Since so many jobs are trying to do exactly the wrong thing when applicants have the power, I'm fighting back. Here's my offer:
I have a registered business in Indiana, complete with public website, Facebook page, email domain, and a public phone number with IVR greeting stating the company name. For a fee, I'll be your reference.
DM me to get the contact info, and the only condition is that you keep it under your hat. I want to use the business to make money like normal, but growth is slow. I would rather not get known for this, and it defeats the purpose if I stop counting as a valid reference because someone spills the beans.
$5 – “Yep, he/she was employed here. Their performance was good, and we would happily rehire if they want.”
$10 – “Oh! them! Man, I wish they had stuck around! Made my life easier as a small business owner, for sure!”
$20 – “So, they applied for you, huh? Well, you better make them one hell of an offer. I would get them back myself, but since they left, I haven't been making the same money, so can't afford to. Still, better keep them happy, or I might try anyway…”
All I need is your name and what industry you are applying to. I want to be convincing, so need that. The company industry is in IT support, so if what you apply to is way off from that, I can still make it work, but you might have been a secretary, assistant, or dock worker. Still, I'll give a glowing reference regardless.