The G2 on Xref

Xref Pros and Cons: Top Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users love the ease of use of Xref, finding it streamlines reference checks and saves valuable time. (47 mentions)

Users enjoy the speed of Xref, transforming days of reference checking into hours, enhancing efficiency drastically. (24 mentions)

Users find Xref's time-saving reference checks indispensable, streamlining the process and enhancing overall recruitment efficiency. (22 mentions)

Users commend Xref for its time-saving efficiency, transforming reference checks from days into mere hours. (22 mentions)

Users commend Xref's responsive and helpful customer support, enhancing their overall recruiting experience. (18 mentions)

Users commend the helpful customer support of Xref, noting its responsiveness and tailored assistance for diverse needs. (10 mentions)

Users find the reporting issues in Xref frustrating, particularly with confusion and slow loading during usage. (8 mentions)

Users express concerns about intrusive notifications, feeling overwhelmed by frequent reminders to candidates and references. (6 mentions)

Users find the unclear information in reports troubling, as important flags and formatting issues can lead to confusion. (6 mentions)

Users report inadequate feedback with misleading scores, complicating the assessment process for hiring managers. (5 mentions)

Users find the reference management confusing, due to naming issues and inconsistent formatting in downloads. (5 mentions)

Users find the limited customization options in Xref frustrating, leading to time-consuming manual adjustments for reporting. (4 mentions)

Users find the poor customization options limiting, especially in editing referees and survey metrics. (4 mentions)

Users are frustrated by emails frequently landing in junk/spam folders, causing delays in candidate responses. (3 mentions)

Users find Xref to be a costly option, especially for smaller organizations and those with infrequent hiring needs. (2 mentions)

Users find the inadequate reporting from Xref concerning, impacting their ability to verify and manage referee information efficiently. (2 mentions)

Top Pros or Advantages of Xref

1. Ease of Use

Users love the ease of use of Xref, finding it streamlines reference checks and saves valuable time.

See 47 mentions

See Related User Reviews

4.5/5

"Makes referencing so easy!"

What do you like about Xref?

It takes out all the admin when it comes to collecting references.

Sandra H.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Xref Review – Great Experience!"

What do you like about Xref?

I’ve had a really positive experience using Xref. The platform is very easy to use and streamlines our reference checking process significantly. What

2. Speed

Users enjoy the speed of Xref, transforming days of reference checking into hours, enhancing efficiency drastically.

See 24 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Very good and easy to use"

What do you like about Xref?

saves a lot of time and does all the hard work. Never had any issues.

Sandra H.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Xref Review – Great Experience!"

What do you like about Xref?

I’ve had a really positive experience using Xref. The platform is very easy to use and streamlines our reference checking process significantly. What

3. Reference Checks

Users find Xref's time-saving reference checks indispensable, streamlining the process and enhancing overall recruitment efficiency.

See 22 mentions

See Related User Reviews

4.5/5

"Makes referencing so easy!"

What do you like about Xref?

It takes out all the admin when it comes to collecting references.

Sandra H.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Xref Review – Great Experience!"

What do you like about Xref?

I’ve had a really positive experience using Xref. The platform is very easy to use and streamlines our reference checking process significantly. What

4. Time-saving

Users commend Xref for its time-saving efficiency, transforming reference checks from days into mere hours.

See 22 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Very good and easy to use"

What do you like about Xref?

saves a lot of time and does all the hard work. Never had any issues.

Sandra H.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Xref Review – Great Experience!"

What do you like about Xref?

I’ve had a really positive experience using Xref. The platform is very easy to use and streamlines our reference checking process significantly. What

5. Customer Support

Users commend Xref's responsive and helpful customer support, enhancing their overall recruiting experience.

See 18 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Bismah N.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Excellent Platform"

What do you like about Xref?

As a recruiter, Xref is extremely easy to use and very user-friendly. I have had to contact support and found that my issues were solved promptly.

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref Review"

What do you like about Xref?

Echo and the team were very responsive and supportive throughout the survey period.

6. Helpful

Users commend the helpful customer support of Xref, noting its responsiveness and tailored assistance for diverse needs.

See 10 mentions

See Related User Reviews

4.5/5

"Easiest Platform in the Market"

What do you like about Xref?

I like the AI summaries that are provided on each ref, I especially like that i get notified directly when references are completed.

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

3.0/5

"Custom 360 Feedback Survey"

What do you like about Xref?

Client partner (Louise) was very helpful and accomodating, supported timely action with requests, and a clear pathway for design, development and deli

Top Cons or Disadvantages of Xref

1. Reporting Issues

Users find the reporting issues in Xref frustrating, particularly with confusion and slow loading during usage.

