1- How do I know the referee is who they say the are?
Unlike phone numbers we use email addresses to identify the referee, we urge candidates to use the referee's business email and not personal. So, if they have worked at ABC PTY LTD for John Smith then the email should be something likejohn.smith@abc.com.au. Our system validates email addresses, accessses IP origins and also asks for mobile numbers for the referee for further validation. The email address is listed on the reference so it is very easy to validate a fraudulent referee.
2- How long does it take?
This is dependent upon how quickly the candidate and referees complete their requests. All parties receive update notifications and reminder alarms.
3- Does the referee know who I am?
No, your identity is not provided to the referee, only the candidate. This therefore welcomes unbiased references from potential competitors.
4- Can I ask my own questions?
The reference request has been designed with discrimination and privacy in mind, it therefore guides and protects the responses given. However, with a premium account you are able to work closely with Xref to design your own reference requests to suit your needs.
5- What if I am not happy with the reference?
It is the responsibility of the candidate to select the most appropriate referees, Xref also guides the referees through an online "Guide to providing a reference". Unlike a phone call the referee can complete the reference at anytime.
6- What format do I receive the references in?
Xref converts all data into a PDF format, this ensures the content is not changed at any point
7- What happens if I lose the references?
Not an issue, in the "My Account" area you are able to view and retrieve all past reference requests
8- Does the candidate see the reference responses?
No, the reference response is sent directly to you from the referee. However, the candidate is able to request to view a copy via the Xref privacy officer. The referee agrees to provide responses knowing that the candidate can gain access to this information.
9- My company does not have a credit card or Paypal account.
No problem, simply contact us here and we will arrange for you to pay using your preferred method.
1- Why not just call them direct?
Xref is designed to allow a referee more time to complete a reference in their own time. Allowing the referee full control has shown that the quality of responses about you is much better than a rushed phone call. Employers trust the content within an Xref as they know that it is unbiased, unaltered and the identity of the reference is validated by email.
2- Can I provide friends or colleagues as references?
No, Employers are seeking feedback that is based on your previous positions. If you are a graduate please provide tutors or any pre-employer referees even if the role you performed is not related to the role you are applying for.
3- Why do I need to agree to a "Collection Statement"?
According to the Australia Privacy policy you need to consent to the collection of sensitive information relating to you. No information can be collected about you without a collection statement being agreed. This protects your personal information and guides both the employer and referee in the safe handling of your details. Xref agrees that your details may only be shared with the referees you choose and the employer requesting the reference.
4- How can I prepare my referees?
It is always best to ask your referees first if they are prepared to provide a reference for you. When you receive an Xref request you are able to contact your referees and let them know that they will shortly receive an online list of questions about you.
5- What happens if one of my referees wishes not to provide a reference?
Not all referees will want to provide a reference ? Xref understand this. You will be sent another link to enter details of an alternative referee. However, it is always best to check with your referees first.
6- How can I ensure my referees will respond in the right way?
All referees are asked to read and agree to "Guide to providing a reference". These details assist them with providing a positive, professional reference. A copy of these guidelines can be found here
7- Can I get a copy of my references?
No, unfortunately not. The information is to be shared between the referee and the employer. However, you can gain access to the information held about you by contacting Xref privacy officer in writing. Although you are unable to have a copy you can view these details in person together with the Xref privacy officer.
8- What stops the employer from sharing my references?
When requesting a reference an Employer is asked to agree to the Xref privacy policy, this protects the sharing of your sensitive information and ensures that all information gained is strictly used for its intended purpose.
1- Why not just call me?
Xref gives you the opportunity to control the information you provide for a candidate, your responses are not altered, embellished or misinterpreted and are sent directly to the Employer.
2- Are phone references "off the record" ?
No, all sensitive information collected whether written or verbal is "on the record" and therefore needs to align with all privacy, collection and anti-discrimination laws. Xref is designed to guide you through the process so that the responses you give are not in any way discriminatory or unlawful.
3- How do I know what to say?
Xref has written a "Guide to providing a reference" to assist you with providing a professional references and unlike a phone call you can complete it at your leisure and spend time thinking about your answers. View a the guide here
4- How much time do I get to complete the reference?
Take your time, the candidate and employer would much prefer that you provide high quality comprehensive feedback to the reference questions. Keep the link in the email that we send you and complete the reference anytime. You can also save your answers midway and comeback to it later. However, don't forget references are normally the last step before an employer offers a role to a candidate, so time is of the essence.
5- Can I decline to provide a reference?
Yes, Xref gives you the flexibility to decline, and we do not ask you for a reason. We do however stress that the candidate has chosen you as a reference and your time is most certainly appreciated. We urge all candidates to ask permission prior to providing your details as a reference. However, if you feel you can't provide a reference then we simply ask the candidate to provide an alternate contact.
6- Is the information I supply secure?
When requesting a reference an Employer is asked to agree to the Xref privacy policy, this protects the sharing of your sensitive information and ensures that all information gained is strictly used for its intended purpose.
7- Can I know who the Employer is?
No, Xref is designed to gain unbiased references based on the work that a candidate carried out for you whilst in your employ. Feel free to contact the candidate directly for this information.
8- Does the candidate see my responses?
No, the reference response is sent directly to the employer. However, the candidate is able to request to view a copy via the Xref privacy officer. You are asked to agree to provide responses knowing that the candidate can gain access to this information.
