Re: references. We hardly even bother with them anymore. All you can expect is confirmation that the applicant DID have the position they claim they did. NOTHING ELSE! No one gives a bad reference anymore, because you can be held liable for what you say. So much for the truth. So we don't even bother with them unless the person is someone you know (it's a small industry.)
Besides, what applicant gives a reference who's going to bad-mouth them?