I always want a candidate's current immediate supervisor as a reference but I would be surprised if any other reference was less than positive about the candida

I always want a candidate's current immediate supervisor as a reference but I would be surprised if any other reference was less than positive about the candidate. A future employer wants and honest view on the candidate but the candidate wants to make the best impression. Generally I only check references after I've already made a choice (but before an offer), the choice was made based on what the candidate has presented so the reference check is basically a chance to avoid a total fraud or unbalanced person. So far I've been fortunate enough to have not made what I would consider a bad hire.