411 likes, 30 comments - life_and_sunshine on April 11, 2026: "I just thought this was interesting for you guys to know 😅 and I hope it is so please tell me if this information is useful 😇 But I’ve actually been so surprised that I haven’t actually needed any of my references for any of the major jobs I’ve gotten this far in my career 🤓 ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ And I’m pretty sure I’m in the minority in this experience 😅 I always hear everyone talk about how the reference is what pushed them over the edge to get a job ⭐️ but for some reason the hiring manager / PI just didn’t think it was necessary for me 🤷🏼‍♀️ and I couldn’t really tell you why 😂 ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ That doesn’t mean I won’t ask people to be references for me in the future 😬 I know they can help and often are required for job applications 🤓 but I did want to let you all know that it is possible to be offered a job without references 😊 just as an fyi 😉 ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ #jobapplication #jobapplicationtips #phdstudent #scientist #references".