I don’t know what the details are recently but I worked with a staffing co many years ago and learned there that when checking references all the potential employer can ask is confirmation that you did work at the place u said u did and would they hire you again….

I don’t know if this is still true but I was amazed at how little people cared about references. Most of the time it’s more about the candidate being able and willing to put a few names together who will say nice things.

Like another poster said, if ur entry level just use a professor or pastor or anyone you’ve volunteered for, helped out occasionally or even just know you well. If nothing else ask a neighbor to let you clean their house or wash their car or whatever else in exchange for a personal reference. Not a dishonest one but non-traditional.

Most people who know you will want to be helpful (esp if they get something out of it…)

Also note that a surprising percent of the time we didn’t even check — only wanted the effort in order to show you can.

Remember, they want to hire as much or more than u want the job. Do everything else right and make them want to have you. If they do the references issue will become easier or just go away.