References?

[EJinCT]

Greetings all; new to the board, but not to the concept of "free-living".


I was just wondering.... How important is having references when applying for jobs in NH.

I pose this question because I lived out of a backpack for close to a decade and have recently begun to yearn to put down some roots. While that lifestyle was very rewarding and taught me more about "real life" than any schooling Ive received, it also has posed a hindrance when dealing with "the system".

In quite a few towns ( In AZ, CO, NM, CA.) that I've tried to gain employment in I was refused for not having any references. 

This is one of the greatest factors in deciding if I will consider moving to NH. ( if that makes any sense  )

[Dreepa]

Welcome to the boards.

Probably depends on the job.

I have worked some 'hi tech' jobs that never called my references.
I have worked some manual labor jobs that did.  (they just asked if I would show up every morning at 6am).

[Tom Sawyer]

The hurdle is the first job, after that you have a reference.

My experience with interviews is that if they like you and really need to fill the spot they often don't check references.

Also, I've got my foot in the door at places by working part-time or freelance and after a couple of months they take you on full time.

[Quantrill]

What field(s)?

Almost every auto shop in town is looking for people.  I don't know if they call references or not.  When I interviewed for my HVAC job it was very quick and easy.  They needed help, and asked when I could start.  No references or anything...

[Russell Kanning]

I don't think NH will be much different that other places in this regard. It is a nice place to live though.

[EJinCT]

Due to my lifestyle choices, the vast majority of my experience came from off the books employment, so that poses an additional challenge for me.

I've worked in Rest. kitchens and coffee houses, ( dishwashing, prep-cook) / landscaping / farming / gardening / live sound reinforcement / child-care / light industrial ( warehouse / stock / assembly-line / packing-shipping-receiving) the list goes on... I have little to no experience in service related positions, ( cashier, waiter, etc.)  or technical trades; though I can do minor plumbing/electrical work and am able to maintain a motor vehicle, but that is about it.

I've been consideriing getting a blue card ( armed guard ) in hopes of avoiding going back into  minimum wage, menial manual labor jobs; and am in the process of determining if it would be advantageous to get it while I'm still in CT. or wait until I move to wherever I decide to move to. From what I have read it seems like it would be much easier to obtain firearms licensing elsewhere.

I would very much like to get out of CT. a.s.a.p but I see little reason to move if I'm just going to get stuck in another dead-end job.

[eques]

Even if your list of jobs is non-traditional, surely you can find a former supervisor/client/co-worker that would be willing to provide a reference for you?  I'm pretty sure that the point of a reference is to more or less back up what you've told the interviewer.  It helps if they're "traditional" in some way, I suppose, but what's far more important is scoring on the interview.  References are a nice addition, but for most non-dead-end jobs, it's more important to demonstrate yourself during the interview process.

Oh, and if you already know all of this stuff, just ignore me. 

[EJinCT]

Is there some reason why these employers cannot give you a reference?

I am now living in CT. and all of those positions were "out west". Many of those employeers are no longer in business, are not situated in the same location, employ the same people as they once did and for most I just dont have the contact info. anymore. Besides, most employers, IME, who hire "off-the-books" prefer to keep that to themselves for obvious reasons.


James: I have been told flat-out on many occassions if I can't list references they won't grant or continue an interview. *shrugs*



Ah well, thanks for the help eveyone.

[JonM]

There's a place in Manchester that is still be hiring.  Murphystaproom.net

[eques]

I'm sorry to hear that, EJ... keep plugging away... it's as much about spreading your net as far and as wide as you can as it is with impressing those you snag.

[Lloyd Danforth]

Due to my lifestyle choices, the vast majority of my experience came from off the books employment, so that poses an additional challenge for me.

I've worked in Rest. kitchens and coffee houses, ( dishwashing, prep-cook) / landscaping / farming / gardening / live sound reinforcement / child-care / light industrial ( warehouse / stock / assembly-line / packing-shipping-receiving) the list goes on... I have little to no experience in service related positions, ( cashier, waiter, etc.)  or technical trades; though I can do minor plumbing/electrical work and am able to maintain a motor vehicle, but that is about it.

I've been consideriing getting a blue card ( armed guard ) in hopes of avoiding going back into  minimum wage, menial manual labor jobs; and am in the process of determining if it would be advantageous to get it while I'm still in CT. or wait until I move to wherever I decide to move to. From what I have read it seems like it would be much easier to obtain firearms licensing elsewhere.

I would very much like to get out of CT. a.s.a.p but I see little reason to move if I'm just going to get stuck in another dead-end job.

As long as you can support yourself you're better off with temporarily crappy job in NH amongst Porcs.  Networking among them might get you something better or a chance to learn something more lucrative.

[EJinCT]

Thanks James, but there is no reason to feel sorry for me. I made my bed and I am content to lie in it.

Lloyd, that is a possibility. I just may decide to sell off whatever I can't fit in my car and just go for it. That's what I did before deciding to go experience the country with only what I could carry on my back and not having more than a couple dollars in my pocket. After all that, I am still healthy and relatively free.  IME, anything that is worthwhile pursuing has it's challenges to conquer. Though I am a little hesitant after some of my mis-adventures.

I'm just impatient to get out of here and finally have a "home".

Insh'allah

[Quantrill]

Get here!   There are people renting out rooms to PORCs for very reasonable prices.  And there seem to be no shortage of trades represented by PORCs.  If ya wanna get in the HVAC biz talk to me or a couple other people on here. 

And I would definitely check out Murphy's Taproom if I were you.  That would probably be a great way to get your foot in the door.  The fancy jobs and big paychecks aren't going to make themselves appear, you have to make it happen. 

[aries]

its the same as everywhere else

if you network well then maybe you wont need references, or if youve just got experience

[EJinCT]

Get here!   There are people renting out rooms to PORCs for very reasonable prices.  And there seem to be no shortage of trades represented by PORCs.  If ya wanna get in the HVAC biz talk to me or a couple other people on here. 

And I would definitely check out Murphy's Taproom if I were you.  That would probably be a great way to get your foot in the door.  The fancy jobs and big paychecks aren't going to make themselves appear, you have to make it happen. 

*Chuckles* I'm trying....

I NEED to have personal space/privacy, so renting a room is out of the question. Though, that is a good possibilty for others who may be considering the logistics of a move.

Having a "fancy job/big paycheck" is not even a close second to having an enjoyable job. No amount of money ( for me at least) can replace that; the intangible aspects of life are vastly more important than materialistic concerns. My main concern would be to cover my cost of living.

I am actually not too concerned about finding employment, just being able to secure it is where I see a possible difficulty.



Thanks for the input so far; I'm sure I will find a way sooner or later.