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 find Xref to be very easy to use, thanks to simple questions and reliable integration with Oracle. (55 mentions)

Users commend the excellent customer support from Xref, highlighting responsiveness and quick resolution of queries. (32 mentions)

Users highlight the efficient reference check process with Xref, enhancing speed and ease in recruitment efforts. (23 mentions)

Users appreciate the speed of Xref, noting that the reference check process is now efficient and hassle-free. (23 mentions)

Users praise Xref for its time-saving efficiency, streamlining reference checks and relieving the hassle of communication. (22 mentions)

Users commend the helpful customer support of Xref, noting its responsiveness and tailored assistance for diverse needs. (17 mentions)

Users express frustration with the messy custom report design, which affects professionalism and usability of the product. (7 mentions)

Users find the intrusive notifications from Xref to be disturbing, especially when they occur too frequently. (6 mentions)

Users find the reference management limitations frustrating, particularly with sorting and editing references during progress. (6 mentions)

Users find the unclear information from Xref frustrating, especially regarding suspicious activity and submission steps. (6 mentions)

Users struggle with inadequate feedback due to a misleading scoring system affecting hiring managers’ decision-making. (5 mentions)

Users find the limited customization options in Xref frustrating, leading to time-consuming manual adjustments for reporting. (5 mentions)

Users find Xref to be a costly option, especially for smaller organizations and those with infrequent hiring needs. (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 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 find Xref to be very easy to use, thanks to simple questions and reliable integration with Oracle.

See 55 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Easy to set and forget"

What do you like about Xref?

The process of entering the information is very simple, and the system is extremely reliable. Not having to manage the process when you can't get i

Holly L.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"User friendly"

What do you like about Xref?

Very easy to use. I have used a few platforms previously and Xref is by far the easiest

2. Customer Support

Users commend the excellent customer support from Xref, highlighting responsiveness and quick resolution of queries.

See 32 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ally T.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref Review"

What do you like about Xref?

We implemented Xref 4 months ago and it has improved our interview/reference check process immensely. The team like working with it and our hiring man

Chris G.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Focused questions, easy to implement and great support from the XRef Engage team"

What do you like about Xref?

The survey questions are appropriate and the ability to include additional questions ensures the information received were aligned with the organisati

3. Reference Checks

Users highlight the efficient reference check process with Xref, enhancing speed and ease in recruitment efforts.

See 23 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Xref -"

What do you like about Xref?

We have found Xref to be very easy to implement and use, a huge time saver in our recruitment process. The platform streamlines reference checking, sp

Ally T.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref Review"

What do you like about Xref?

We implemented Xref 4 months ago and it has improved our interview/reference check process immensely. The team like working with it and our hiring man

4. Speed

Users appreciate the speed of Xref, noting that the reference check process is now efficient and hassle-free.

See 23 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ally T.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref Review"

What do you like about Xref?

We implemented Xref 4 months ago and it has improved our interview/reference check process immensely. The team like working with it and our hiring man

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.

5. Time-saving

Users praise Xref for its time-saving efficiency, streamlining reference checks and relieving the hassle of communication.

See 22 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Easy to set and forget"

What do you like about Xref?

The process of entering the information is very simple, and the system is extremely reliable. Not having to manage the process when you can't get i

Ally T.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref Review"

What do you like about Xref?

We implemented Xref 4 months ago and it has improved our interview/reference check process immensely. The team like working with it and our hiring man

6. Helpful

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

See 17 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Xref -"

What do you like about Xref?

We have found Xref to be very easy to implement and use, a huge time saver in our recruitment process. The platform streamlines reference checking, sp

Craig C.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref review"

What do you like about Xref?

I was amazed at the speed with which my requests were responded to, plus I received add information packages that I have since shared with the talent

Top Cons or Disadvantages of Xref

1. Reporting Issues

Users express frustration with the messy custom report design, which affects professionalism and usability of the product.

See 7 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

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.

2. Intrusive Notifications

Users find the intrusive notifications from Xref to be disturbing, especially when they occur too frequently.

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

James H.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Talent Acquisition Manager"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sometimes the level of remainders for candidates can cause negative feedback

3. Reference Management

Users find the reference management limitations frustrating, particularly with sorting and editing references during progress.

See 6 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Easy to set and forget"

What do you dislike about Xref?

That the completed references don't get sorted in the order they are completed (they are ordered by when they were sent out) which makes it more diffi

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

4. Unclear Information

Users find the unclear information from Xref frustrating, especially regarding suspicious activity and submission steps.

See 6 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.

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Great tool to conduct reference checks for candidates"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Some referees find the frequent reminders are disturbing. Sometimes candidates missed the last step to click "Submit" and their referees' details di

5. Inadequate Feedback

Users struggle with inadequate feedback due to a misleading scoring system affecting hiring managers’ decision-making.

