Like networking, references are unfortunately not something you work on WHEN you need it. You need to have them lined up ahead of time. At this point, if past managers are your only choice, then that's really what you need to use (if you haven't considered - also look at colleagues, customers, vendors, etc. that you've had applicable/recent dealings with).
As for being from another industry - keep in mind that in many cases, references are used for skills and character/attitude. If the skills sets don't transfer, they can concentrate on your attitude (e.g. how you consistently go above and beyond).
As a manager, I personally look at attitude/character more than skills. You can always train skills.
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