Having good references is a key to get good jobs. However, when you’ve just finished your career and start looking for a job for the first time, it’s very difficult to have references from supervisors, managers or partners. But don’t worry, there are other references you can rely on.

First, academic references. You can talk to your teachers: they know your intellectual capacity, your skills and your willingness to work in a team.

You can also use your coaches or any other extracurricular activity teacher. They can talk about your ability to learn new things and adapt to change. If they’re related to your professional area, much better.

Also, your neighbors and family can talk about you in a more personal way. However, this type of reference isn’t very important when it comes to work and can be counterproductive.

But if you’ve had any work experience it’s important that your former supervisors or colleagues write a personal reference. Although this isn’t always easy. First of all, you have to earn it. No one will speak well of you in a letter if you haven’t shown good behaviour and skills. Here are some tips that could be useful when asking for a letter of recommendation.