cant find a job to save my life (wholesale, references, paid)

[BarqCider]

its been over 4 years since I last really worked. I had 1-2 jobs that I had since 2010 but I had to just say F it because they demanded I work shifts I couldn't due to college. I place my college education above work, but now it seems I cant even land a darn interview.

I worked helping my parents business for a bit, although unpaid to help them save money for a while. I since moved out of state for college and even here, I couldn't find anything in a year so now im going back home to finish college and find work, if I can.

so my question is: what do I do about my references? most of them are at a minimum 4 years removed. most I have are personal references and no longer work at that job or my bosses no longer have the same number and/or moved on to different positions or jobs since. at this point the youngest reference I have is a minimum of 4 years ago.

[Hemlock140]

When I got the first job at my current employer, I gave 3 references. The two that got called were former co-workers (now managers) at a place where I had worked 16 years before. The third was a wholesale customer from a business that I had owned during those last 16 years who didn't get called because the first two were so positive. The most important thing is to contact the reference ahead of time, and ask them to serve as a reference. As a hiring manager we are looking for people that are familiar with your work. Your 4 year old work reference is more helpful than a friend or relative. If they have changed jobs or retired, do your best to get a new phone number.