The G2 on Xref

Xref Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users value the ease of use of Xref, finding it quick and efficient for reference checks and workflow management. (86 mentions)

Users appreciate the excellent customer support from Xref, which enhances their experience and confidence in the platform. (43 mentions)

Users love the time-saving capabilities of Xref, streamlining administrative tasks for more efficient recruiting. (34 mentions)

Users value the efficient reference checks of Xref, facilitating seamless processes for recruitment teams and candidates. (33 mentions)

Users value the helpful customer support from Xref, enhancing their experience and ensuring timely assistance. (18 mentions)

Users find it frustrating that they cannot change reference details once a request is submitted, limiting their flexibility. (12 mentions)

Users find the unclear information from Xref frustrating, particularly regarding reports and credit usage discrepancies. (11 mentions)

Users find the poor customization options frustrating, limiting their ability to tailor metrics and referee information effectively. (9 mentions)

Users find Xref to be expensive, especially due to hidden costs for setup and customizations on surveys. (6 mentions)

Users express frustration with verification issues, as codes can be delayed, complicating their login experience. (6 mentions)

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Bruce D.

Talent Acquisition Manager, North America

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

8/13/2020

"BURNCO Reviews Xref"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Very simple set up; handy dashboard and candidate information; it's online and fast!!! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Does not provide the full candidate assessment that another system has I've used in the past, but for what it does provide, as well as the cost and convenience, it's an excellent alternative. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Xref:

Excellent inexpensive referencing tool. Very easy to use and if you are hiring millennials or younger they will have no problems with understanding how the system works. Highly recommend. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

Encouraging more Managers to get references completed as opposed to them foregoing them. Has highlighted some definite development issues with some of the candidates that have been put through this. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Josie Westerlund of Xref

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Thanks for taking a moment to provide a review. We're happy to hear that you're a fan of online reference checking! It's so great that you're making the most of all the benefits.

Josie H.

Talent Acquisition Specialist (formerly Bauer Media)

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

11/11/2020

"Great add on for the recruitment tool kit"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Easy and can set and forget. It keeps you in the loop with emails when references are submitted so I don't need to keep chasing it and I don't need to be on the phone chasing references all day. This is particularly great when the volume of recruitment is high.

I couldn't imagine doing my job without it. Xref is easy to use for all parties involved and I highly recommend if you're on the fence about it.

The alerts via email are also very helpful it means you can set it up and leave it until completed and as soon as the alerts come in then you can download and email to the relevant people. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Unable to edit emails once submitted or other details once submitted which would be very handy.

As an admin, it would be great to have a bit more access to editing or changing things once the references has been sent. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Xref:

Definitely worth it - I would highly recommend xref to any recruitment team.

It saves so much of your time and you don't have to spend hours chasing references especially when you have volume recruitment. It's also better for the hiring managers as they get to receive a detailed report that

The ease of use is also great with a nice dashboard to work off and track your progress. The alerts via email are super helpful. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

It is a great time saver and it is a part of the process that I'm glad can be partly automated.

Ease of access for myself and the referees.

Great to send to managers and have well thought out responses to share that aren't just notes from a phone call. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Josie Westerlund of Xref

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Thanks for your great review, Josie.

We are happy to hear that you have benefited from the ease that comes with online referencing. We know how much effort goes into putting together a great hiring process, so we are glad to hear that we have been able to help.

Thanks again for your review.

Sarah F.

Lead Technical Recruiter

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

11/12/2020

"Best In Class Customer Service"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

We had had XREF implemented into our ATS system twice. The internal team was incredibly helpful and was able to work with our ATS software developers to ensure that we had the full ability to use the references through our system.

The lower cost and the fact that they do not expire has been incredible. We have had some big projects and I was able to increase our credits so easily.

Also, our point of contact at XREF Jorge has been great to work with. Quick communication and able to get things done for us without hesitation. This is Gold Star customer service at its finest! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I can't say there is anything that I dislike about XREF Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Josie Westerlund of Xref

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Thanks for your review, Sarah.

