Do job references have a legitimate purpose to an employer or are they just for a popularity contest?

Answer 1

As a hiring agent, the assumption is that your references are going to speak well of you and your ability. Therefor, they have little value to the prospective employer. If your minister cannot say good things about you, then you really are in trouble. The red flag for me, is if the person lists no references. That is explored during the interview.

Answer 2

They have a serious purpose. For one thing, you'd be amazed how often people list a reference without calling the person and checking whether or not they have good things to say about them. In fact, many references checked turn out to be people who either do not know the applicant or do not remember their name: in other words, they are lousy references! Never assume the references will not be checked, and DO call them and ask them, "If you were called as a reference for me in [job title] type of job, what would you say?" Sometimes they know you, but don't know about your qualifications for that sort of job. A character reference is all very well, but it's better if they know some of the facts that make you good for the job for which you are applying.

Answer 3

Some employers go entirely by the references you put on your application or resume. Others want to see you in action, and say they are hiring a person, not a piece of paper.

Answer 4

Yes. If you lie about where you worked what else are you lying about.... I try to get former employers to tell me as much as they can or will. Even if they can't say much due to company policies, you can tell a lot from the tone of there voice....

Answer 5

Try putting yourself in the employer's shoes. Would you rather pay someone who says he can do the job or someone that everyone else says he can do the job.

Answer 6

they want to make sure ur not going to be late for work, not show up, steal from the job, etc