I’ve applied for jobs a few times and this has always been a problem. Now that I’ve been out of college for a while it’s even more of a problem. I don’t have anyone from college that would even remember me. I can’t use my current coworkers because I don’t want my current employer to know I’m leaving until I have a new job lined up. I don’t keep in touch with old coworkers. I don’t do anything outside of work as far as volunteering or anything. I know I’m not supposed to use friends or family. Who is even left after that? The only people I have the contact info for are friends, family, and my current boss.
Sometimes it depends on how far the employers head is not too far up their bums. What you should try to do is to build up a history with contact details - but that is also of limited value as folks move on and change numbers.
What they are looking for is some kind of ‘trusted authority’ - so your current boss is the main one. However, they should look more at your assessment of your skills and relevant abilities and qualificastions.
Then they should call you in for a chat and interview you. Then if they don’t think you suck, they can give you a trial period during which you must prove yourself.
Don’t over-think it.