We are so happy that you have benefited from the versatility and adaptability of the Xref referencing platform. We understand that every hiring process is different and we are always looking for ways to improve and integrate where we can. Your feedback is great appreciated.

Thanks again for your great review.

Abi M.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

11/11/2020

"Too good to be true? Nope!"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

I was sceptical when I was first introduced to Xref, I'd spent over 10 years calling referees! I also used to receive timesheets by fax machine and I don't miss that either. The ease of using Xref is amazing and new hiring managers are always impressed with the reference reports. I like how it has integrated with our ATS so I literally have to click one box and it send the reference request. I only log into Xref now to read and download reports Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

That I called referees for over 10 years, that's hundreds of left messages, wrong numbers and missed calls. Where were you Xref?? There are occasions where applicants with basic computer skills struggle with Xref and every now and again there is a referee who thinks what we send is too lengthy and they don't have time to complete it. This is where I would step in and do the reference over the phone call but it is really only 1 or 2 people every few months Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

It saves so much time when recruiting in volume or if you need to get a reference from overseas (different time zone). Its easy to forward or download reports and its user friendly for both applicant and referee. I like how the referee can opt in to hear from me if we need any more information or discuss an opportunity. I was worried that it couldn't catch any dishonest behaviour but Xref are quick to alert me if there is any unusual activity detected. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Josie Westerlund of Xref

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Thank you for your review, Abi.

It is wonderful to see how automated referencing has enhanced your referencing process and saved you so much time and effort. Our fraud detection is there to help make sure that your process is safe and secure. We are glad you like the platform so much.

Thank you again for your great review.

Paula E K.

Regional TA Lead, Australia & NZ

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

11/11/2020

"Review of XRef as a business tool"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Its easy to use, simple and efficient and gets results quickly. Also great to use from an applicant nd referee perspective. The team customised my reference check template so we had all the questions we would usually ask right in the template. The team were professional engaging and super helpful to work with. I was up and running in just a few minutes. You can even brand your messaging to candidates and referees! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Nothing - I'm a long time XRef user - what's not to like? Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Xref:

Upload your own templates and ensure you ask them to bran d your message sent out to candidates and referees. This give you an edge when you are asking for references and promotes your employer brand. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

Not had any problems with XRef

70% faster turnaround times with references, less hassle with waiting for team members to find time to complete them - making better use of the TA Team's time. Faster offer turnaround too. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Josie Westerlund of Xref

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Thanks for your great review, Paula.

It's great to have a seasoned user leave a review. We are happy to hear that you are still enjoying the great benefits that come through the use of automated reference checks. We look forward to continuing to assist in the future.

Thanks again for your review.

Andrea V.

Distress Line Volunteer

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

11/19/2020

"Xref"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The easy way to collect the reference checks needed for an applicant. I don't have to worry about follow up emails or spend 10 minutes with each reference. Also, how it provides percentages on how likely each reference would recommend or not the applicant. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sending the questionnaires to the references depends on how fast the applicant inputs their contact information. So, if the applicant takes longer, collecting the references ends up being a longer process. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Xref:

Definitely look into this service as it offers great advantages as: easy to use, fast, effective, collects statistics from the responses and provides information whether there was an attempt from the "new hire" to complete their own reference check (from the same device). Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

Problems: spending hours collecting reference checks over the phone or by email for the 10 applicants we hire per week.

Benefits: effective, fast, easy, user friendly, provides feedback. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Josie Westerlund of Xref

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Thanks for your great review, Andrea.

We are happy to see that you are benefiting from the many great aspects of online referencing with Xref. We understand how much time can go into this vital step of the hiring process and we are happy to have been able to make this easier for you and your team.

Thanks for your feedback regarding potential delays in the collection of information. We will pass this to the relevant team to look into future steps to combat this ongoing.

Thanks again for your review.

Steven S.

