Lack of references a big issue for the jobless

In this Sept. 1, 2011 photo, Krish Kilaru, left, and other job seekers speak with Gary Bach and pickup job applications at the University of Illinois Technology booth during a job fair at the University of Illinois Springfield campus, in Springfield, Ill. The number of people seeking unemployment benefits falls to the lowest level in 5 months. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

The long-term jobless face a big dilemma when it comes to hunting for a job — a lack of recent references.

Maybe you haven’t worked for six months or a year and don’t have someone who can vouch for what you’ve been doing; or your references are out of work themselves. It’s a problem hiring managers and recruiters are seeing more often, and it’s a problem that job seekers have a tough time grappling with.

Earlier this month, Bruce Hurwitz, CEO of recruiting firm Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, had a finalist for a position with a company where he places employees. When Hurwitz asked for references the candidate sent three names: His clergyman, a man that introduced him to his wife and his brother-in-law.

Full Story: Long-term jobless face issue with references