References?

I'm not job searching yet as I am still on the fiance visa but I will be soon and I am really worried about references. I don't really have any. I mean, the last job I had in the states I was working for a company that went bust and everyone was laid off or plain fired and I don't know where any of my multiple bosses went to or anybody else. What am I supposed to do? Should I take some sort of leisure course now or something and maybe I can use an instructor? I have no ideas. Or does it depend on the job if they ask for references? I mean, if I started out at some kind of retail thing or whatever- maybe go that route to build up references? Who else can you really use besides employers? And how many do I need?

You could use personal references if you're short on professional ones although they won't count for as much as a professional one.

My advice is go to a temp agency and get some temping jobs. You can then use the temp agency (or even the company you worked for if they liked you enough) as a reference.

Since you can't work yet then I'd recommend doing some charity work as well. It may not be in your field of work but at least you'll have someone to refer them to.

As far as I know, there is no specific number of references needed. In my experience 2 has been all I've been asked for but I ususally give 3.

And I also wanted to say that explaining your situation on references wouldn't be a bad idea either when employers ask for them. Maybe one of the other members could comment on this. I know we have a few that own their own company and could give an insight view.

Thank you for the quick reply. I wont need ref. for a temp agency? That sounds good then. Yeah, as I understand fiance visa holders are not allowed to do any work- paid or unpaid- so volunteering anywhere is out.