I Need References?

I currently have a part time job but I am wanting and needing to get another one. I would love to work at one of the little bookstores in my town but am slightly nervous to go in and ask if they need or would like to hire me. Anyway that got me thinking while I was doing my yoga just now about updating my resume so I have something to give the owner. I then started thinking about references and how some jobs require them and some do not. I have always gone for the ones that do not require references simply because I do not feel like I know enough people (non family) that I feel comfortable enough to be my reference. I also have this weird feeling that it is not something people like to be asked to do. I know that is probably false and it is probably not as inconvenient to them as I think but it still makes me nervous. It also makes me feel like I am using our friendship in a weird sort of way. Now I know non of those things are probably true. Just anxiety things! LOL!

When I was job searching for an eternity (four months) I would occasionally see a job posting that I thought I may be qualified for and would start the application but when I ran into the section for references, I will be honest, I backed out. I was so afraid of asking those (few) people that I know if they would be willing to maybe or maybe not speak to a potential employer about how wonderful and reliable I am! I also think secretly that I am afraid they do not think that highly of me to sing my praises. In doing so, or rather not doing so, I feel as though I have barred myself from certain opportunities.

I understand the basis of references and why they could be important but haven’t employers heard of liars? What if I am a terrible person but the people I put down as references are willing to lie for me and tell them I am just the opposite? Personally I would love, for the sake of my anxiety, of we could do away with references being a requirement. Okay maybe not…I don’t know. I see their value and importance but I also see how they could be unreliable. Also, can’t they see how requiring references can stress some of us more anxious folks out?

This has been quite a random thought…oh yoga thoughts. My mind does wander.

What are your thoughts on the current systems of the employment seeking processes? Let me know in the comments and leave a like if you enjoyed this post! Check out my other posts here: Welcome to My Blog and come back every Tuesday and Wednesday for something new and probably random!

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