Job Referencing Question:

Here are eight things about the reference-checking process that you might not know:
☛ Employers do not always stick to the references on the list you gave them.
☛ "We do not give references" is often a lie.
☛ References are often highly subjective and opinionated.
☛ It looks bad when a reference you provided was not expecting the call.
☛ You can find out what kind of reference someone is giving you.
☛ You might be able to neutralize a bad reference.
☛ If all else fails, consider warning prospective employers that the reference might not be positive.
☛ Letters of reference are rarely worth your time.