See 8 mentions

See Related User Reviews

4.0/5

"Platform is easy to use. Loads slowly."

What do you dislike about Xref?

Slow loading in the platform. Each report downloads as a separate report.

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Saves precious time with a secure and convenient platform"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Once form is sent, it can't be edited...

2. Intrusive Notifications

Users express concerns about intrusive notifications, feeling overwhelmed by frequent reminders to candidates and references.

See 6 mentions

See Related User Reviews

4.5/5

"Easy to use, clear, quick results, minimal effort, automation"

What do you dislike about Xref?

I wish it could perhaps not send as many automated reminders out to the candidates and/or references, especially on the weekend, it feels slightly inv

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Direct usage"

What do you dislike about Xref?

notifications can be overwhelming to candidates

3. Unclear Information

Users find the unclear information in reports troubling, as important flags and formatting issues can lead to confusion.

See 6 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"It has been easy to use and quick to review references and details."

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sometimes the AI description being at the top of references is confusing. It also sometimes formats in different ways, e.g., there can be a blank page

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"A simplified, seamless way to obtain references!"

What do you dislike about Xref?

The only downside to XRef would be that you can't get the tone of the reference as you would with phone call reference

4. Inadequate Feedback

Users report inadequate feedback with misleading scores, complicating the assessment process for hiring managers.

See 5 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Sandra H.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Xref Review – Great Experience!"

What do you dislike about Xref?

One area that could use improvement is the scoring system. While the platform provides a numerical score based on referee responses, we’ve found that

Annie K.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Easy, Fast, Efficent, Reliable"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Not being able to access the referees contact details until they have filled it out

5. Reference Management

Users find the reference management confusing, due to naming issues and inconsistent formatting in downloads.

See 5 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"It has been easy to use and quick to review references and details."

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sometimes the AI description being at the top of references is confusing. It also sometimes formats in different ways, e.g., there can be a blank page

Sebastian L.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"User Friendly and Efficient!"

What do you dislike about Xref?

when downloading the references, it just downloads as Sydney Water, rather than having the candidate's name, this will help us is sending the referenc

6. Limited Customization

Users find the limited customization options in Xref frustrating, leading to time-consuming manual adjustments for reporting.

See 4 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Easy to use and saves time"

What do you dislike about Xref?

The configuration of questions makes it difficult to add or remove questions from existing surveys

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

3.0/5

"Custom 360 Feedback Survey"

What do you dislike about Xref?

The design of the custom report is messy, and this undermines the professionalism of the product due to inconsistent formatting that cannot easily be

7. Poor Customization

Users find the poor customization options limiting, especially in editing referees and survey metrics.

See 4 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Easy to use and saves time"

What do you dislike about Xref?

The configuration of questions makes it difficult to add or remove questions from existing surveys

Sebastian L.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"User Friendly and Efficient!"

What do you dislike about Xref?

when downloading the references, it just downloads as Sydney Water, rather than having the candidate's name, this will help us is sending the referenc

8. Email Management

Users are frustrated by emails frequently landing in junk/spam folders, causing delays in candidate responses.

See 3 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"I like X Ref, it's efficient!"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sometimes, suspicious activity/ flags don't show up on the initial report. Instead I get an email from X-Ref end of day.. which is unreliable.

Samantha F.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Very good Reference Tool"

What do you dislike about Xref?

That the emails get sent to candidates and often go into their junk mail, meaning we have to follow up with the candidates and referees about going in

9. Expensive

Users find Xref to be a costly option, especially for smaller organizations and those with infrequent hiring needs.

See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ryan L.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref- review. Very positive experience"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Can be expensive tool with bulk recruitment

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"Helpful tool for large organisations"

What do you dislike about Xref?

The pricing structure is on the higher side. This would be more noticible for those with less frequent hiring needs, like smaller organisations.

10. Inadequate Reporting

Users find the inadequate reporting from Xref concerning, impacting their ability to verify and manage referee information efficiently.

See 2 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"I like X Ref, it's efficient!"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sometimes, suspicious activity/ flags don't show up on the initial report. Instead I get an email from X-Ref end of day.. which is unreliable.

Miranda R.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Talent Acquisition Lead"

What do you dislike about Xref?

