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.
This is excellent advice. People need to note it down.
OP, you say no one in college would remember you. What about a professor or TA? I kept grades for years on my students just for this reason. Even if I didn’t remember specifics about someone, I could comment on their performance.