Question for employers: Have you ever contacted an applicant’s references and received a bad review of the applicant? I was just thinking, what is the point of references if you’re putting down names who will say great things about you?
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I have had folks give 'bad' references some have been folks clearly out to get the applicant, others have been what sounded like very fair assessments of a candidate, a mixture of praise and acknowledgement of areas where they struggle
This can happen when a candidate hasn't asked the referee if they'd be willing to give a reference, or given specifics about the jobs they're applying for. A referee can decline the call, or answer honestly using strengths/ areas they may need to work on, as @RallidaeRule says