System Analyst

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

2/16/2021

"Integrates well with our Application Tracking Software"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

How it fully integrates with our ATS. I've seen many integrations and I would say XRef is up there with the best. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

The interface could be easier to navigate. Since most of our managers use it infrequently some important features are not as obvious as they could be Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Xref:

It's good as both a standalone app and integrates well with our ATS (Springboard) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

It's solving the problem of not forcing users to have to use software outside of our workflow. We no longer need to jump between systems to perform reference checks which makes life easier for hiring managers and admin teams alike. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

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Thanks, Steven! We’re always delighted to hear about how we’ve improved our client’s recruitment experiences. We know how important it is for technology to fit your existing workflow seamlessly, so we’re glad you’re benefiting from our ATS integration with Springboard.

In regards to your comment about the interface, we are always looking for ways to improve our customer experience and would love to hear about this in detail. We’d be happy to provide you with any training or support that could help your managers. Please feel free to reach out to our customer success team via support@xref.com with more detail.

Thanks again for your review!

Erin T.

Talent Advisor

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/16/2021

"Easy to use for recruiters, candidates, and reference alike"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

I love how easy and straightforward it is for the candidates and their references. The refences can complete the form on their time and not be pressured into answering a call from a recruiter. They are completely unbiased references and provide a ton of value to our clients on how to best help their new hire succeed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I dislike that the reference has the opportunity to provide very short answers. It would be good if there was a minimum word requirement. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

I used to call references directly and found them to be very biased. I had the ability to leave out information or not capture everything that the reference was saying. This way they can write in their own words. The completed references are very easy to read and provide our clients with great insight on the candidates. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

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Thanks so much for your review, Erin. We’re glad to hear you’re benefiting from the simplicity and convenience of Xref’s automated referencing. We know the importance of robust references when you, as a recruiter, are required to make an informed hiring recommendation. And it’s so great to hear about the high-quality insights Xref references are offering your clients, even beyond the hiring decision.

Regarding your comment, we understand that every referee has their style of responding, which is why our platform offers the opportunity to tailor your reference checking questionnaire to ensure you are asking the best questions for each role and get all the details you need. If you have any questions about this or would like any assistance, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager. You might also like to check out our Template Builder tool, which enables you to create a template on the fly, from a database of thousands of compliant and high-performing questions, You can then add the template directly to your Xref account. I’ve included the link to Template Builder below.

Thanks again for your great review!

See how Xref improved

Diella G.

Director

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/16/2021

"X-ref saves me heaps of time and our reference checks now look much more professional"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Saves me so much time! I used to dread reference checking, now multiple reference checks can be completed quickly and the on-line form makes reference checking convenient and looks professional Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

The only minor negative is that you cant amend your own questionnaires when a client has a specific question they want added. It would be great to be able to do it yourself, but the fantastic team in Auckland have always been super quick with getting the new variation loaded Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Xref solving and how is that benefiting you?

Accuracy. We used to complete reference checks on the phone, madly writing down the referees responses. Using X-ref the referees complete an on-line reference check which means there is no mis-interpretation or bias

Time saving. Xref is an amazing service that enables me to complete multiple reference checks within a very short time frame. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

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Thanks, Diella! We are grateful that you took the time out to leave us a great review. It’s so good to hear that Xref has brought such efficiency and accuracy to your recruitment process. We understand how important it is to gather accurate details from references in a timely manner.

We appreciate your feedback about editing questionnaires. While the questions included in a questionnaire are at the discretion of our clients, we are committed to ensuring that all questions are compliant and optimised to offer the best feedback in return. It’s great to hear the NZ team are always so quick to make the changes you need and we are always looking for ways to improve our platform so we really appreciate your comments.

Thanks again for your review

Mariu A.

Associate Director of Recruitment

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

8/13/2021

"XRef provides quick and detailed references!"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

I love how fast Xref provides references! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I dislike the number of email updates I receive and would like to only get 2. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

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Thanks, Mariu for taking the time to leave us a great review. We’re all about ensuring that professionals like yourself can make great hiring decisions, quickly with all the information you need at your fingertips.

With regards to your comment on the number of email updates, we’ve observed that the frequency we have gives the best results, but we can update this for you. If you feel you’d like assistance in this area, our customer support team would be more than happy to help. Please feel free to contact them at support@xref.com.

We strive to make our product better to help wonderful customers like you achieve your hiring goals. Thanks again for sharing your experience.