I have a unique problem????

Question

I have a problem with finding references that suit the job I am applying for. I just applied for a position as a Career Counsellor for Youth. I work with people who are injuried on the job and get retrained for new jobs. I counsel them and help them find new job etc. The new job I applied for is similiar except it is Youth. I have no references for working with youth except being in Korea and teaching children age 11 &12 for future jobs ,but htey were not high school drop-outs etc.
Who would make a good reference????I have friends who got into trouble here and there and are Immigrants from troubled countries , would they be ok???
The job is a good job and I am certain it will require 3 references that they will call.
My current job is Instructor for Disabled Adults in a retraining and upgrading program for ESL and Math.I work on an independent contract so I guess Iam self-employed.

Answer 1

OK. The best references are people who are successful or well known business people, preferably in the industry. If you cannot find people in the industry (i.e. teaching or HR) then you can use former employers, former instructors (college professors), clergy from your church, leaders from your community groups, friends of your family, preferably older and well established. If all else fails, you can use friends as references. If you have clients that you have assisted or others who can attest to the quality of your work and they would be willing to be references, then you can use them.

If you don't have three references, but have 1 or 2, then just give what you've got and ask if they would like to speak with some former clients/friends that you have helped, too as other references.

Its OK to tell the prospective employer that you weren't sure who to list as a reference for this job and if they have any suggestions of who they would like to speak with considering it may be difficult to contact anyone in Korea.

Answer 2

Use the good references you do have. Showing experience working with children (like you did in Korea) is very impressive. References is for your character and dedication. Experience is where you can show whatever you have done in the past working with kids (on your resume and cover letter-briefly). Be open and honest and you will get the job! Good Luck.
P.s. you mention you are and independent contractor of sorts. Still there are the places you work and the people you see, there must be some professional contacts along the way that you can use.

Answer 3

I would use the reference from working with the children in Korea and I would also use my current position as a reference....then I would include people who knew me well, who knew the quality person I am as far as character and integrity.....working with youth requires people who hold high standards and live by them.

Answer 4

You can still ask them for character references ,they also understand the way you work,so they can still give a detailed description.English As a Second Language ESL these days is valuble which ever job you go to because you are bound to come across different cultures,it can be utilised wherever you go.

Answer 5

well, I think that even if you don't have a contact with the job you are seeking I think that your references for the jobs you had would still be acceptable. It would should you are a compasionate person, works with other, etc...

Good luck