If you are new to the workforce or, for whatever reason, do not want to use your ex-boss as a reference, through some creativity and ingenuity, you can develop new references.

Here are a few tips:

Volunteer – Many volunteer positions will provide a reference letter after three months. If they really like you, they may bend the rules and provide a good evaluation even sooner.

Teachers – Hopefully, you brought lots of apples.

Ask for references – Before leaving each job, make sure to ask for a reference letter, and keep it handy.

Former colleagues – You may not like your ex-boss, but is there a colleague or sub-supervisor who can vouch for your good work?

Friends are weak references – But do you have a long-time acquaintance who is in the same industry you are applying to? If applying for a bank job, your volleyball coach’s wife – a bank manager – may be willing to speak to your character.

Here is what not to do:

Avoid including references on your resume. You are encouraging less serious employers to call around on your references. Save them for serious job prospects.

Use Diverse References: A work, academic and volunteer reference is a good mix.

Keep in Touch: Make sure that when your prospective employer says your name, it will put a smile on your reference’s face.

If possible, give your reference a heads-up. It is a good opportunity to say hello and make sure they are not caught off guard.