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

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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

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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 Higher Education

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/17/2025

"Saves precious time with a secure and convenient platform"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The safety checks included in the system to ensure responses are valid. Very easy and quick to use. Integrates seamlessly into our recruitment database. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Once form is sent, it can't be edited... Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Commercial Real Estate

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

9/15/2025

"Fourth implementation of this software and the same top tier service"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Ease, efficiency, branding and continuous research and design Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I wouldn't have implemented this system four times if I had doubts about functionality, service, pricing, security or effectiveness. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

Thank you for your positive feedback! We're committed to providing top-tier service and continuous improvement.

Sherry J.

Talent Acquisition Leader

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

2/11/2025

"XRef Makes Life Easy"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

speed & efficiency, privacy, ability to detect fraudulant references, customer support Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Sometimes it will detect suspicious activity that is actually quite innocent but this is easily uncovered by a little further investigation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're pleased that Xref is solving problems related to speed, international communication, and reference validity for you. The cost's saved from mitigating a bad hire help drive ROI from the Xref platform. Thanks for your review!

Verified User in Construction

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2/13/2024

"Efficiently Simplified our Workflow"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Simple and really made our process of running checks so seamless! Saves my team hours of work a week by implementing Xref. Use this for every single person we hire and was extremely easy to implement and teach out. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

When it maximized contact attempts, it just says expires. A user has to contact the candidate to use a prior sent link to complete. WIsh there was an option to send a link on demand. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thanks for your review! It’s awesome to hear you’re saving time using Xref and making the most of the many benefits of automated references.

Regarding your comment, reference request links expire after 3 weeks of inactivity. You could either access the original link to request a new one or contact our wonderful support team at support@xref.com to assist you.

Thanks again for your review.

Quentin S.

People & Culture Coordinator

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

10/30/2024

"Taking the complications out!"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

I've used a lot of online systems but Xref is probably the most user friendly system I've come across. It easy to navigate around and makes my job so much more efficient. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

The only thing that I would say is a negative, is that to resend an existing survey to a candidate, you have to reach out to your customer contact. I negative isn't too bad really! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thank you for the 5-star review, Quentin! We’re thrilled to hear that Xref stands out as the most user-friendly system you’ve used. Our friendly support team is always happy to help you with any assistance you need.

At Xref, our goal is to simplify reference checking and put the control in the hands of candidates and referees, making the process as efficient as possible.

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

Verified User in Telecommunications

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

2/17/2025

"Xref with ease"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

Easy to use application, and great tracking protocols for candidates and referees, I've used Xref now in multiple roles and have seen the enhancements over the years Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I think the latest iteration, the UI has changed a little, which requires you to click through a few options to select the correct template option. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Lee Seymour of Xref

edit

It's great to hear that Xref has been helpful in streamlining your reference checking process and providing a positive experience for your candidates and referees. We appreciate your continued support and feedback as we strive to improve our platform.

Verified User in Construction

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

2/10/2025

"Easy and Convenient!"

5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

I like how fast and convenient the process is to obtain reference from candidates, especially in the high volume space. It's also great that Xref notifies the candidate and the reference that a reference is due. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

It is hard to navigate when you want to add an additional reference , it would also be nice if it notifies the receiver for a longer duration Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Giorgia B.

Talent Aquisition Advisor

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

2/10/2025

"Good but there are areas of improovement"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The Ability to get references done efficietly, being able when high volume recruting. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Not being able to change the reference details if one reference cant complete it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Ally T.

Talent Acquisition Specialist ANZ

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

10/28/2024

"Xref Review"

5/5

What do you like best 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 managers are impressed with the speed and reports.How quick it is to recieve reference's back, the hassle free, no needing to call candidates and references. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

I can't think of anything at this stage. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Shieanne Dcruz of Xref

edit

Thank you for sharing your review, Ally.

We're thrilled that Xref’s automated referencing has helped your team save valuable time. We’re also glad to hear that our detailed, easy-to-read reports help your hiring managers effectively assess candidates’ skills and core competencies.

We appreciate your feedback and are delighted that Xref has been able to take the hassle out of reference checks and candidate follow-ups for you.

Thank you for choosing Xref!

Kaedla H.

Team Leader, Employee Relations

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

8/23/2023

"Great Functionality for Data Interpretation"

4.5/5

What do you like best about Xref?

The service from customer relationship managers. They seek to understand the organisation and provide really valuable insight into how to get honest, reliable and useful responses from employees so that the organisation can continute to grow and learn. The surveys are very user friendly and we often see a high response rate due to this. I really like enjoy using the dashboard and data set that is created. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xref?

Being able to customise some of the questions would be great. I know customisation is possible with a fee but if it was possible to have additional optional questions that the company could select from that would help a lot. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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

Providing data on how our employees feel about working at our organisation, providing the organisation with actionable insights so we can make the required changes to keep employees happy at work and delivering on our purpose.

We are also able to create surveys that we can send to our clients to capture their feedback at certain milestones during their individual journey. This allows us to better understand the experience of our clients and improve on any areas for greater service delivery. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Sanchita Kadambari of Xref

edit

Hi Kaedla,

Thank you for your detailed review. We are thrilled you have had such a great experience using Xref Engage, with honest, reliable and useful responses, gaining valuable insight from our user-friendly platform. We have passed on your glowing review of our team as well.

With regard to your feedback around customisable questions, many of our customers like to tailor their surveys so they receive insights that directly focus on their own organisational goals. We do charge a fee for this because, in terms of ROI, the benefit to the organisation is that they are clear on the steps to take to achieve their goals. Our team work very closely with those organisations who choose to do this, providing detailed insights on how to get best results from a survey.

As you have identified, Xref Engage excels at providing data and actionable insights about how to keep your employees engaged and happy at work, ultimately having a positive impact on your organisation.

Thanks again Kaedla for your review.