The only thing we wish was possible is customising metrics and questions for pulse surveys along with exporting results and reports but apart from tha

Xref Reviews (482)

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Verified User in Computer Software

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2/15/2024

"I love XREF! It makes the reference check process much more streamlined!"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

- the user interface is amazing

- Xref is a plug and play platform; it's very easy to learn and use

- the proactive candidate follow up emails for outstanding reference checks

- the fact that Xref identifies potentially fraudulent reference checks

- the dashboard is quite thorough and gives you useful information

- Xref is easy to use often Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

- loading screens can take a while sometimes

- you need to verify your email every single time you use the platform

- I wish we could add/remove candidate referees with our access - however, I understand why that's not currently a function Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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

- Xref takes most of the administrative work out of doing reference checks

- Xref allows recruiters to focus on higher priority recruitment tasks instead of chasing references down to complete reference checks

- It improves accuracy by capturing every aspect of the reference check; sometimes words can missed or things can be misunderstood over the phone if there are language barriers

- Xref automatically follows up with candidates who aren't overly responsive

- Xref will let the recruiter know if they've had to follow-up with a candidate too many times Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thanks for sharing your review!

It’s awesome to hear you’re experiencing the full benefits of an automated approach, especially the advantages of real time progress updates. It’s also great to hear that you’re benefiting from the potential fraud flags, we know how important that assurance can be when making hiring decisions.

Regarding your comments on the need to verify emails when you sign in and the inability to remove candidate/ referee access both are security and privacy functions that we have in place to ensure the platform is compliant.

Many thanks again for the time you have taken to leave your review

Natalie C.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5/19/2024

"XRef has been a game changer for how we recruit"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The ability to send away a reference check to referees with no stress and basically the click of a button. It's convienent and the turn around for getting these back is unbelievably quick! Has been a game changer! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I don't believe I have found anything I dislike at this stage Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Natalie! We're thrilled to hear that our platform has been a game changer for your recruitment process. We're glad you find the ability to send reference checks quick, easy, and convenient.

It’s great to hear Xref is offering you peace of mind, giving you confidence about your new hires. Thanks again for your feedback.

Jess Y.

People and Talent Coordinator

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

2/7/2024

"Extremely user friendly, easy to manage and excellent customer service"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Xref is extremely easy to understand and navigate, which makes reference checks an easy streamlined process. Customer service is responsive and helpful with any queries! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

The inability to custom build your own questions in a template - however an easy fix as this can be done in the back end. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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

xREF is allowing reference checks to be completed in a nominated referee's own time, meaning references can be completed efficiently and with as much thought as possible. It saves playing phone tennis, and allows the process to be conducted smoothly. It saves employers time to be able to review these references without having to write them themselves, minimising room for any misunderstanding or error. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Jess! We're thrilled to hear that you find Xref user-friendly and our customer service excellent.

Regarding your comment on customising the reference checking template; our platform offers the opportunity to tailor your reference questionnaire. This will ensure that you get specific information to help you hire confidently for the role or address any concerns that may have come up during the interview. If you have any questions about this or would like any assistance getting custom questionnaires set up, please reach out to us at support@xref.com.

We’re all about offering teams a better and faster way to conduct reference checks, so we’re happy to know that Xref has cut down your workload and helped speed things up for you.

Heather T.

General Manager Human resources

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5/22/2024

"Great client engagement by the XRef team"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The interactive data studio, the multiple ways to drill down and also share results Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Cannot intuitively figure out how to download the results to a PowerPoint presentation and there is no "how to guide" to help figure this out. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thank you for your positive feedback, Heather. We’re glad you’re making the most of our interactive Data Studio, which makes identifying organisational trends and patterns easy.

With regards to your comment on the download feature, our clients are increasingly relying on our online sharable interactive reports, although we realise PowerPoint reports still have a role to play. Your Xref Engage consultant will be happy to support you with building PowerPoint reports if needed. Thanks for your feedback about our online help resources. We are currently reviewing further enhancements to these resources.

We’re passionate about helping our customers run high-performing surveys that drive organisational change. It's great to hear that Xref Engage is helping you gather feedback on staff engagement and organisational performance. Thanks again for your feedback.

Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

8/11/2022

"It is ridiculously easy to use and user friendly"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The fact that I send the link to a candidate and they are responsible for filling everything in and confirming that their references respond in a timely manner. It saves me so much time. It also creates a situation where since I am not actually interviewing the manager personally, I don't even need to be part of the same industry. I can just send out a link and it gets responded to since the question sheet is set up to handle that. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I like everything about XREF, it's my favourite program. I can't imagine trying to do my job without it. I even discovered two candidates who tried to fill in thier own references so was able to catch dishonesty. The program will show if users are all logging in from the same IP address. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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

it solves the problem of having to chase after candidates and their references. I don't have to waste my time talking on the phone when I could be working! It saves me so much time. And it also solves the issue of having having friends pretend to be managers. It's amazing. They also have the ability to send out exit interviews! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Annalise Richardson of Xref

edit

Hi there, thank you for taking the time to leave such a detailed review. We’re so glad to hear that Xref is easy to use and saves you time, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

We also loved your story about Xref’s suspicious activity feature detecting fraudulent references, giving you peace of mind throughout the hiring process.

