Do jobs actually call references?

Essentially, yes. While it’s true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, many do. The references you provide to employers may be contacted about your employment history, qualifications, and the skills that qualify you for the job.

Can a family friend be a reference?

Do not use recent acquaintances or anyone who doesn’t know you well. Don’t ask spouses or family members to provide you with a reference — the hiring manager will assume that your family has only positive things to say about you.

Can I use my boss as a reference?

It is perfectly acceptable to list them as your references instead, as they can speak about your transferable skills, the ones that are most related to the development jobs you will be pursuing. Selecting references takes care, planning, and communication.

How do I get a job without a reference?

Getting a job without a reference from your employer Look for jobs that don’t need a reference from your most recent manager. Some jobs accept references from other people you’ve worked with – like a different manager or someone you’ve worked for before. Try to choose someone you’ve worked with recently.