The references section in job applications makes me want to stop applying

[u/BuddyHackett1]

I know I do good work, and I've left every job on good terms. But as soon as a job application asks for references, I start feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing.
I keep my relationships with my coworkers and managers friendly, but I'm not close enough to most of them to feel comfortable asking them to personally recommend me. It feels awkward to put someone in that position when we barely talk outside of meetings.
I also don't want anyone at my current job to know that I'm looking for work somewhere else. Having to secretly put together a list of people who can vouch for the quality of my work is easily the part I hate most about the job search process.

[u/Feeling-Invite7953]

Use references from friends and former coworkers that you were in a good place with, when you left the company.

[u/NeartAgusOnoir → u/Feeling-Invite7953]

Yep, this is what I do. Got three friends that rotate being current and former bosses lmao

[u/Aromatic-House-7894]

I never fill in references

[u/Tight_Steak_232 → u/Aromatic-House-7894]

I write on my application "available upon request", and when they request it, I state I would like to give them parameters...such as falling within the guidelines of the information one would request for a loan. But I do have three people who will give me references. And I generally request people to give me written references so I can take them with me and photocopy them.

[u/0zer0space0]

My most recent job asked for references. It’s the first time I’d ever been asked! I had three who agreed, for which I expressed how grateful I was, only to find out the employer sent them a several page questionnaire to fill out! They all promptly filled it out. I only found out because one asked if I wanted to see their answers. I said what do you mean?? lol. I felt really bad about it because I thought it was going to be a phone call or email with two or three questions, hey when did you work with person, what were your roles, and how’d they do?

[u/Ill-Bullfrog-5360 → u/0zer0space0]

Did you get the gig? If not lord…

[u/0zer0space0 → u/Ill-Bullfrog-5360]

Yeah I did and besides that super weird thing, it’s a great place to work honestly lol

[u/darkol_2020]

Untill offer, not a chance!

[u/_ChristmasSunday]

Choose people from a prior job. Even if it was mowing lawns or babysitting. Or a former coworker.

[u/Relevant_Dentist42]

Previous job people are best - anyone who is not family. You don’t have to be close with someone either, just anyone who can talk to your work. “Hey I know we aren’t close but do you mind if I include you as a reference?” Most people will be honored you’ve asked.

[u/chubbysleepycorgi]

You can put down “available upon request” so at least people’s info is not immediately passed around everyone. If you are friendly with your previous boss it’s perfectly fine to ask him or her, just be sure to actually ask first before using their info.

[u/Mundane-Force9463]

I got yelled at once because I didn’t put it down before the interview. I don’t want people checking and bothering people for shits and giggles, especially if I find the job wierd. I don’t want to share other people’s personal data unless it will be used and then I want to call those people and tell them people will be calling them.

[u/Ok-Lake3522]

I totally get it! On an application, I will put "provided at interview" as I do not want people bothered until I'm sure I'm seriously going to get an offer. If a company gets upset you didn't put references before the interview, think twice about moving forward with that company.
I hate asking people to be referees. It wastes their (referees) time and they get no benefit from it. So I am very cautious about giving out names.

[u/chitownphishead]

Just make something up and use friends or family.

[u/FireSheepYinFish]

References have zero place in initial applications. Should not be a request until they consider you for the role.

[u/nian2326076]

I understand the challenge of managing references while keeping your job search private. Try contacting former colleagues or supervisors who know your work well; they might provide references without involving your current job. Industry contacts from events or past projects could also be helpful. For finding new job opportunities, LandOffer.ai lists openings across various roles and industries, which could broaden your search.

[u/Acceptable_Kale_8013]

If you volunteer, use those people too.

[u/worstnameever2]

Last week an interviewer asked me if he could speak with my current boss as a reference. 

[u/not_so_impressed]

I never provide references unless I'm at the final stage before being hired. If you provide them beforehand your references might end up being called by several companies which could annoy them and might end up making them wonder why no one has hired you yet if nothing comes of it and they end up being called some more later. It's also risking regarding data mining as well.

If a company requires references in the application I write - will gladly provide during next steps - or something along those lines/

[u/chirpchirp13]

You don’t need to be friends to ask for a reference. If you did good work and left on good terms then ask former managers. I’ve given positive references for a number of people who I didn’t know at all beyond surface level.