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.