When it comes to job hunting you need to have everything ready to start applying for jobs to give yourself the best chance. Some companies will ask for a CV and covering letter, some will ask you to fill in an application form and some will ask you to have a verbal interview over the phone before applying.  If you are asked for a job reference you may not be entirely surely what you need.

A job reference is essentially a letter or verbal confirmation that you attended a place of work for a certain period. Many references also include more specific details about the job role you did and your performance. The idea of a reference is to give the prospective employer an idea of what kind of worker you are; are you reliable, always on time, smart, polite etc..  Many people worry about giving out details for their current employer as a reference until they have handed their notice in, but if you tell the interviewer that you would prefer for them not to be contacted until you have handed in your notice they will understand.

You can give more than one previous employer as a reference or if you have had no previous employment you may be able to give details or a teacher or lecturer that could be contacted instead to give the potential employer an overview of who you are as a person.