Why are old employers saying no when I ask them to be a reference for me?

[Anonymous]

I've applied for a job and they are at the reference check stage.

I've gone from my current job (who said would be one for me) but has said no.

Then through the last few roles to contact people and all have said no.

What am I supposed to tell the person for the role I've applied for?

I think it is really rude and selfish of these past employers who can spare 15 minutes of their time to help me out.

I really want this job, but I can't get any references.

Do I say to the interviewer

"I have gone through all my previous roles and not one of them want to give me a reference or are ignoring my emails or have left the company. This is a great role with a great company & would like to still be a part of it."

Does this sound ok?

[exitseven]

Sometimes it is against company policy to give recommendations. My old boss gave me his personal email and told me they could contact him that way

[TallAnon]

Probably because it's a pain, I would only do it for someone I like. Aka, I think it's because they didn't actually like you, they were just being polite at the time.

[Cedman]

I got into my job because I got people at my church to be my references. Employers don't care about you moving forward.

[Guy13]

No idea. They remember you?