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

6. Limited Customization

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

See 5 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Easy to set and forget"

What do you dislike about Xref?

That the completed references don't get sorted in the order they are completed (they are ordered by when they were sent out) which makes it more diffi

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

7. Expensive

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

See 4 mentions

See Related User Reviews

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.

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Exactly what we needed"

What do you dislike about Xref?

Whilst ability to conduct different types of surveys are good once you have engaged the company, there are some hidden costs (mainly set-up and for mi

8. 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.)

4.5/5

"Easy to set and forget"

What do you dislike about Xref?

That the completed references don't get sorted in the order they are completed (they are ordered by when they were sent out) which makes it more diffi

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

9. 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.

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Xref, references at your fingertips"

What do you dislike about Xref?

sometimes the emails to candidates go to junk/spam folders.

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

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Verified User in Education Management

12/8/2025

"Very easy to use"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

It is easy to use and simple when it comes to submitting the request, it also doesn't take up much time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

sometimes the report can look a bit busy Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Annie K.

Recruitment Advisor

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/17/2025

"Easy, Fast, Efficent, Reliable"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Reliable, user friendly and fast to use for references Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Not being able to access the referees contact details until they have filled it out Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

James B.

Talent Business Partner

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/16/2025

"A helpful time saver for volume recruitment"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The speed of turn around and the AI summary for each potential candidate. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Too many reminders, which can frustrate people. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

We're glad to hear that you find Xref helpful for volume recruitment and appreciate the speed of turnaround and AI summary for each candidate. We understand your concern about the reminders. We believe frequent reminder emails are highly effective in improving turnaround times, which helps organisations make quick, confident hiring decisions. However, each organisation can tailor their processes to suit them.

Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management

11/2/2025

"Ref Checks made easier"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

It is the ultimate time saver. I love how you don't have to chase referee's by playing phone tag all day! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Nothing, I think it has been really helpful to assist in streamlining my recruitment processes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

Great review, thanks. Xref just launched AI Summaries so we are looking forward to saving you even more time!

See how Xref improved

Amy S.

11/10/2025

"Streamline checks"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Fast and easy to use, can see the progress of checks easily. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Clunky transitioning from reference checks to MOJ checks Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

Thank you for sharing how Xref has been beneficial for you in terms of time-saving and providing great reports for analyzing responses. We're committed to continuously improving our platform to better serve your needs.

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/15/2025

"I have been using Xref for more than a year. Its working very well for us for recruitment process."

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

I like the current additional feature whereby staff summary is created. This is very handy to get a snapshot.

Also, the flagging and suspicious activities notification is very much useful.

User-friendly and very effective for reference check. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

There has been nothing to dislike from my experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

It's great to hear that Xref has been beneficial for your reference screening and recruitment process. We're constantly working to enhance our platform and provide valuable features to our users. Thank you for your support!

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

11/6/2025

"Seamless reference experience"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Ease of use and updates on completion etc on a consistent basis Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Nothing I can think off. Not sure if it sends a thank you email on completion? Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

We're glad to hear that you find Xref easy to use and appreciate the regular updates. Regarding the thank you email, we can confirm that Xref does send a thank you email upon completion of the reference. If you have any further questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to our support team.

Rosa V.

Recruitment & Careers Partner

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

2/10/2025

"Great user interface"

4/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Not having to conduct our own verbal reference checks, wasting time waiting for refereees to call back. The fact that background checks are included, integrating with our ATS, flagging suspicious activity and their customer service. Easy to use on a daily basis. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I don't like how the surveys are presented. The word count is a little strange and hard to explain to hiring managers what a good reference check looks like. Another piece of feedback received was that responding to the questionnaires can take a long time. Just something to be consious of when building the questions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

Thank you for sharing how Xref is helping you save time and improve your recruitment process. We appreciate your positive review!

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

10/31/2025

"Platform is easy to use. Loads slowly."

4/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Ease of use for candidates and TA Specialists. Level of details provided in reports. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Slow loading in the platform. Each report downloads as a separate report. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

Thanks for your review. You are able to export multiple reports together, as well as control the content that is included from the Reference Summary screen, by clicking Export Reports. Have a look at the pictures in this blog to show you where the Export button is. Also, if you are experiencing slow loading, please reach out to support and make sure you are on the correct regional data center. We have data centers in key locations around the world and never have latency issues.

See how Xref improved

Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management

10/30/2025

"A user friendly system that allows you to modify templates to suit purpose"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The speed at which references are obtained Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Nothing at the moment that I can think of Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

Thank you for your feedback! We're pleased to hear that Xref is helping you ensure timely completion of references for your employees and consultants.