Sourcing References for First Job?

[jsd]

I was under the impression they specifically said the reference can not be familial. Forgive me if that is incorrect.

But if you use a familial reference and hide the fact that it's familial when they've stated you can't use them, then yes that's a lie. It's not a grey area type thing, it's just a lie.

[keepsingin]

Yes, they specifically don't want any familial references, so I wouldn't want to go that route. A friend agreed to be a reference, so it all works out. I originally asked the question on here looking for ideas of someone who wasn't a friend, more like an acquaintance. A sports contact is a good idea, except that I've moved and long lost contact with those folks. Thanks for weighing in!

The whole reference check thing is absolutely stupid. I think I read somewhere that it was only 20% accurate in predicting future job performance. Who is going to choose someone who is going to give them a bad reference?

I totally agree that this method of references is so outdated.

[Ideas]

I believe someone you volunteered under would be fine, even if they don't have some official record that you volunteered there.

[sanantone]

Yes, they specifically don't want any familial references, so I wouldn't want to go that route. A friend agreed to be a reference, so it all works out. I originally asked the question on here looking for ideas of someone who wasn't a friend, more like an acquaintance. A sports contact is a good idea, except that I've moved and long lost contact with those folks. Thanks for weighing in!

The whole reference check thing is absolutely stupid. I think I read somewhere that it was only 20% accurate in predicting future job performance. Who is going to choose someone who is going to give them a bad reference?

I totally agree that this method of references is so outdated.

Thanks for the clarification. Since familial references are not allowed, then it would be lying to list your mother under her maiden name.

A lot of internships are competitive. If they ask for two references and you only submit one, then your application will be thrown in the trash. They'll have plenty of other applicants to choose from. Even if the position is not competitive, your application could still end up in the trash because you've demonstrated that you can't follow directions and meet basic requirements.

[keepsingin]

Thanks for the clarification. Since familial references are not allowed, then it would be lying to list your mother under her maiden name.

A lot of internships are competitive. If they ask for two references and you only submit one, then your application will be thrown in the trash. They'll have plenty of other applicants to choose from. Even if the position is not competitive, your application could still end up in the trash because you've demonstrated that you can't follow directions and meet basic requirements.

Exactly; after I submitted the references, I received a reply immediately within two minutes with details for the 2nd interview. Especially for an internship, it makes sense that the references are more about meeting specifications and following directions.

[Sacricolist]

The initial post did not state specifically that a family member could not be a reference. The issue seemed to be the poster's mom was also his home school administrator. My response was a way for his mom to be a reference as an educator and not as a mom. Just because she serves two roles does not automatically invalidate her input. This is more of an unusual situation due to the homeschooling issue; which does not fit the usual scenarios when seeking input from an academic source.

[teacher2]

keepsingin, Glad to hear the issue was resolved and you have your second interview. I ran into the same situation when I first applied for a job as my mom home-schooled as well, my pastor was my dad, and my job experience for 4 years was mainly working on our family farm. I lived so far and remote from any cities that volunteer opportunities were nonexistent at the time. I had no choice but to reference my family in my first resume. There was no restrictions about not doing so and I know that it is best not to use family members for references. I did get the job and now have more connections than I did but I completely understand how hard the whole reference deal can be for homeschoolers sometimes!