Help! How do I find a job without any references or much experience?

Question

I really want to work, and think I would be of great value if someone just gave me a chance.

I’ve never had a job, and I don’t think I have any referees from the study or volunteering I’ve done. Or at least, I am too shy to ask anyone.

Please don’t tell me to just get the courage to find a referee from my past life experiences. :(

I’m getting older now, (in my early 20’s) and feel like I’ve isolated myself from the real world for the last few years of my life. I haven't really accomplished anything, but I have so many goals.

So.. my other questions are...

What sort of jobs should I be looking for mostly?

And in which fields are employers most forgiving about these things?

Thanks for any advice, or encouragement. :)

Answer 1

If you enjoy the outdoors, maybe try applying to a Plant Nursery? Then you could get some experience with different areas, such as cashier work, tending to plants, etc. Nursery's seem as though they would be nice and open-minded. Otherwise give cafe work/waitressing a shot. I work in a cafe, and we don't really mind if people have no references, or little experience, we just look for somebody who is willing to work, and is reliable. You mentioned you volunteered, this always looks wonderful!

Don't be disheartened, looking for work is difficult! Otherwise, try and pick up some Christmas/Holiday work at a large store, such as at the cinema, a department store, etc. These start to have large intakes at this time of the year, and even if you do not stay on, it is good experience to fill your resume. You can usually apply for these over the internet as well :) Good luck!  

Answer 2

you can use teachers or family friends if you really need to. or coaches or something like that. You need to find a job like where you can start from the bottom and dont need much experience. like a cashier or a bagger at a grocery store. or a bus girl or hostess in a restaurant. goto your local mall or what not and apply at some of the stores you'd be interested in working in, you really dont need much experience to work in retail as a sales associate or in the stock room. Ask your family if they know of anyone who owns their own business or is a manager somewhere that would be willing to hire you. Its easy, you just gotta get out there and apply, apply, apply!!!! Make sure when you go to apply for a job you bring your own pen with you to fill out the application-it looks bad if you ask them for a pen, you want to look prepared!!!!

GOOD LUCK!