they are just asking as part of policy, that answer would almost guarantee you will not get an offer IMO.

    #682645
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    If you are on Another71, you shouldn't look for AP/AR position unless you really need the money or experience. I think most entry level jobs don't need references, but it would hurt your future career for having nope.

    I agree with Anonny that your reply is not a good answer. You are better off telling them with just a “no”.

    #682646
    greg2015
    Member

    What about any non-accounting jobs you've held–any supervisors or co-workers who could speak of you?

    If not, like others have mentioned, a professor would be a good reference. Don't just list the professor as a reference without contacting him/her. You could email them, and say something along the lines of, “You might recall that I was a student in your Accounting 101 course last spring. I am currently applying for a position with XYZ Company and was wondering if you would consider being a reference for me, should the employer wish to contact references. I feel that my performance in your class would be relevant to this position, and as the professor, you could provide the employer with relevant insight. The position involves [duties of position] and am excited about it because [describe]. I appreciate your time and consideration. If you have any questions, please contact me.”

    Don't worry about whether they remember you or not. They have so many students, they can't remember everyone. The worst they can say is “no.”

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    #682647
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Email a couple of your professors from senior year. Tell them how much you enjoyed their class etc. and ask them if they would be willing to be a reference for you. The worst thing that will happen is that they will say no. Even if you were super quiet, I would bet that they would just google you and then remember oh yeah, Ganondorf was that quiet kid in the back that never gave me any trouble.

    Did you work part time at all? Reach out to your supervisor and ask if they will be a reference. You don't need to be their friend. As long as you showed up on time and got your job done, that's all you need.

    The absolute worst thing you can say is that you don't have any references. That will not go over well.

    #682648
    Missy
    Participant

    You'd be surprised if you ask someone to be a reference for you. Even in a non accounting or retail job.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

    Finance manager/HR manager

     

     

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

    #682649
    fuzyfro89
    Participant

    Lesson learned: never tell the truth. Tell employers what they want to hear.

    No references? Find a homeless man. Pay him/her $5 and tell him there's another $50 coming if he answers a call on his iphone and gives a glowing review about you.

    #682650
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Have you ever considered coding? You never have to speak w a single person and can make a good living. Just learn to code. Thank me later.

    #682651
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    haha i think fuzyfro89 just solved your problem

    #682652
    Ganondorf
    Participant

    @CPAlcoholic

    I am not sure what coding is, but a brief google search shows it is a medical career. Is that something you could do with an accounting degree?

    #682653
    fuzyfro89
    Participant

    In all seriousness, that was not a smart thing to say. Most employers are not looking for the best candidate… they just don't want to hire the worst one. Risk management 101. The reward for hiring an all star is lower than the penalty for hiring a moron… so they tend to err on the side of caution.

    The short answer is you need to create references if you find yourself asked for them on occasion. Given that you are an entry level candidate, it may not be very in depth. A professor, fellow student in university, personal friend, or anyone else who can at least give a quick attestation on you.

    Depending on the person's relationship, they may get different questions. A professor would get questions related to your school work. A former supervisor would get something related to you in a work environment. A friend or someone may get something different. They obviously won't know everything. My former supervisors don't necessarily know everything about my personal life…

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