Thanks again for this 5-star review.

Belinda R.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

8/30/2023

"XRef and the Employee Lifecycle"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The provision of data to influence decision making and measure performance. I particularly like the correlation between onboarding, engagement and exit data, and the 360 feedback in the middle. The best part of XRef is the personalised support offered from the team with special mention to Dr Louise Parkes who is an outstanding service provider. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

No downside, opportunities to expand the product base, especially to include other consultation processes such as heat mapping for psychosocial hazards and risks. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Sanchita Kadambari of Xref

edit

Hi Belinda,

Thank you for your review of Xref Engage! We are happy to hear you find value in the personalised support offered from our expert team. We have passed on your special mention to Dr Louise Parkes.

We have taken on your feedback around heat mapping data for psychosocial hazard surveys. Being recently acquired by Xref we have plenty of opportunities to expand our development roadmap and are always happy to take feedback from our valued customers.

Like you, many of our customers find the detailed data available via the Data Studio to be a huge benefit. The ability to showcase different metrics to explore deeper insights that are relevant to your organisational goals and seeing feedback throughout the talent journey can guide decision-making.

Thanks again for your review Belinda.

Shane S.

HR officer

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

8/10/2022

"Excellent Product - Highly Recommended"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

XREF is by far the most user-friendly reference checking software I've used.

As a recruiter, I manage consistently high volumes of candidates in the health care sector and the time saved by utilising XREF in our recruitment workflow is priceless.

Once you've set up your reference check templates via the template builder, the process is fully automated, making it as simple as entering the candiate's email and phone number - XREF does the rest! XREF will send out reminders to both candidates and referees when they've not actioned their reference request in a timely manner, meaning I no longer have to spend my valuable time playing phone tag!

Love the feature that flags a reference as suspicious when a candidate's referee accesses their reference from the same IP address as them. It provides us with even more confidence in an already wonderful product.

Customer support is great - the team are always very quick to respond to any enquiries I may have.

Thanks XREF. I'm a big fan and will continue using your product in the years to come. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

It's hard to find fault with the XREF platform. It would be nice to be able to set custom time periods for candidate and referee reminders etc. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Annalise Richardson of Xref

edit

Hi Shane,

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We’re thrilled to hear you found Xref quick and easy to use, saving you time.

With regard to your feedback, we would like to understand your needs better. Would you be interested to reach out to support@xref.com and our friendly Customer Success team can assist.

Thanks again for leaving a review.

Verified User in Human Resources

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

10/28/2024

"I like X Ref, it's efficient!"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

I like how quickly I can get references done. I also like that it lets me know of any suspicious activity. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sometimes, suspicious activity/ flags don't show up on the initial report. Instead I get an email from X-Ref end of day.. which is unreliable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Xref response:

Thank you for taking the time to share your review. We’re happy to hear that you’re enjoying the many benefits of the Xref automated platform.

Regarding your concern, 99% of suspicious activity is flagged by our algorithm automatically, but 1% goes to the support team for further investigation before flagging. The suspicious activity feature enables our customers to dive deeper into the validity of a reference and feel confident in their hiring choices so we take extra measures.

We know how valuable time is for busy recruitment and TA professionals, and we’re happy to hear that you’re enjoying the time-saving benefits of using Xref.

Thanks again for your review.

Sammi N.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5/13/2024

"Great time saving tool"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

saves time, gives HM time back in their day, quick response, easy to use, referee's can complete at their own time, fraudulent report. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

No downside, however from an admin perspective, i can see that credits are being used but the list doesnt reflect the same information. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thank you for your feedback, Sammi. We’re glad to hear you’ve been able to experience some of the many benefits of automated reference checking. We are all about making reference checking faster, user-friendly, and convenient giving you back valuable time so you can focus on the more important aspects of the recruitment process.

Regarding your comment on credits if you’d like to know more about the balance of your credits, feel free to reach out to our friendly support team at support@xref.com

Thanks again for choosing Xref!

Verified User in Primary/Secondary Education

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

8/11/2020

"KIPP SoCal Review"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The integration to our applicant tracking system. I move someone to the XREF stage, and the forms are automatically sent out. It is a low lift. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

The rating of a review based on the number of words. Hiring managers get confused sometimes, and equate that rating as a rating of the review itself. Example: if the referrer doesn't type many words in their review, the review is given a bad rating. The hiring manager glances at that and assumes the review is bad. I don't think a review needs to be rated based on how many words the referrer inputted. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Josie Westerlund of Xref

edit

Thanks so much for this review, this is really valuable feedback! We're always looking to improve our platform so this is really helpful.

We're glad to hear that you're enjoying the automation of online reference checking and that you're finding the platform easy to use.

Thanks again!