References

[americaandnorway 3]

I have got my Green Card and my US Social Security Number and now I need to apply for a job.

I need advice in how to apply for a job when I don't have any references to show for an eventual interview.

Thanks in advance.

[Bec_Dipu 103]

While you are job-searching, have you considered volunteering? This way you could build relationships with people who can attest to your work ethic without having actually "worked".

If you're interested in some kind of office work, you could also try temping first through a placement agency. These agencies will get to know you through interviews and tests and may not require US references, giving you time to build them through your temping career.

The higher up you are expecting to work in your field, the more important references will be. Many employers at large international companies will not have a problem contacting your previous employers for references. Depending on the job level, professional references are not always necessary as that would disqualify people who have never worked before and everyone has to start somewhere.

You may also be able to include personal references as opposed to professional ones. So if you've made some friends while you've been here, you can list them (with their permission of course).

It should be noted that most HR people will tell you not to provide references when applying or submitting resumes unless specifically requested; they will let you know during the hiring process when and if they need them.

Good luck!

[americaandnorway 3]

While you are job-searching, have you considered volunteering? This way you could build relationships with people who can attest to your work ethic without having actually "worked".

If you're interested in some kind of office work, you could also try temping first through a placement agency. These agencies will get to know you through interviews and tests and may not require US references, giving you time to build them through your temping career.

The higher up you are expecting to work in your field, the more important references will be. Many employers at large international companies will not have a problem contacting your previous employers for references. Depending on the job level, professional references are not always necessary as that would disqualify people who have never worked before and everyone has to start somewhere.

You may also be able to include personal references as opposed to professional ones. So if you've made some friends while you've been here, you can list them (with their permission of course).

It should be noted that most HR people will tell you not to provide references when applying or submitting resumes unless specifically requested; they will let you know during the hiring process when and if they need them.

Good luck!

Thanks for your helpful answer.

[catracha85 6]

It should be noted that most HR people will tell you not to provide references when applying or submitting resumes unless specifically requested; they will let you know during the hiring process when and if they need them.

[Nica_In_Love 98]

It should be noted that most HR people will tell you not to provide references when applying or submitting resumes unless specifically requested; they will let you know during the hiring process when and if they need them.

+1

I applied for numerous jobs at the beginning of the year and only a few of them requested references. When they did, I included 3 professional references that worked with me in Nicaragua, one of them was actually my supervisor. So, if they request references, I would suggest to include professional references from your previous job(s) in your home country Nowadays, the internet makes it easy to communicate - include their e-mails.

Good luck!

[Bec_Dipu 103]

I just thought of something else you could try. Join LinkedIn.com. It's a social networking site for professional purposes where you can list your job history and resume. You can also connect to previous and current coworkers and they can post recommendations of your work. You can network with people in your industry and you can post updates on your work situation or things that you are doing to better yourself (attending business seminars, reading books, starting discussion topics). I've read that many HR recruiters look applicants up on this site to make sure what they are saying in their resume jives with what they are posting and to see what others have said about them.

[ine 1]

Thanks, usefull info here

[jjbandero 39]

One more thing to consider, I've noticed that the resumes here in the US differ slightly from what I've been used to in Australia, you might want to review the recommended templates posted by the major US job search sites e.g. Monster and tailor yours to suit. It will make it easier on the recruiters

Best of luck

[VanessaTony 3,567]

One more thing to consider, I've noticed that the resumes here in the US differ slightly from what I've been used to in Australia, you might want to review the recommended templates posted by the major US job search sites e.g. Monster and tailor yours to suit. It will make it easier on the recruiters

Best of luck

I haven't really noticed any differences that would have me alter my resume (except to remove Referees). Can you expand on what you think the differences are?