I got a tech job with no references or relevant experience. This is easier said than done, but I think what helped me was just being nice and eager. Smile, be an active listener, and be earnest.
I'm a really shy person and come across as weird. But for some reason I seem to come across well in interviews despite that. I think it's because I emphasize that I'm responsible and straight up say that I just need any kind of experience lol. Of course don't beg or overshare, but try to seem interested in learning and staying with the company. This will help you even if you're just trying to score a job at McDonald's. You'd be surprised just how many unreliable and indecisive people there are out there. A company would rather hire a consistent and reliable employee vs. someone who's always late or constantly job-hopping.
On the same note, always *always* ask questions at the end of an interview. Ask about shit that's important to you. If you wanna ask about money or benefits or culture, you can do it discreetly while still coming across as a valuable employee. Asking, "so what kind of opportunities are there for growth?" is the same as asking "do you guys do promotions?" Or asking, "how often do you guys find yourselves with nothing to do? Would I be able to take on more tasks easily?" is like asking "is this job slow and boring? Could I take on more hours if I needed to, or are the hours fixed?" If you ask questions, especially those nitty-gritty details things, you'll seem interested and mature. Remember, the interview is a two-way street! Try to never leave without asking *something*, even if your question is on the cliche side lile
"what's your favorite part about working here?"
