Many employers still get references from their applicants but just how much merit should be given to the recommendation from these people on the applicant you are considering hiring. Of course these references are hand picked by the applicant and will have nothing but good things to say about the applicant. As an employer your time is better spent conducting a thorough pre-employment screening than it is calling friends and family members of the applicant. A proper pre-employment screening can reveal so much more about an applicant that can be used to make the decision on whether or not to hire them for the position available.
