References when you have no work experience

A reference is a person who can tell an employer what you are like. Are you on time? Do you work hard? Are you kind to people? The employer may call or email your references before offering you a job.

Job Bank says an employer asks for references only when it is seriously considering hiring you (Job Bank). So when someone asks for your references, that's a good sign.

You may think you have no references because you have never had a job. But you probably know several adults who have seen you work, learn, and help others. This guide shows you who to ask and how.

Who can be a reference

WorkBC describes good references as former supervisors or colleagues who can confirm your skills and speak about the quality of your work (WorkBC). When you don't have a work supervisor yet, choose people who have seen you in a similar role.

Good choices:

A teacher, school counsellor, or club advisor who knows your effort and attendance
A coach who has seen you show up, practise, and work as part of a team
A volunteer supervisor or coordinator. Ontario's government notes that volunteer supervisors can be strong references (Ontario).
Someone you did informal work for, such as a family you babysat for or a neighbour whose lawn you mowed
A leader at a community centre, youth program, or place of worship who has seen you help out
For newcomers: a supervisor from a job in your home country (an employer can often reach them by email), or an instructor from your English classes

Who to avoid:

Family members. An employer wants someone who can judge you fairly, and a relative can't.
Friends your own age.
Someone who hardly knows you, or who hasn't seen you in years.

Aim for two or three references. Choose people who will say good things and who answer their phone or email.

Ask permission first

Always ask before you give someone's name. WorkBC reminds job seekers to contact their references for permission beforehand (WorkBC). Nobody likes a surprise call about someone they barely remember.

Ask in person if you can, or send a short message. For example:

Hi Ms. (Name), I'm applying for part-time jobs at grocery stores and cafés. You were my volunteer coordinator at (organization) from (month) to (month). Would you be comfortable being a reference for me? An employer might call or email you in the next few weeks. Thank you for considering it.

Make it easy for them to say no. If they hesitate, thank them and ask someone else. A lukewarm reference can hurt more than it helps.

Help them prepare

Your references want to help you. Make it easy for them:

Tell them what jobs you are applying for, like cashier, barista, or stocking shelves.
Remind them what you did together. Give the dates, your tasks, and something you did well. For example: "I was the one who organized the snack table at every tournament."
Send them your resume. It helps them remember details.
Confirm the best way to reach them, and the times they are usually free.
Give them a heads-up. When you pass their name to an employer, send a quick message: "(Store name) might call you this week about a cashier job."

Employers often ask references questions like these:

How do you know this person, and for how long?
Were they reliable and on time?
How did they get along with others?
How did they handle a busy or stressful moment?
Would you trust them with customers or money?

Make a simple reference list

Keep your references on a separate page, not on your resume. Job Bank says to keep references on a separate sheet and share them only when an employer asks (Job Bank).

Put your name and contact details at the top, the same way as on your resume. Then, for each reference, list:

Their full name
Their role, such as "Teacher" or "Volunteer Coordinator"
The organization or school
How they know you, in one line
Their phone number and email address

Here is an example. Replace every part with real information.

References for (Your Name)

(Reference name), Volunteer Coordinator, (food bank name)

Supervised my Saturday volunteer shifts from September 2025 to June 2026

(phone number) · (email address)

(Reference name), Teacher and Basketball Coach, (school name)

My Grade 11 English teacher and my basketball coach for two seasons

(phone number) · (email address)

Bring a printed copy to interviews. Some online applications also ask for references, so keep the details handy.

Your references trust you with their phone numbers and emails. Share them only with employers you are applying to.

Reference letters

Some people may offer to write a short letter about you instead. Ontario's government notes that you can ask a volunteer supervisor to be a reference or to write a reference letter (Ontario).

A letter is useful when a reference is moving away or is hard to reach. Keep a copy, and still list the person's phone or email if they agree. Many employers prefer to talk to a reference directly.

Build references as you go

Volunteer regularly. One weekly shift for a few months gives a supervisor time to know you. See Volunteering to build experience and references.
Take part at school. Join a team, club, or student council. Help a teacher with an event.
Leave every role on good terms. After your first job, your supervisor becomes your best reference. Our guide on quitting or being let go explains how to leave well.
Say thank you. Tell your references when you get a job. They will be glad to hear it, and happy to help again.

Next steps

Keep references off your resume: Writing your first resume with no work experience
Bring your list to Your first job interview
Find entry-level jobs in Metro Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area