Without work history, good referees include teachers, coaches, sports club managers, volunteer coordinators or community leaders who know your reliability and attitude. Always ask permission first and give them a heads up about the role so their answers line up with your application.
What is a good referee if you've never had a job?
A good referee is anyone in a position of some authority who has watched you show up, follow through and deal with people, even if it was never paid work. Employers mostly want to know you are reliable, coachable and honest, and a teacher, coach or volunteer coordinator can speak to all three just as well as a manager could.
Who should I actually ask?
Think about anyone who has supervised you in any setting, not just paid ones. The goal is someone who can talk about your character with specific examples, not just confirm your name and dates.
- A form teacher, dean or subject teacher who knows your work habits
- A sports coach or team manager
- A volunteer coordinator from a marae, church, food bank or op shop
- A youth group or scout leader
- A manager from casual babysitting, lawn mowing or odd jobs, even informal ones
- A family friend who has employed you informally, if there is no one else
Avoid listing family members as referees. Employers generally discount them because they are assumed to be biased, and it can look like you could not find anyone else.
How do I ask someone to be my referee?
Ask directly and specifically rather than assuming. Message or call and say something like, I am applying for a customer service role at a supermarket, would you be comfortable being a referee and talking about my reliability and communication.
Give them the job title, the company name and a short reminder of things you did that relate to the role. If you helped run a school event, organised a roster, or handled money at a sausage sizzle, mention it. That way their answers back you up instead of contradicting what you have written.
What should I tell my referee before an employer calls?
Let them know roughly when they might be contacted and by whom, so a random number does not catch them off guard. Send a short summary of the role and one or two things you would love them to mention if it comes up naturally, like punctuality or how you handled a tricky situation.
It is also fair to check in afterwards and thank them, regardless of the outcome. Good referees are worth keeping onside for your next application too.
Key takeaways
- Referees do not need to be paid employers, teachers, coaches and volunteer coordinators all count
- Always ask permission before listing someone, and tell them about the specific role
- Give referees a short reminder of relevant things you have done so their story matches yours
- Avoid using family members as referees where possible
- A CV and cover letter that clearly explain your situation make referee conversations easier for everyone
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a teacher as a referee if I left school last year?
Yes. Teachers are commonly used as referees for first jobs, especially by school leavers, and most are happy to help a former student they knew well. Ask early since teachers get busy and may need reminding closer to results season.
How many referees do I need for a first job in NZ?
Two is usually enough for an entry-level role. Some employers ask for referee details only after an interview, so you do not always need them listed on the CV itself.
What if I genuinely have no one to ask?
Think laterally, a neighbour you have helped regularly, a marae or church leader, or someone who has seen you volunteer counts. If you are truly stuck, be upfront with the employer that you are just starting out and offer character references instead.
Should I include a referee's phone number and email on my CV?
Include both if the referee agrees, since it makes it easy for an employer to reach them quickly. Always double check the details are current before you submit your application.
Getting your CV and referee details lined up properly makes a real difference when you have little to show on paper. Try the free CV + Cover Letter Writer to pull it all together in minutes.