How young is too young to be a job reference?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

I just finished freshman year of high school and I’m looking for a job. The applications require three references. Since I have no professional experience at all, I am not sure who to ask. So far I have my close friend’s mom, (Will this look bad if she’s a stay at home mom?) my 7th grade teacher that I still talk to from time to time, and I’m looking for a third reference. I’m considering one person, but she’s only 18 years old and she just graduated from high school. I feel that she would be able to better speak of my work ethic and social skills than my teachers because she had a leadership position in an extracurricular I was in and got to know me a little better. We’re not super close, but I know she thinks highly of me. Is she too young to be a reference, or should I be fine to write her down?

Also, since she’s going to college out of state soon, would it still be worth it?

2

There is no “too young” to be a reference. If you are comfortable enough with someone’s maturity to ask them to be a reference for you, then that’s fine. Any reference check will be done by phone, so physical location is not important.

3

She’s not too young. If the potential employer would have any concerns at all, they would just check with one of the other references, too.

4

At your age, most of the places you’re probably applying to won’t bother calling references anyway. Just be sure to ask your references if they mind that you list them in case they are contacted. I don’t think most employers expect many professional references from someone roughly 15 years old, so don’t worry about it too much.