Do you have to have job references?

Jonathan Schlussel: You don't have to have job references. If this is your first job, you wouldn't have any. However, if you don't list any job references, your potential employer will likely ask you why and you should be prepared with a good answer. I have always listed job references, so I can't answer your question as to whether or not anyone has been turned down for not having any. Companies often call the job references, but depending on which state you live in, the person being called may be restricted in what they can say about you. In general, if they say bad things about you, you may have the right to sue them. Therefore, many calls for job references end up being a confirmation that you worked there, what position you held, how long you held the position -- very generic stuff.The reference section is not always just for job references. You may be able to list personal references instead -- folks who know you but that you did not work for or with. If you ! are more comfortable listing personal references instead of employer references and the application does not specifically ask for references from previous employers, list personal references instead.Good luck....Show more