I think Malbiniak has a good point. I do a fair amount of interviews (all technical) and what's most important is your ability to think well and know your stuff

I think Malbiniak has a good point. I do a fair amount of interviews (all technical) and what's most important is your ability to think well and know your stuff. If you do well in the interview I'll give a 'hire' recommendation, at which point your references may or may not be checked by the hiring manager. Not having a reference for your most recent employer would be okay. I think Google would also be a fine place to submit your resume - in my experience they're focused more on your ability.