If hiring managers want to evaluate your suitability for an available role or want reassurances that the claims that you make in your job applications and interviews are true, they’ll turn to the references listed on your resume. That sounds rather straightforward, but you’ll be stuck in a bit of a quandary.

You shouldn’t forgo the references section, especially if you’re asked to specify some in your job application, but you’re also a fresh graduate or haven’t had a prior internship. Who can you name as references in your job applications or resume for your first job? You have no professional contacts to turn to!

Fortunately, most employers will take into account that you’re straight out of university and applying for your first job. As such, they’ll accept a mix of references who are both inside, as well as outside, the professional circle. With that in mind, here are some references you can use in your resume.

Here are other references you can use instead:

1. Your (favourite) professor

Professors are considered professional references, so this will very likely be your first professional reference in your resume! Just be sure to choose a professor who knows you well and has seen you prove your skills and qualifications (even though it was in an academic setting). This could be your research supervisor whom you worked closely with when writing your final-year thesis, or even a professor whom you attended regular meetings with to get career advice.

As this is an obvious choice for most graduates, professors are used to being listed and they’ll likely allow themselves to be references in your job application. But keep in mind to act fast while your professor’s impression of you is still fresh on their mind!

2. A past leader

If you worked under the leadership of a classmate for a group project, or a leader in a school society or student club, you can use them as references too!

A previous leader who managed you directly and outside the context of the classroom is an ideal reference as they can attest to your soft skills. Employers greatly value soft skills as these will showcase your ability to deal with real-world problems and situations, such as working with difficult clients or with co-workers of different personalities.

3. A member of a group you’ve led

Any evidence or experience that showcases your intellect and leadership abilities is good to mention during your job application and interview, so you may want to also include a reference to back it up. This reference could be a member of a committee you headed, or someone from a team you led for an extracurricular activity.

So, don’t be afraid to call, or email, your former team member and explain why you need them as a reference, and see if they’re willing to be listed as a reference!

Other things to consider

When coming up with a list of references for your job application, you need to be sure that the people you include have good things to say about you. On top of that, you should also ensure that these people know you well enough to say sufficient things about you!

For instance, if your recruiter decides to call up your reference to get a deeper insight about you, and your reference winds up saying, “I don’t know this person well enough to say more”, your recruiter may just think that you didn’t leave a strong enough impression with this person and write you off as not achieving anything memorable.

These tips on how to build your list of references will help you set the stage if employers look to your references. After all, although your qualifications, skills, resume and cover letter can play an important role in landing your first job, your references can complete the picture. Obviously, if you’ve worked as an intern before, include your supervisor as a reference instead. But this isn’t where it ends, though! Thank your references if they agree to be listed, and offer to be listed as one of their references in the future. Also, be sure to keep your references in the loop and keep them updated on your job search status!