Finding a job without experience can seem like a daunting task. Many recruiters require references. That's why it's essential to know how to get references without having worked before.

Even if you haven't had a formal job, you can demonstrate responsibility and commitment. References can come from other positions where you've already demonstrated valuable skills.

In this article, you'll discover practical strategies, valid types of references, and common mistakes to avoid. All geared toward helping you get references without having worked.

With the right recommendations, your application can be seen in a different light. We'll show you how to achieve this in a way that's authentic, honest, and tailored to your personal story.

A reference is someone's opinion of your behavior, skills, or attitude. It can make all the difference when competing for a position against more experienced candidates.

Having references shows that you're a reliable person with potential. Even without experience, you can build trust if someone supports your approach and your learning curve.

Asking for references doesn't always require previous experience. You can use real connections who can vouch for your ethics, commitment, or performance in volunteer or student activities.

Knowing how to get references without having worked allows you to compete with other, better-prepared candidates. It's a way to transform your personal environment into a useful work tool.

Before you think about faking or exaggerating your experience, focus on real options. If you're looking for ways to get references without having worked, these are valid alternatives:

📌 AcademicsTeachers or tutors can talk about your responsibility, punctuality, and performance in class. Ideal if you recently graduated or are still in training.

📌 PersonalTrustworthy people who can support your attitude, values, and maturity. Helpful if you've worked from home or supported your family.

📌 Community: Members of organizations, neighbors, or those responsible for volunteer activities who know your commitment and ability to work in a group.

📌 Volunteering: Coordinators or partners in charitable actions. They demonstrate initiative, empathy, and social responsibility, even without a formal employment relationship.

📌 From school or university projectsIf you led or collaborated on group projects, you can ask them to mention your proactivity, leadership, or applied technical skills.

📌 Unpaid internshipsIf you helped with a family business, venture, or informal activity, ask someone to certify your efforts and learning there.

📌 From coaches or instructorsIn sports or artistic contexts, these people can speak to your discipline, teamwork, and consistency in training.

Before asking for a reference, consider who knows your approach, your ethics, your perseverance, or your collaboration on a task you've performed with commitment.

People with whom you've worked academically, volunteered, or participated in personal projects can be excellent options to speak highly of you.

Avoid asking immediate family members for references. Prioritize neutral figures who can offer an objective and professional perspective on your conduct or abilities.

Don't underestimate settings like workshops, community activities, extracurricular activities, or religious spaces. It's also possible there. get references without having worked formally.

Although it may seem difficult to get references without having worked, there are honest and effective ways to do so. Below, we present 10 practical and concrete strategies for applying them successfully.

Each of these ideas can help you stand out, especially if you combine them with a clear presentation of your profile and a proactive attitude throughout the entire process.

Many professors are willing to provide references to responsible former students. If you were actively involved in class or a project, it's worth asking for their recommendation.

Be sure to explain what type of job you're seeking. This allows the professor to focus their testimonial on your skills most relevant to the current position.

If you've collaborated with NGOs, parishes, or community campaigns, you can ask for references from those who coordinated those activities. Your involvement there also reflects your professional profile.

Let them know which company you're applying for. This way, they can personalize their comments to make you stand out and help you get referrals without having worked formally.

If you've played a sport consistently, your coach can talk about your discipline, effort, and teamwork. These qualities are highly valued in any job.

A brief but sincere testimonial from someone who has witnessed your growth can make a huge difference in your favor during an interview or initial screening to obtain references without having worked.

Have you participated in any youth, music, or theater groups? The person who led that activity can offer valuable feedback on your attitude, creativity, and responsibility.

These references also demonstrate your social skills and adaptability, which can help you secure references without having worked before.

If you did internships in high school, science fairs, or entrepreneurship programs, you can ask the people in charge for references. Even if it was short, count.

Explain how you'd like to be described professionally. This isn't manipulative, but rather helps focus the recommendation in a more helpful and direct way.

Did you record a podcast, manage a group network, or host local events? Someone saw you in action. Ask them to share what it was like working with you.

These experiences can also help you get references without having worked formally, because they reflect commitment and transferable skills to the workplace.

Even if you don't have any experience, you can ask people close to you to comment on your skills. These public recommendations strengthen your profile and add credibility.

Even a brief comment can highlight your attitude and be visible to recruiters. Many begin browsing profiles there before scheduling interviews.

Sometimes, a peer who has worked with you on school projects can speak to your collaborative skills. It's a different, but valid, way to gain support.

The important thing is that this person can share a concrete example of your performance. That way, even without experience, the testimony will seem solid and realistic.

Many events offer free orientation. If you actively participate, you can ask the advisors to endorse your interest, participation, and progress during the activities.

This gives you visibility, brings you closer to professional networks, and helps you get references without having worked in a company if you don't yet have experience.

Helping out at a local shop, art studio, or community organization can open doors and generate direct referrals from those who have seen your work.

Even if it's not a job, it's real experience. This can become a useful testimonial that strengthens your profile with future employers.

Getting good references is just one part of the process. The next step is preparing a clear, well-written resume that conveys your best qualities.

To do this, we recommend reading our article on how to create your CV from scratch. It will help you present your skills more convincingly.

Even without formal experience, you can create an attractive and professional application. The important thing is to be clear, honest, and present a well-structured presentation.

Click below and learn how to build your resume quickly, effectively, and without errors that could hinder your opportunities.